A Same-Sex Wedding Rings Buying Guide

Shopping for the right engagement ring or wedding ring can be exciting but also stressful, especially since our heteronormative society generally caters to straight couples. You’re probably feeling like you need to get the perfect ring – after all, these pieces go beyond mere jewelry and are tell-tale symbols of love and commitment.

Before you begin, there are several things to ask yourself before you begin the search for a ring:

• What type of wedding ring is right for you?
• Do you want your wedding rings to match?
• Do you want diamonds in your ring?
• Do you want to create custom rings?
• Will both of you receive an engagement ring, or just one?
• Will you be buying the rings together or individually?

You may not know what kind of ring you’d like, and that’s okay! Exploring your options online is a great way to figure out what you might want. We sat down with the engagement ring experts at Ritani to explore all of the different wedding ring options available for same-sex couples.

Ring Styles

With dozens of styles and settings to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the right one for you. We’ve compiled a list of rings that are perfect for wedding rings, engagement rings, or both.

Eternity Rings

An eternity ring is a stunning option for both men and women. This style has diamonds going all the way around the ring. It is not only beautiful in its appearance but its symbolism – it is symbolic of the eternal love you have for each other. These rings are super versatile as they can be stacked with other rings or worn on their own. They make a great engagement ring or wedding ring. They’re also suitable as an anniversary gift.

5-Stone Bands

You guessed it – these rings contain five diamonds on the band. 5 stones will cover the very surface of a finger and leave a bit of the band showing. These bands are great for both men and women and can also serve as an engagement ring or a wedding band. They are also perfect for stacking with other rings.

9-Stone Bands

These rings contain nine stones across the band. The stones on this band usually cover the ring in about a half circle’s worth of diamonds. These bands make great wedding rings or engagement rings because the number nine is regarded as a symbol of perfection, unity, and freedom by many ancient cultures. A 9-stone band makes a great option for both genders and is perfect for stacking.

If you love diamonds but don’t want to go all-out on an eternity band, then a five-stone or nine stone band will be a more affordable alternative for you. Deciding the number of diamonds you want on your band is all about personal preference.

Men’s Bands

Men’s wedding bands come in many different styles to match your tastes. Ritani offers dozens of styles, from diamond, modern, classic, and even trendy two-toned rings. The most common metals used for wedding bands are gold and platinum. Many people opt for platinum because it is incredibly sturdy and will never require replating over time. Platinum has an average lifespan of 30-40 years while yellow gold has a lifespan of 20-30 years. White gold has a lifespan of 7-12 years.
You should consider your personal style before selecting a band in order to get a ring you’re comfortable with. After all, you’ll be wearing it every day! For example, if you’re a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy, you might want to opt for a plain classic band. Or if you’re more fashion-forward, you might want to opt for a modern ring.
Because men’s rings are generally pretty wide, they can be difficult to stack. Men who have an engagement ring often opt to wear their engagement ring on their right hand and their wedding ring on their left hand.

Women’s Bands

Women’s bands also come in many different styles. Women’s band styles at Ritani are offered in plain, diamond, and eternity. Traditionally, your wedding band metal should match your engagement ring metal.
A classic band is perfect for low-key, everyday wear. These bands will look great paired with any diamond engagement ring. You may want to consider a plain, classic band if you are worried about diamond or prong damage.

If you’re looking for a little extra sparkle, opt for a diamond ring such as a French-set diamond ring or an eternity band. These rings will also look stunning when worn on their own. If you love the look of eternity bands but can’t reason with the price, consider french-set diamond rings. This type of ring still features lots of diamonds and the exposed sides enhance the brilliance of the stones.

Should Our Bands Match?

The choice of whether or not to have matching wedding bands is entirely up to you! After all, heterosexual couples don’t always have matching bands.

If you look at famous couples, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi chose to have matching wedding rings – Ellen’s appears to be slightly wider than Portia’s. Michael Kors and his husband Lance LePere also wear matching wedding rings.

Your ring should feel comfortable on you and match your personal style. But if you both love the same style of ring, then go for it!

Creating a Custom Ring

You may want to craft a custom ring that is as unique as your love.
Creating a custom ring can be an exciting and fun experience with your future spouse if you choose to create one together. Ritani allows you to consult a jewelry designer online for free. The jewelry designer will help you find the right diamond, create a custom 3D rendering of your ring, and quote you with a price. Ritani’s gemologists do not receive commission, so you’ll never be pressured into buying a ring out of your price range. Once the ring is completed, you can preview it for free at a local jeweler. Most jewelers will preview a ring using cubic zirconia, but Ritani uses actual diamonds for the preview ring, so you can be satisfied with the final result. There is no obligation to buy your custom ring if you see it and don’t like it.

Congratulations on your engagement! Here’s to your future together – and hopefully some gorgeous rings.