Wedding Band Guide

What Is a Wedding Band?

Traditionally, a wedding band is a uniform plain gold circle band style ring that is exchanged by the couple during the wedding ceremony. An old tradition was to gift the bride an “anniversary band” (band-style ring with diamonds) for a milestone anniversary. Ex. 10, 25, 30 years, etc. This was mostly due to the fact that diamond bands were financially unobtainable to young couples when first getting married.

Over the years traditions have changed and a wedding band can be any kind of ring you want! Many brides opt to go for a diamond band as their wedding band instead of waiting. Some brides even go for two bands! One on each side of their engagement ring for a balanced look or two different bands for a stacked look. To learn more, book an appointment today! We offer wedding bands Greece, NY couples choose to create special memories.

Traditional Ring Names

Promise Ring

Typically given after a period of dating but before you are ready for an engagement ring.

Can be worn on any finger.

Engagement Ring

When you know, you know!

Worn on the left ring finger by itself until the wedding.

Wedding Band

Exchanged at the wedding ceremony.

Goes behind the engagement ring, closest to the heart.

Anniversary Band

For a big milestone anniversary: 10, 25, or 50 years.

Can be worn with your wedding rings or on your right-hand ring finger.

When to Buy

4-6 Months Before Wedding

Most bands are made to order, this allows time for customization, personalization, and sizing adjustments.

How Much to Spend

Most Couples Spend $1500-$3000 for both rings

We have options for all budgets.

Engraving

Free inside ring engraving

Wedding date, couples initials, or secret message

Bonus: Engraving is identifying if ever lost

Durability

A wedding band is meant to be worn every day for many many years. It is important we find a suitable ring to fit your lifestyle and profession. Rings with gemstones/diamonds will require more maintenance as they can come loose or even fall out and are not recommended for super active lifestyles or professions like nurses and hairdressers that work with their hands or wear gloves. If you desire accent stones in your band, we may suggest a durable channel setting where the stones are set down in a recessed channel and covered on both sides with a strip of metal. If you work with your hands consider tungsten as a more durable and scratch-resistant option.

Moh's hardness scale of precious and alternative metals

Learn About Alternative Metals

Craftsmanship

Appearances can be deceiving, and while two rings may share a similar design, it’s the intricacies of their craftsmanship that ultimately determine their value and quality.

For over 95 years, JF Jones Jewelers has been synonymous with quality and craftsmanship in the local jewelry market. Our commitment to providing our customers with the finest quality and design in every piece of jewelry we sell has never wavered. We are proud to be a trusted source for high-quality jewelry that can stand the test of time.

Learn More

Wedding Band Recommendations

Try on a lot of styles, even ones you don’t think you will like. What you like in a picture or on someone else may look completely different on your hand size/skin tone
Big hand? Opt for a wider width
Small hand? Opt for a thinner band to fit your proportions
Don’t cheap out. This ring should be considered an investment if you want it to last. The old adage- “you get what you pay for” is true! Better quality products will cost more upfront, but are built to last and will require less repairs and maintenance in the long run.
When in doubt, go for a classic style that is timeless

Common Wedding Band Sizes

One size does not fit all. We stock traditional ladies’ styles in 6.5-7 and men’s in 10-11. Most gold styles can be re-sized in house up or down 1 full size. Beyond that, we will special order the ring in your size.

Large/Men’s

Finger Size 10-13

Width 6mm-8mm

Medium/Universal

Finger Size 8-9

Width 4mm-5mm

Small/Ladies

Finger Size 4-7

Width 2-3mm

Men’s Wedding Bands

Have you ever worn a ring before? If not, opt for a lighter metal and a thinner width/profile. This will feel more comfortable to you

Opt for comfort fit when available. Comfort fit means that the inside of the ring is rounded instead of flat. It is a more comfortable fit and worth the investment.

The black color of zirconium is a big commitment. Who knows if you will still like it in ten years. Opt for tungsten or titanium which are a dark grey color-a nice compromise between dark black and bright shine of white or yellow gold

Choose a satin or hammered finish to hide scratches if you work with your hands. Or wear a silicone band to work and keep your wedding band pristine for wear on special occasions and weekends.

Ladies Wedding Bands

You may opt to wear your wedding band alone some days, to run errands or to travel. If so, opt for a straight band that looks good on its own.

It’s ok to mix and match! Your wedding band does not have to be the same color metal/stones as your engagement ring.

It’s ok to stack! A second wedding band makes a great gift for an anniversary or push present. See what the band looks like stacked.

We offer curved bands that will match the contours of your engagement ring for a nice flush fit

Consider going 1/4 size up for your wedding band, as wearing two rings together will fit tighter

If your engagement ring and wedding bands are both white gold, plan to get your engagement ring rhodium plated (dipped) before the wedding so it will match your new wedding band.