Choosing your wedding rings is one of the most meaningful steps of your journey together. Whether you're dreaming of a custom design or exploring timeless classics, preparing for your wedding ring appointment can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you feel confident, inspired, and excited when the moment arrives.
Why Preparing for Your Wedding Ring Appointment Matters
Your wedding ring consultation is about more than just picking a piece of jewelry. It's about creating a symbol of your love story — one that feels personal, authentic, and everlasting. Knowing what to expect ahead of time will help you make decisions with ease and joy.
At AR.M, we believe your experience should feel just as beautiful as the rings you’ll wear forever.
Understanding Gold Alloys: 14K vs. 18K and the Magic of Color
One of the first decisions you'll make at your wedding ring appointment is choosing the type and color of gold that speaks to you.
What’s the Difference Between 14K and 18K Gold?
Both 14K and 18K gold are popular choices for custom wedding rings, but they differ slightly:
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14K gold is 58.5% pure gold, blended with stronger metals like copper and silver. It’s highly durable, making it a great choice for active lifestyles.
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18K gold is 75% pure gold, offering a brighter yellow color and a slightly softer feel. It’s luxurious, elegant, and ideal if you love the deeper color of true gold.
Tip: If you want a balance of beauty and durability, 14K is perfect. If you're dreaming of a more luxurious glow, 18K might be your match.
Rose, Yellow, or White? How the Alloys Are Created
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Yellow gold keeps the natural color of gold, with subtle adjustments using copper and silver. 14K has a softer yellow tone, more understated, while 18K has a rich, bright yellow color.
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Rose gold gets its romantic blush from a higher percentage of copper. It doesn't always suit all skin tones, but when the match is right, the result is gorgeous. 14K is more pink, while 18K is more orange.
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White gold is created by blending gold with palladium and often finished with a rhodium plating for those who want an extra luminous, silvery-white look. I am a big fan of the natural white gold color — it is gray with a yellow undertone, and like the rest, the 14K option has a softer yellow hue, while 18K has a more substantial yellow undertone.
Each alloy carries its own emotion and story — trust your instinct when choosing the one that feels most like you.
Different Finishes
Different finishes can transform the look and feel of your ring:
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Extra matte: understated and modern
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Brushed: soft texture with subtle movement
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Satin: smooth with a gentle sheen
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Hammered: artisanal, organic texture
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Polished: classic, mirror-like shine
All finishes offer a distinct personality. Keep in mind that both matte and polished finishes naturally evolve over time. The oils from our hands and daily wear will polish a matte ring and subtly blur a polished one.
While it is normal — and most people enjoy the natural wear of their rings — we offer a lifelong cleaning and touch-up service to keep your rings feeling fresh and luminous.
Sizing Secrets: Why Rings Fit Differently in Summer and Winter
When it comes to choosing wedding rings, sizing is an essential conversation during your appointment.
It’s completely normal for your fingers to change with the seasons. In summer, heat causes slight swelling, making rings feel tighter. In winter, cold can make fingers shrink a little, leading to a looser fit.
During your wedding ring consultation, choose a size that feels comfortable year-round — not too snug, not too loose. We will guide you through finding the perfect balance.
Which Hand Do You Wear Your Wedding Ring On?
This question comes up often during wedding ring appointments, and the answer can be deeply personal — or cultural!
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In many Western traditions (like the US and much of Europe), wedding rings are worn on the left hand.
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In other countries (like Greece, Russia, and Germany), they are often worn on the right hand.
Ultimately, it’s your love, your ring, your rules. Choose the hand that feels most natural or meaningful to you. Especially for those who aren't used to wearing a ring, we recommend choosing their non-dominant hand so it doesn't feel too much in the way.
The Beauty of Engravings: Personalizing Your Rings
Adding an engraving is one of the most touching ways to personalize custom wedding rings.
Popular ideas include:
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Your wedding date
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Each other’s initials
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A favorite word or phrase
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A secret message only you two know
Tiny details can carry a lifetime of love.
At AR.M, we are known for designing connecting rings, often inspired by the couple's initials, translated into an abstract engraving on the outer surface of the rings, making them meaningful, unique, and personal.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Wedding Ring Consultation
Feeling ready? Here are a few ways to make your wedding ring appointment even more magical:
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Bring inspiration: Photos, sketches, or even a feeling you want your ring to capture.
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Think about your lifestyle: Your rings should reflect your everyday reality, from your work to your hobbies.
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Stay open-minded: Sometimes the perfect ring finds you when you least expect it.
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Ask questions: No detail is too small when it comes to forever.
And most importantly: enjoy every moment. This is your story unfolding.
Why AR.M Is the Perfect Place for Your Wedding Ring Journey
At AR.M, we believe jewelry is a form of self-expression — and few pieces are more meaningful than your wedding rings.
We specialize in custom wedding rings that are minimalist, soulful, and thoughtfully crafted in our ateliers in Antwerp and Athens. Whether you're starting with a sketch in your heart or simply a dream of something beautiful, we’re here to guide you with warmth, artistry, and care.
You can explore our wedding ring collection or learn more about our custom design process.
Ready to Begin Your Forever?
We’d love to meet you. Book your wedding ring appointment with AR.M today and take the first step toward creating something truly personal — a piece of your love story you’ll wear every day.