A guide to choosing matching wedding rings

Often small and understated, the rings we wear every day are a little nod to our promises - not just to each other, but to our present, past and future.

When couples come to me to talk about wedding rings, a question I get asked again and again is: Do they have to match?

The answer is no, they don’t have to, but I always love to find different ways to connect your wedding rings in subtle and meaningful way whether you want identical rings or you are drawn to completely different designs.

Shared threads

I’ve worked with couples who wanted very different styles - one who loved warm yellow gold, the other preferred cooler platinum. One who dreamt of delicate pattern work, the other something simple and solid.

And yet, we always found personal ways to link them. A shared engraving. A tiny birthstone. A texture that appears on both bands. Sometimes, just the fact that the rings were made side by side is enough - a shared process, even if the outcome differs.

Because matching doesn’t always have to mean identical.

A few ideas

If you’re beginning to think about your rings, here are a few suggestions to help guide your choices from the perspective of a jeweller who has created many, many wedding bands:

1. Gather inspiration
Think about rings you already wear, or pieces you’ve loved in the past. What materials feel right? What weight? What shape? There’s no right or wrong - just what you’ll be excited to wear each day.
Whether you prefer something dainty, minimalist, detailed or showstopping or a combination of the above, I’ve always found creating a Pinterest board of what you like is the best way to find your own style. You can see my wedding ring designs here for some inspiration.

2. Explore shared elements
If you like the idea of a connection between the rings, there are so many ways to weave that in. A little diamond on the wedding band. A birthstone tucked inside the ring. A shared texture or ring shape. Or if you have any inherited jewellery gathering dust, you could add heirloom gold melted into both pieces. These small details can hold a tiny-but-meaningful story and are always the key to making your wedding rings super special.

3. Don’t force a match
It’s okay to love different things. Some of the most beautiful custom wedding rings I’ve made have come from contrast. Your rings don’t need to say “we’re the same” - they can simply say “we belong together.”. Knowing that you had a joint part in the design process is just as special.

For the traditional, and the not-so-traditional

Many couples love the idea of classic matching wedding bands. There’s something timeless about that. But others have different styles and want to stay true to their individuality - choosing rings that reflect not tradition, but intention.

Although the rings are each unique, I can tie parts of the design together with similar textures, metal finishes, or each ring could have an inset birthstone that represents their husband or wife’s birth month. One couple even brought me heirloom gold from both sides of the family, which we blended into new bands - a gentle nod to their joining families.

Commission a bespoke wedding ring

If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, or you want something a little more personal, we can work through the wedding ring design process together.

The bespoke process is never rushed. It begins with a conversation - sometimes over tea in my Scottish Atelier, sometimes over email, and the design unfolds gently. You might bring inherited gemstones and metal, or a reference to something that holds meaning for you both. We’ll work through the possibilities, and I’ll draw or model until you know it’s just right.

The result isn’t just a ring. It’s a part of your story together, and it will feel so special to wear knowing you had a hand in creating your handmade wedding bands, made with care and intention in Scotland. You can find out more about my bespoke wedding ring service here.

If you have any questions please do contact me, I would love to help you start the journey of finding your perfect wedding bands.

Alison x