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. |
