Wedding Band Stone Sizes: Small Stones, Big Impact?

Wedding bands are a symbol of lifelong commitment to your partner and are often adorned with precious stones. While engagement rings tend to steal the spotlight, wedding bands can also be show-stopping. Wedding bands with stones can be designed with a range of stones, from traditional diamonds to more unique options like onyx or lapis lazuli. The size of the stone is an important consideration, as larger stones will result in a wider band that may be tighter on the finger. When choosing a wedding band, it is essential to consider the wearer's finger size and personal style, as well as the practicality of the ring for everyday wear. Resizing a wedding band is possible, but it can be challenging for certain types of bands, especially those with intricate details or many stones.

Wedding band resizing

Wedding bands are often loaded with sentimentality, so it makes sense that you'd want to resize a ring rather than replace it. Fortunately, resizing is a common procedure, and most jewellers will be able to resize your ring without compromising its shape or strength. Here's what you need to know about wedding band resizing:

Resizing Limitations

Jewelers can generally resize a ring by a maximum of two sizes up or down. Some ring types are not suitable for permanent resizing methods that require heat, including stainless steel rings and ornate rings with designs spanning the full circumference. Additionally, some metals, such as titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, and stainless steel, are prone to breakage and are difficult to work with during the resizing process. Non-metallic rings, like those made of resin, crystal, or ceramic, also cannot be resized.

Methods for Resizing Up

To make a ring larger, a jeweller will typically cut a small portion out of the band and then add a piece of metal to expand the circumference. This process, known as ring shanking, involves carefully fitting the new piece of metal to the existing band, soldering it in place, and then smoothing and polishing the surface to blend the seams. Another method involves stretching the metal by using a ring mandrel and a hammer or a hydraulic press or roller to gradually expand the size of the band.

Methods for Resizing Down

To make a ring smaller, a jeweller will typically cut out a small portion of the band and then solder the ends back together to form a tighter circumference. Alternatively, they may bend the band inward using pliers or a ring clamp to create a tighter fit. A ring guard or sizer can also be inserted into the band to adjust the size without permanently altering the ring's structure.

Cost of Resizing

The cost of resizing a ring will depend on the complexity of the task and the labour involved. Enlarging a ring generally costs more than making it smaller since metal is added to the band. The thicker the ring, the higher the price to resize, and the presence of diamonds or other stones on the band will also make the process more expensive.

Choosing the right wedding band width

• Finger Size and Shape: The width of the band should complement the size and shape of your finger. If you have slender fingers or small hands, a narrower band (around 2mm to 6mm) is typically recommended, as a wider band may look overpowering. Conversely, those with larger hands or broader body types may prefer a wider band (7mm or more), which tends to look more masculine and can make a bold statement.
• Comfort: The width of the band can affect how comfortable the ring feels on your finger. Narrower bands are generally more comfortable and easier to get used to, especially if you have never worn a ring before. Wider bands may feel tighter on your finger and can be more challenging to get over your knuckles. Consider your lifestyle and daily activities as well; if you use your hands a lot for work or sports, a narrower band might be more practical to avoid interference.
• Cost: The width of the band can also impact the cost of the ring. Wider bands require more precious metal, making them generally more expensive than narrower bands. If you are working with a specific budget, keep this in mind when choosing the width of your wedding band.
• Design and Stone Setting: The width of the band should complement the design and setting of the ring. Wider bands tend to have a more modern and contemporary feel and offer more space for unique design elements, such as fingerprints or deep channel settings. They are also better suited for larger stones. Narrower bands, on the other hand, can make the centre stone appear larger and are often more affordable, allowing you to allocate more of your budget towards a higher-quality stone.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the right wedding band width comes down to your personal preference and style. There is no one-size-fits-all rule, and you should choose a width that you feel excited about and comfortable with. Visit your local jeweller and try on different band widths to determine which option is best for you.

Types of stones for wedding rings

Wedding rings can be made with a variety of stones, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and budget. Here are some of the most popular types of stones used in wedding rings:

Diamonds

Diamonds are the classic choice for wedding and engagement rings. They are valued for their brilliance and sparkle, and are known to be very durable, making them ideal for everyday wear. Diamonds are typically white or colourless, but they can also be found in fancy colours like yellow, pink, black, champagne, and grey. While they can be expensive, smaller diamonds or diamonds with lower carat sizes can be more affordable.

Sapphires

Sapphires are a popular alternative to diamonds, offering a stunning range of colours, including royal blue, pink, yellow, white, and purple. They are known for their hardness and durability, scoring 9 on the Mohs scale, making them a great choice for everyday wear. Sapphires are often heat-treated to enhance their colour and are associated with symbolism such as honesty, loyalty, and purity.

Rubies

Rubies are vibrant red gemstones that are part of the same mineral species as sapphires, known as corundum. They are valued for their deep red colour, known as "Pigeon's Blood Red", and their historical significance. Rubies score 9 on the Mohs scale, making them a durable choice for wedding rings. They are often heat-treated to improve their colour and clarity.

Emeralds

Emeralds are precious green gemstones that are valued for their rich hues. They are a form of beryl and are known for their visible flaws, making natural, flawless emeralds extremely rare. Due to their inclusions, emeralds require careful handling and storage. Emeralds are often paired with yellow gold to enhance their warmth.

Moissanite

Moissanite is a rare mineral that was first discovered in the late 1800s and can be mistaken for diamonds due to its similar appearance. It is now exclusively man-made and introduced into the jewellery market in 1998 as a diamond alternative. Moissanite reflects light beautifully and is highly durable, making it a popular choice for wedding rings.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a light to medium blue gemstone, sometimes with a greenish tint, and is part of the beryl family. It is known for its tranquil colour and relative flawlessness. However, it may not be as strong as diamonds and other precious stones. Aquamarine is often paired with white gold or platinum to enhance its cool tones.

Topaz

Topaz is a durable gemstone, scoring 8 on the Mohs scale, and offers a wide range of colours, including sky blue, pink, green, orange, and wine red. It is a more affordable option and is associated with symbolism such as love, affection, and serenity. Topaz is commonly paired with both white and yellow metals.

Onyx

Onyx is a bold black gemstone that is making a comeback in contemporary jewellery. It is often featured as a cabochon-style jewel and is known for its timeless and elegant appearance. Onyx is relatively durable, scoring 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and can be paired with diamonds, emeralds, or rubies for a unique look.

These are just a few examples of the types of stones that can be used in wedding rings. Other popular choices include morganite, garnet, amethyst, opal, pearl, and tourmaline, each offering its own unique colour, symbolism, and durability.

Pros and cons of channel-set wedding bands

Channel-set wedding bands are a popular choice for couples, but they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons of channel-set wedding bands to help you decide if they are the right choice for you:

Pros of Channel-Set Wedding Bands:

• Enhanced sparkle and brilliance: The close setting of multiple accent stones in a channel setting creates a dazzling effect, enhancing the ring's overall sparkle.
• Cost-effectiveness: Channel-set rings can be more affordable than other settings as they use smaller stones, allowing you to achieve a brilliant look without breaking the bank.
• Security of stones: The channel setting securely holds the gemstones between two metal walls, reducing the risk of losing any accent stones. This makes it ideal for daily wear as it protects the stones from snagging, scratching, and chipping.
• Clean, uninterrupted design: The absence of prongs or bars creates a smooth, uninterrupted surface. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also makes it less likely to catch on clothing or other materials.
• Versatility: Channel-set rings offer both a unique style and versatility. They can accommodate various gemstone shapes and sizes, allowing for endless pairing choices with engagement rings.
• Comfort and wearability: Channel-set rings are smooth and comfortable to wear. The metal edges protect the diamonds, making them a practical choice for everyday wear, combining durability with fashion.

Cons of Channel-Set Wedding Bands:

• Cleaning challenges: The channels can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime, making cleaning more challenging. Proper maintenance requires extra care and regular cleaning.
• Resizing and repair difficulties: Resizing channel-set rings can be complicated due to the pressure exerted by the channel on the stones. Additionally, the channels can become bent or misaligned during the repair process, making it challenging to maintain the integrity of the design.
• Potential for hidden diamonds: While the channel setting provides security, it may slightly hide the diamonds compared to prong settings, which raise the diamonds up.

Differences between men's and women's wedding bands

Wedding bands are a symbol of unity and commitment between two people, regardless of gender. While there are no rules when it comes to choosing a wedding band, and personal preference is the most important factor, there are some general differences between men's and women's wedding bands.

Width

Men's fingers tend to be larger, so their wedding bands are usually thicker, with the most common width being between 6mm and 8mm. Women's wedding bands are typically more delicate, ranging from 2mm to 4mm in width. However, there is no standard width for wedding bands, and both men and women can choose a width that suits their personal style and comfort.

Design and Style

Traditionally, men's wedding bands were simpler and more understated, with clean lines and minimalistic looks. Women's wedding bands, on the other hand, featured more intricate and ornate designs, including delicate engravings, detailed metalwork, or pavé set diamonds. However, modern couples are breaking these gender norms, with men opting for more ornate styles and women choosing more masculine designs.

Materials and Finish

Precious metals such as gold and platinum were traditionally used for wedding bands due to their natural lustre, heirloom quality, and resistance to scratching. However, modern couples are exploring alternative materials such as tungsten, titanium, and cobalt, which offer unique aesthetics and lower price points.

Men typically prefer a satin or brushed finish on their wedding bands, as it gives a masculine, rugged look and minimises the visibility of scratches. Women usually opt for a polished, mirror-bright finish that maximises sparkle and shine, creating a radiant backdrop for any diamonds or gemstones.

Diamonds and Gemstones

Diamonds and gemstones were once reserved for women's wedding bands, but they are now becoming popular in men's wedding band designs. Men often choose a single diamond or a three-stone setting, while women may prefer eternity bands, which feature a continuous circle of diamonds or gemstones symbolising eternal love.

Frequently asked questions