FAQ
Wedding Bands
Do wedding bands have to match?
Not necessarily. Tradition once held that wedding bands match but, with today’s many and varied styles, neither the bride nor groom should have to wear a band that is not suited to their taste. Also, some brides now prefer to wear their wedding bands and engagement rings on different hands, so the two rings do not have to match.
What is our choice of metals for wedding bands?
The most frequently used metals are gold, silver and platinum. Sterling silver is a fairly soft metal, but is worthy of consideration if the budget is really tight. Its softness makes silver easy prey to abrasion and loss of luster. In addition, silver is prone to tarnishing and discoloration.
Platinum wedding bands are becoming more popular today. The density, strength and lustrous white finish of Platinum make it increasingly desirable. It is after all, the most precious of all metals. Platinum bands are usually 95% pure, with small amounts of platinum-family metals added for hardness. Some individuals who have a sensitivity to gold may find platinum to be the best alternative.
Gold, 14 carat yellow or white, is by far the most popular choice for wedding bands in the United States. Pure gold (24 ct) is much too soft for use in most types of jewelry. Alloys made from gold make and other metals are used to make gold jewelry today. 18 ct gold is 75% gold +25% alloys; 14 ct = 58.3% gold and 10 ct = 41.7% gold. You will find some English and Scottish made gold to be 9 ct (37.5% pure gold)]. White gold is regular yellow gold blended with alloys (largely silver) to create the whiteness. White gold is available only in 14 and 18 carat.
With today’s alloys, you will find it virtually impossible to distinguish between any weight of gold by its color and brightness. A 10 ct wedding band will have the same luster as its 18 ct counterpart with the advantages of being more wear resistant (harder) and considerably easier on the pocketbook.
Rings and Other Fine Jewelry
How do we determine our ring size?
Because of the distinctive designs we offer, getting your correct ring size is important. Even though rings can usually be sized, you will save time, money and preserve the design by getting it right at the start. Your best option is to visit Bailey's Jewelers who will have ring sizers for you to try on. Be sure to take into consideration weather extremes (your fingers shrink and swell accordingly), fluid retention and finger joint size. The ring might slide over your knuckle with some effort but should not be too tight on your finger or feel as if it could easily slide off.
Can my ring be resized?
Weight gain or loss may affect finger size. Rings can usually be adjusted ± 1/2 size without cutting and adding a seam by a jeweler with the proper equipment. We offer this service free of charge for up to one year after purchase to our wedding band and ring customers. Adjusting rings more than 1/2 size are subject to a modest service charge.
How do I care for my rings and other jewelry?
Avoid exposing gold and, especially, silver to harsh chemicals, cleaners and abrasives. Don’t wear your jewelry in the swimming pool, while scrubbing the kitchen or detailing the car. We do not recommend cleaning your jewelry using any kind of brush - it will eventually lead to minute scratches and a loss of luster. Soak jewelry in a mild ammonia solution or jewelry cleaner overnight and dry with a soft cloth. Neither do we recommend removing tarnish from Sterling silver with any of the silver dips. These solutions usually do not contain anti-tarnish ingredients and the silver will discolor even faster afterwards.