Ghana was once called the Gold Coast, and the country still produces a large share of Africa’s gold. It is no surprise that many Ghanaian couples want gold wedding rings, or that buying them is one of the most discussed items in the wedding budget. Here is what to know before you buy.
Which metal?
Yellow gold remains the most popular choice for wedding rings in Ghana. It suits darker skin tones, matches the gold jewellery many brides wear at the engagement and holds its value. White gold, which is gold mixed with other metals and usually plated with rhodium, has become popular with couples who prefer a silver colour. Rose gold, which gets its pink tone from copper, is a fashionable choice for women’s rings.
Platinum is stronger and naturally white but much more expensive, and few jewellers in Ghana stock it. Silver and stainless steel are cheaper alternatives, but silver tarnishes and both are softer than gold, so they suit couples on a tight budget or those planning to upgrade later.
Understanding karats
Gold purity is measured in karats. Pure gold is 24 karat, but it is too soft for a ring worn every day. Most wedding rings are made from 18 karat gold, which is 75 per cent gold, or 14 karat, which is about 58 per cent gold. Some jewellers also sell 21 or 22 karat rings, which are richer in colour but softer and more likely to scratch or bend.
When buying, ask the jeweller to state the karat in writing and to show you the hallmark, a small stamp inside the band that indicates purity. Reputable jewellers will explain what the stamp means and provide a receipt that states the metal and weight.
Wedding ring sets
Many jewellers in Ghana sell wedding ring sets: a matching pair of bands for the bride and groom, sometimes with the bride’s engagement ring included. Sets make shopping easier and usually cost less than buying the rings separately. They also guarantee that the couple’s rings match in metal and style.
Couples do not have to choose identical rings, though. A plain band for the groom and a band with small stones for the bride is a common combination. What matters is that the metals look good together and that the bride’s wedding band sits comfortably beside her engagement ring.
Sizing and fit
Getting the size right is the most common problem with wedding rings. Have both partners measured by a jeweller, preferably later in the day when fingers are slightly larger, and avoid measuring when your hands are very cold or very hot. A ring should slide over the knuckle with slight resistance and stay in place without pinching.
Wider bands fit more tightly than narrow ones, so if you choose a broad band, ask the jeweller whether you need to go up half a size. Ask too whether resizing is included in the price, in case the ring needs adjusting after the wedding.
Where to buy and what to ask
Couples in Ghana buy wedding rings from established jewellery shops in Accra and Kumasi, from goldsmiths who make rings to order, and increasingly from online sellers. Custom-made rings from a local goldsmith can be a good way to get a unique design, and some couples have rings made from family gold.
Whatever the source, ask a few questions before paying. What is the karat, and is it stamped on the ring? What is the weight? Is engraving included? How long will it take? Is there a guarantee or a resizing policy? A trustworthy seller will answer all of these clearly.
Finally, plan for engraving. Many couples engrave their initials, their wedding date or a short phrase inside the band. Order early: rings with engraving and custom designs can take several weeks, and you want them in your hands well before the white wedding, not on the morning of it.
