Elevate Your Plain Engagement Band With Wedding Stones

When it comes to wedding jewellery, there are no rules – it's all about personal preference. While some may prefer a matching set, others may opt for a unique mix of metals and stones. The most important thing is to choose a wedding band that complements your engagement ring and reflects your style. Whether you're looking for a classic, modern, or statement design, the possibilities are endless.

Matching metals

However, it is not necessary to have a matching set. Mixing metals is an increasingly popular choice, adding a modern look to your ring stack. For example, you could pair a white gold engagement ring with a rose gold wedding band, or mix white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold for a stunning combination.

When mixing metals, it is important to consider how the metals will wear over time. White gold, for instance, will yellow slightly and require maintenance to keep its bright colour. Platinum, on the other hand, develops a patina, giving it a more vintage look over time.

You may also want to consider your skin tone when choosing metals. Rose gold often complements warmer skin tones, while white gold or platinum can work well with cooler tones.

Ultimately, the decision to match or mix metals is a personal preference. There are no rules when it comes to metal pairings, so feel free to get creative and choose a combination that you love.

Mixing metals

Choose Your Metals

The first step is to choose which metals you want to mix. A subtle mix can be achieved by pairing two warm metals, such as gold and rose gold. For a bolder look, pair a warm metal with a bright metal, like rose gold with platinum. You can also consider your skin tone when choosing metals—rose gold often complements warmer skin tones, while white gold or platinum can work well with cooler tones.

Coordinate the Styles

Even if your metals don't match, you can still create a cohesive look by coordinating the styles of your engagement and wedding rings. For example, if your engagement ring has a minimal and modern aesthetic, choose a wedding band in a similar style. This will help to create a unified look, even if the metals are different.

Play with Shapes and Colour

Another way to mix metals is to play with accent stone shapes and colours. Matching stone shapes, such as adding pavé to both rings, can create a unified sparkle. Or, you can select different accent stones to create a more nuanced sparkle. You can also add colour with gemstones like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or even black diamonds.

Add a Unifying Feature

If you want your mixed-metal rings to have a unifying element, consider adding design details like milgrain, pavé detailing, or fabric effects. This will help to create synchronicity between the rings, even if they are in different metals.

Consider Wear and Tear

Different metals wear differently over time, so this is an important consideration when mixing metals. For example, white gold and platinum may look similar at first, but white gold is not a naturally white metal and will need to be re-plated by a jeweller every few years to maintain its colour. Platinum, on the other hand, will develop a patina over time, giving it a more vintage or worn look.

Differences in Hardness

Platinum and gold also have different levels of hardness, which can affect their appearance over time. Gold is softer and can lose small pieces when scratched, while platinum is harder and will displace when scratched, becoming even harder and developing a patina.

Ring shapes

When it comes to ring shapes, there are a variety of options to choose from, each offering a unique aesthetic. Here are some popular ring shapes for both engagement rings and wedding bands:

Engagement Ring Shapes

The shape of an engagement ring's centre stone greatly influences its overall look and feel. Round diamonds are the traditional and most popular choice for engagement rings due to their versatility and timeless sparkle. However, other shapes like the princess, cushion, and oval cuts have gained popularity in recent years. Here are some detailed descriptions of these ring shapes:

• Round Diamond: This classic shape is cut to perfect mathematical specifications, maximising light reflection and sparkle. Round diamonds are versatile and can be used in solitaire, two-stone, three-stone, and geometric settings.
• Princess Diamond: Featuring square or rectangular sides, princess-cut diamonds offer a modern and geometric look while still retaining brilliance. They are generally more affordable than round diamonds and work well in solitaire and three-stone settings.
• Cushion Diamond: Also known as the "pillow cut," cushion-cut diamonds have larger facets and rounded corners, creating a soft and unique shape. They lend themselves well to halo designs and can have a square or rectangular ratio.
• Oval Diamond: Oval-shaped diamonds offer a contemporary alternative to the classic round shape while retaining the same number of facets and sparkle. They are popular in vintage-style engagement rings and three-stone rings.
• Emerald Diamond: Emerald-cut diamonds have a rectangular shape with rounded corners and long rectangular facets. This shape emphasises the gem's shine but also highlights any imperfections, so higher clarity is recommended.
• Marquise Diamond: With an elongated shape and sharp ends, marquise diamonds are said to have been inspired by the lips of the Marquise de Pompadour. They create an illusion of greater size and elongate the finger.
• Asscher Diamond: The Asscher diamond has an octagonal shape with large step facets, offering a taste of Art Deco style. It highlights inclusions, so selecting a diamond with good clarity is essential.

Wedding Band Shapes

When pairing a wedding band with an engagement ring, there are no hard and fast rules. The pairing should be based on personal preference and what is most aesthetically pleasing to the wearer. Here are some popular wedding band shapes and styles:

• Curved Wedding Band: A curved wedding band fits around a solitaire engagement ring, framing it and making it appear larger by adding sparkle and width.
• Chevron Wedding Band: A chevron or V-shaped wedding band complements the fashion-forward feel of marquise, oval, and pear-cut engagement rings.
• Pavé Wedding Band: A pavé wedding band is a timeless and flattering choice for halo and three-stone engagement rings, adding maximum sparkle.
• Twisted or Beaded Wedding Band: A twisted or beaded wedding band enhances the trendy vibe of an oval-cut engagement ring.
• Channel-Set Wedding Band: Channel-set wedding bands add a subtle touch of bling and create a sophisticated pair with engagement rings that have a channel setting.
• Flat Wedding Band: A flat, unembellished wedding band is ideal for active individuals or those who prefer a minimal look. It pairs well with an engagement ring that has a bezel setting.
• Baguette Wedding Band: An eternity baguette wedding band is a glamorous choice, featuring stones that go all around the band. It pairs well with emerald, princess, and Asscher-cut engagement rings.
• Ring Enhancer: Ring enhancers, also known as ring wraps or guards, create the illusion of wearing two wedding bands. They have an opening in the middle that fits around the engagement ring like a puzzle piece.

Soldering rings together

Before soldering, a jeweller will evaluate the rings based on several factors:

• Design: Rings with flat sides that slot together perfectly are ideal for soldering. If one ring has a domed or decorated side, it can be more challenging to solder.
• Metal types: Rings made of the same type of metal are easier to solder together. For rings of different colours, a jeweller may use a laser to fuse them together seamlessly.
• Ring sizing: Rings are sized before soldering to ensure a perfect fit.

Once the rings are ready, the jeweller uses a laser soldering machine to fuse them together. The laser allows for precise and almost seamless work. After soldering, the rings are polished and cleaned to remove any residue.

There are several benefits to soldering rings together:

• Reduction of wear and tear on the rings.
• Rings stay in place, making them effortless to style and wear.
• Convenience, as the rings are always paired perfectly.
• Added security to keep rings safe.
• Elimination of gaps between the rings.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• Soldering makes it impossible to wear the rings separately.
• There is an increased risk of ring damage if the fused rings are separated in the future.
• Resizing becomes more difficult if your ring size changes.
• The order of the soldered rings cannot be changed.
• It becomes more challenging to add new rings to the stack.

Ultimately, the decision to solder rings together is a personal one. It is ideal for those who want to reduce ring spinning and gaps but may not suit those who prefer flexibility in styling their jewellery.

Gemstone colours

Gemstones have been collected and worn by humans for over 10,000 years, and are often chosen based on personal significance. The colour of a gemstone is determined by the minerals it contains, and different colours are believed to have different symbolic meanings and effects on our perceptions and behaviours.

Red Gemstones

Red gemstones symbolise strength and passion. They are the colour of blood, fire, and leadership. Garnet, for example, is believed to be a sensual stone, and its various shades—including deep red-purples and pinkish-oranges—are thought to represent the creation of something beautiful, pure, and lovely. Ruby, another red gemstone, is believed to symbolise love, passion, power, and courage, and to bring good fortune to its wearer.

Yellow and Orange Gemstones

Yellow and orange gemstones are associated with joy and energy. The colour of sunshine, these gemstones are believed to energise, bring optimism, and stimulate self-expression and creativity. Citrine, for example, is believed to bring confidence and kindness.

Pink Gemstones

Pink gemstones are associated with love and hope. They represent nurturing, unconditional love, kindness, and forgiveness. Pink Opal and Rose Quartz, for example, are believed to attract love and resolve disagreements.

Green Gemstones

Green gemstones symbolise balance and healing. They are the colour of nature, and are believed to bring a sense of well-being and freshness, as well as stimulate creativity, growth, and transformation. Emerald, Peridot, Malachite, Aventurine, Jade, and Moldavite are all examples of green gemstones.

Blue Gemstones

Blue gemstones are associated with knowledge and mental clarity. They evoke a sense of trust and loyalty, facilitate self-expression and communication, and bring mental clarity and focus. Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Azurite, Sapphire, Tanzanite, and Hauyne are all examples of blue gemstones.

Purple Gemstones

Purple gemstones symbolise spirituality and wisdom. They are also associated with royalty, nobility, and sophistication. Amethyst, for example, is believed to lend emotional control and help the wearer overcome temptation. Charoite is another example of a purple gemstone, believed to help with anxiety and addiction.

White Gemstones

White gemstones symbolise purity and balance. They are harmonising, soothing, and associated with light, freshness, and innocence. Howlite and Pearl are examples of white gemstones.

Black Gemstones

Black gemstones symbolise power and mystery. They represent authority and confidence, and are associated with elegance and sophistication. Onyx, Black Obsidian, Jet, and Shungite are examples of black gemstones, believed to absorb negative energies and boost confidence and strength.

Frequently asked questions