D-shape
Flat on the inside and rounded on the outside. A classic, traditional choice.
Wedding ring guide
Wedding Ring Buying Guide
Your wedding ring will be worn every day for a lifetime — often right beside your engagement ring. Here’s how to choose the style, profile, width and metal, and when to order so everything is ready for the day.
Where to start
Choosing a ring for every day
A wedding ring is usually simpler than an engagement ring, but small details make a big difference: how it sits beside your engagement ring, how it feels on your finger, and how it wears over the years. A few clear decisions will lead you to the right band.
Timing
When to buy your wedding rings
We suggest choosing your wedding rings around three months before the wedding. That leaves time for the rings to be made, for any engraving, and for a final fitting without any rush.
[CLIENT TO CONFIRM typical lead time — the theme FAQ says most rings are handcrafted to order in 4–6 weeks; confirm this applies to wedding bands and shaped bands.]
TipIf your engagement ring is being made at the same time, design both together — it’s the easiest way to make sure they sit perfectly side by side.
Pairing
Matching your engagement ring
Most wedding rings are worn on the same finger as the engagement ring, so it’s worth bringing your engagement ring with you. There are three main approaches:
We can shape a band to fit your engagement ring exactly, including rings bought elsewhere. [CLIENT TO CONFIRM.]
- Straight bandsits flush against engagement rings whose setting doesn’t overhang the band
- Shaped or fitted bandcurved or notched to wrap around the engagement ring’s setting, so there’s no gap
- Complementary banda different style or metal chosen to contrast, worn with a small gap or on its own
Profile
Band profiles explained
The profile is the shape of the band in cross-section. It changes how the ring looks and, just as importantly, how it feels.
Court
Rounded inside and out for a comfortable fit that slides easily over the knuckle.
Flat
Flat on the outside with straight edges for a clean, modern look.
Flat court
Flat on the outside and rounded on the inside: contemporary looks with everyday comfort.
Slight court
A softer, lighter version of the court profile; comfortable and understated.
Comfort fit
Any profile with a rounded inside edge, designed to feel lighter on the finger.
Width
Choosing the right width
Width is measured in millimetres. Narrower bands of around 2–3mm are popular alongside engagement rings, while 4–6mm bands are a common choice for rings worn on their own. Your finger size, hand shape and the width of your engagement ring all play a part.
Wider bands cover more of the finger, so they can feel snugger than a narrow band in the same size — you may need half a size up.
Metal
Choosing the metal
Rings worn together rub against each other every day, and a harder metal can slowly wear a softer one. That’s why most couples choose the same metal as their engagement ring — platinum with platinum, 18ct gold with 18ct gold.
Couples don’t need to match each other’s metal, though. Many choose different metals and widths that suit each of them.
Diamond bands
Adding diamonds
- Half eternitydiamonds set across the top of the band; comfortable and easy to resize
- Full eternitydiamonds all the way round; beautiful, but very difficult to resize, so the size must be right
- Pavésmall diamonds set closely for a band of continuous sparkle
- Channel setdiamonds set between two walls of metal, smooth and secure for everyday wear
Finishing touches
Finishes and engraving
[CLIENT TO CONFIRM which finishes and engraving options you offer — remove any you don’t.]
Polished
A classic high-shine finish. Shows fine scratches over time but can be re-polished.
Brushed or satin
A soft, matte finish that’s understated and modern.
Hammered
A textured finish with a handmade character that hides everyday marks.
Engraving
A date, initials or a short message inside the band; a private detail just for you.
Milgrain
A fine beaded edge for a vintage look.
Mixed finishes
Combine polished and brushed areas for subtle contrast.
Men’s wedding rings
Choosing a men’s wedding ring
For many men, a wedding ring is the first piece of jewellery they’ll wear every day, so comfort comes first. Court and flat court profiles, widths of around 4–6mm and brushed or polished finishes are popular choices.
Try a few widths before deciding — a ring that looks narrow in a tray can feel quite different on the hand.
Collection
Wedding rings
Your wedding ring checklist
- Timing
- Matching your engagement ring
- Profile
- Width
- Metal
- Diamonds
- Finish
- Engraving
- Ring size
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When should we buy our wedding rings?
Around three months before the wedding gives enough time for making, engraving and a final fitting.
Should my wedding ring match my engagement ring?
It doesn’t have to, but choosing the same metal helps both rings wear evenly. A shaped band can make the two sit perfectly together.
Do our wedding rings have to match each other?
No. Many couples choose different widths, metals or finishes that suit each of them.
What is a shaped wedding band?
A band curved or notched to fit around the setting of an engagement ring, so the two sit together without a gap.
Which hand is the wedding ring worn on?
In the UK it’s traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, usually closest to the hand with the engagement ring above it.
Can I resize a wedding ring?
Plain bands can usually be resized. Full eternity rings are very difficult to resize, so it’s important to get the size right.
Continue reading
Related guides
Try your rings together
Bring your engagement ring to our Hatton Garden showroom and we’ll show you bands that sit beautifully beside it, with no pressure to decide on the day.