Wedding and engagement rings: the comprehensive guide

Wedding rings accompany you for a lifetime—so choosing one deserves careful consideration. The most important decisions concern the material and gold alloy (585 or 750 gold), the gold color (yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold), the ring’s width, a possible engraving, and, of course, the right size. This guide takes you step by step through each question so that your wedding ring ultimately suits you perfectly.

These terms are often used interchangeably. Wedding bands and wedding rings mean the same thing: the pair of rings exchanged at the wedding. An engagement ring, on the other hand, is presented when proposing and traditionally features a stone—often a solitaire. Many couples later wear both rings together. Above all, it is important that the material, color, and style suit one another and fit your everyday life.

The number stamped on the ring indicates the pure gold content. 585 gold corresponds to 14 karats and consists of 58.5% fine gold; 750 gold corresponds to 18 karats with 75% fine gold. Both are high-quality options—the difference lies in their gold content, color, and hardness.

• 585 gold (14 karats): slightly harder, making it highly suitable for everyday wear and more resistant to scratches—ideal for a ring you wear every day. It is also more affordable.
• 750 gold (18 karats): higher gold content, more intense gold color, slightly softer, and more expensive.

For wedding rings worn on the finger every day, 585 gold is a particularly practical choice. The 585 gold from Splendido Jewelry is nickel-free and therefore well tolerated by the skin—and it does not tarnish. You can find more details in our guide to 585 gold.

The gold color is created by the metals mixed into the alloy. It is the most personal decision when choosing a wedding ring:

• Yellow gold—the timeless classic with a warm tone. It suits almost every skin tone and remains stylish for decades.
• White gold—cool and bright, a modern alternative. White gold is generally rhodium-plated, creating its radiant white shine.
• Rose gold—shimmering rose-colored due to a higher copper content, warm and romantic. Particularly popular for wedding rings with an individual touch.

A practical tip: Choose the gold color to coordinate with your other jewelry—such as necklaces or an engagement ring. If you like white gold, you will find inspiration in our white gold necklaces. Incidentally, two colors can also be combined: you wear yellow gold, while your partner wears white gold—anything you like is perfectly acceptable.

The ring’s width determines the character of the wedding ring. Narrow bands (around 2–3 mm) look light and elegant, while wider bands (4 mm and more) make a clear statement. As a rule of thumb, slender fingers often suit narrower rings, while wider rings can work well on stronger hands. The profile also plays a role—from flat to domed (curved outward) and even a delicate surface texture, as seen on the 585 yellow gold rope-textured band ring. You can find clean, simple bands in our selection of gold rings without stones.

An engraving makes a wedding ring unique. Popular choices include the wedding date, the partner’s initials, a short word, or a symbol on the inside of the ring. Keep in mind: The wider the band, the more room there is for longer engravings. A short inscription is recommended for very narrow rings. We do not offer engraving ourselves – a local jeweller will usually do it quickly and inexpensively.

Fit is especially important for a wedding ring, as it should remain comfortable to wear. It is best to measure in the evening, when your fingers are slightly swollen, and at a normal temperature—fingers become narrower in the cold. A ring should slide over the knuckle with slight resistance and should not slip off on its own.

1. Measure a well-fitting ring: determine its inside diameter in millimeters.
2. Alternatively, wrap a strip of paper around your finger and measure the circumference.
3. If in doubt, choose the larger of two sizes—a ring that is too tight is difficult to wear.

You can find complete instructions with a size chart in our guide How to determine your ring size.

One of the most common questions is: Which hand do you wear a wedding ring on? This depends on the country and tradition. In Austria and Germany, the wedding ring is traditionally worn on the right hand, on the ring finger. In many other countries—for example, across much of the English-speaking world—the left hand is customary. In Austria, the engagement ring is often worn on the left hand, allowing both rings to have their place after the wedding. Ultimately, there is no fixed rule: Wear your ring in whichever way feels right for you.

The price of a wedding ring depends primarily on the gold alloy (585 or 750), the gold color, the width, and the ring’s weight—as well as whether a stone is set. A wider 750 gold band requires more material and accordingly costs more than a narrow 585 gold ring. Our advice: First decide how you want the ring to look in everyday life, then choose within that framework. A high-quality, practical 585 gold band is often a more sensible investment than an especially wide ring that gets in the way in everyday life.

Splendido Jewelry does not offer ready-made wedding ring pairs, but it does present a carefully selected range of hand-picked gold rings made of genuine 585 gold by Italian goldsmiths—from simple bands to solitaires. If you are looking for a gift for a wedding or proposal, take a look at our selections for weddings and for engagements. At Splendido Jewelry, you enjoy free shipping and returns as well as a 30-day right of return—so you can take your time deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions