Unisex Wedding Bands

We examine the tradition of wedding bands and look at how their meaning has changed in modern times.

Wedding rings or bands are one of the most important elements of anyone’s wedding. They are ultimately what you will wear for the rest of your life to remind you of the big day and the person you spent it with. But have you ever wondered about the meaning behind unisex wedding rings? We examine the history of the tradition and look a little deeper into some of the other common questions and misconceptions surrounding them.

What is the meaning of a Wedding Band?

Whilst the exact history of the wedding band remains a mystery, there are clues as to how they were adopted littered throughout history. Some historians argue that the tradition can be traced back as far as prehistoric times when women would have boulders tied to their ankles that would remain in place until their partners were sure they would not flee. At this point, an ornament would be tied to her finger (how romantic)! There are also Roman examples where wedding rings were used to symbolise property and that the wearer was ‘owned’ (again, very romantic).

Today, the concept of a wedding ring is far removed from these historical examples. Whilst they can mean whatever you and your partner decide, common themes are love, appreciation and commitment to one another.

Do husband and wife Wedding Rings have to match?

There is no single answer here. Wedding rings are a matter of personal choice so can therefore be matched with one another or more unique designs and styles can be used. Matching wedding rings are the traditional choice, representing the common ground between two people. 

However, it is perfectly acceptable to opt for different styles. Doing so allows you to express individuality and differing personalities. Also, if one of you is set on a certain type of ring, it means the other does not have to wear one that they do not like.

How much should I spend on Wedding Rings?

There has been an unwritten rule for many years that when looking to purchase an engagement ring you should spend at least two months salary. Although the jury is still out on whether or not this is a rule that everyone should follow, it does underline the importance of pricetags. 

When it comes to wedding bands, the advice is a little clearer. You need to spend as much as you are comfortable with. The meaning behind the ring and the person you are buying it for  is far more important.

Remember that unisex wedding bands are no more or less expensive than gender-specific ones, they are made using the same methods and the same materials. The only way that you will end up paying more is if you choose to go for a custom design or want to include gemstones.

What is the best material for a Wedding Band?

This is another key question that gets asked a lot when couples look to buy unisex wedding bands. Ultimately, it is down to the individuals and their tastes. There are a whole host of things to consider like your lifestyle, preferred colours, allergies and personal preference when considering the best material for your bands.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is the traditional choice when it comes to wedding bands. It is an ideal solution for both gendered and unisex wedding rings, bringing a timeless elegance to your marriage. One of the most popular wedding band designs is the understated 5mm court shaped wedding ring that comes in a variety of finishes including yellow gold.

White Gold

White gold is often plated using rhodium which makes it strong and durable. Whereas yellow gold is a softer metal that damages more easily, white gold is a great choice for those who’d like to wear theirs day to day without fear of damaging it. If you think white gold could be for you, we recommend having a look at the 5mm court shaped wedding ring with brushed finish.

Rose Gold

If you’d like something a little more out there and less traditional, rose gold could be a good choice. Whilst it is softer than white gold it is stronger than yellow gold, making it another option for anyone looking to wear their wedding bands every day.

Two-tone

Another popular choice is to combine multiple metals to create a truly unique look that is sure to stand out. Some of our most popular choices include the 6mm Two-Toned Patterned wedding ring and the slightly smaller 5mm version.

Are Men's Engagement Rings a thing?

While men’s wedding rings have been around for some time, there is an increasing number of men who are wearing engagement rings as a symbol of their status. Whilst it is still traditional for women to wear one, there is no reason why a man cannot choose to show his commitment in the same way. Unisex engagement rings are becoming more and more popular with the emergence of this trend.

To choose the perfect gendered or unisex wedding rings for your big day then speak to our expert team. They’ll be happy to guide you through the process and book you in for a consultation to help you find your perfect wedding bands.