The Sparkling Question: Diamonds On Wedding Rings

Wedding rings are traditionally simple, plain metal bands with no gemstones, diamonds, or other embellishments. However, it has become more common for people to add extra sparkle to their wedding bands with diamonds. The decision to include diamonds in a wedding ring is entirely up to the wearer's preference. There are no rules, and picking a wedding ring is about reflecting personal style.

Diamond wedding rings are becoming more popular

Diamond wedding rings are becoming increasingly popular, with more brides choosing to add extra sparkle to their wedding bands. While traditionally, wedding bands were simple, plain metal rings with no gemstones, today's brides are embracing the trend of diamond wedding rings to complement their engagement rings.

The popularity of diamond wedding rings can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, diamonds are a symbol of love, commitment, and everlasting romance. The durability and sparkle of diamonds convey the idea of forever, making them the perfect choice for wedding bands that symbolize eternal love and devotion.

Additionally, the rise in popularity can be linked to effective marketing campaigns. The diamond giant De Beers played a significant role in promoting diamonds as glamorous symbols of romance in the 1930s and 1940s. They enlisted Hollywood actresses to wear diamonds in movies and collaborated with renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali to create captivating ad posters. De Beers' iconic slogan, "A Diamond is Forever," further reinforced the association between diamonds and everlasting love.

The influence of Hollywood and popular culture has also contributed to the growing trend. For example, the famous diamond engagement ring given by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 sparked a fashion for diamond rings among European nobility. More recently, the popularity of shows like "Sex and the City" has influenced engagement ring choices, with the Asscher cut gaining fame after being featured on the show.

Another factor driving the popularity of diamond wedding rings is the desire for customisation and personalisation. Couples today want their wedding bands to reflect their unique style and taste. The variety of diamond cuts, settings, and designs available allows for endless customisation options, from modern geometric looks to vintage-inspired styles.

Furthermore, the availability of diamonds has increased with the opening of De Beers mines in Africa, making diamonds more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

When choosing a diamond wedding ring, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to complement the engagement ring. The width of the band, the setting style, and the shape of the diamonds should be taken into account to create a cohesive look. Additionally, matching the metal type and colour is crucial to ensure the rings fit together perfectly and avoid unwanted rubbing.

In conclusion, diamond wedding rings are becoming more popular due to their symbolic significance, effective marketing, cultural influences, and the desire for personalisation. With the wide range of diamond options available, couples can create wedding bands that truly reflect their love and commitment while adding a touch of sparkle to their special day.

Diamond wedding rings are more expensive

Diamond wedding rings are considered more expensive than plain wedding bands. The price of a diamond wedding ring depends on several factors, including the type of metal, the presence of gemstones, and the overall design.

The type of metal used in the ring is a significant factor in determining its cost. Yellow gold, white gold, and platinum are the three most popular metals for wedding rings. The price of these metals can vary due to factors such as purity and durability. For example, 18-karat yellow gold is more expensive than 14-karat gold because it has a higher percentage of pure gold. Platinum, being the most expensive metal to work with, is heavier and more durable than gold and has a higher level of purity.

Gemstones, particularly diamonds, can also increase the cost of a wedding ring. Colorless, flawless, or colored diamonds are considered rare and highly valued, making them more expensive. The use of colored gemstones, such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or aquamarines, can be a unique and beautiful option, but their price can vary based on quality and durability.

The overall design of the ring, especially if it is custom-made, can also affect the cost. A ring with intricate details, such as pavé diamonds or milgrain work, will typically be more expensive due to the labor and time involved in creating it.

The price of a diamond wedding ring can also depend on the current market trends and the location of purchase. For example, the increasing popularity of yellow gold may influence the cost of yellow gold engagement rings. Additionally, the average cost of an engagement ring may vary based on the region, with higher costs associated with larger cities.

In summary, diamond wedding rings are more expensive due to the value of the diamonds and the craftsmanship involved in creating the ring. The type of metal, the presence of gemstones, and the overall design all contribute to the higher price of diamond wedding rings compared to plain wedding bands.

Wedding rings are exchanged during the wedding ceremony

If you're looking for a wedding ring to match your engagement ring, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the width of the band is important. If your engagement ring is quite wide, a finer wedding band can complement it nicely. Secondly, if you're matching the width, it's a good idea to match the setting style too. A grain setting, for example, can create a diamond border that accentuates the centre engagement ring. A shared claw wedding band is another style to consider, but it's crucial that the band is slightly wider than the diamond to prevent the diamonds from overhanging and coming loose.

If your engagement ring has a solitaire diamond, either a diamond wedding band or a traditional wedding ring will suit. However, if your engagement ring has diamonds on the shoulders, a matching diamond wedding ring is usually the best choice. If you want to vary the width of your wedding band, it's a good idea to do so by at least half a millimetre so that the variation looks intentional.

Ultimately, the type of wedding ring you choose is a matter of personal taste and budget. You can opt for a traditional plain band, a diamond-encrusted eternity band, or a custom-made ring that complements your engagement ring.

Wedding rings are usually simpler in design

Wedding rings are traditionally simpler in design than engagement rings. They are usually made of plain gold or another type of plain metal, and do not feature any diamonds or gemstones. However, this is the couple's decision and some brides choose to have diamonds on their wedding bands.

The wedding band is usually exchanged at the wedding ceremony and is a symbol of the official bond of marriage. Wedding bands are typically less decorative and significantly less expensive than engagement rings. They can start at around $600 for a classic band and go up to $3000 for a ring engraved with diamonds.

The wedding band is often chosen to complement the engagement ring. If the engagement ring is lined with diamonds, a simple wedding band with no gems can ensure that the engagement ring remains the focal point. Conversely, if the engagement ring is a simple solitaire, a wedding band with diamonds can add more sparkle.

The width of the wedding band usually complements that of the engagement ring. If the engagement ring is quite wide (greater than 4mm), a finer wedding band (around 2mm-2.5mm) is also an option. The metals used for both rings should match, including the carat weight, to ensure a consistent look.

Ultimately, the design of the wedding band is a matter of personal taste and there is no right or wrong choice.

Wedding rings are often chosen by couples together

There are many options for wedding rings, from plain bands of gold to diamond-encrusted eternity rings. The latter are becoming more popular, with only 1 in 50 brides opting for a traditional wedding band. If you're going for a diamond wedding band, it's a good idea to match the setting style and width of your engagement ring. If your engagement ring is quite wide, it's acceptable to have a finer wedding band. A grain setting is a great style to utilise for a finer band, as it creates a diamond border effect that can accentuate the centre engagement ring.

If you're matching the width of your wedding band to your engagement ring, a shared claw wedding band is another style to consider. Just make sure the band is slightly wider than the diamond to prevent the diamonds from overhanging and coming loose. If your engagement ring has diamonds in the shoulders, then a diamond wedding band is almost always the best choice.

If you want to vary the width of your wedding band, it's a good idea to do so by at least half a millimetre so that the variation looks intentional. Ultimately, the style of your wedding band is a matter of personal taste. There is no right or wrong ring, as long as you like the way it looks and it meets your requirements.

Frequently asked questions