Diamond Wedding Bands: All-Around Brilliance

A wedding band is a ring exchanged during a wedding ceremony to symbolise matrimony. Traditionally, a wedding band is a plain gold band with no raised setting, usually worn by women alongside a diamond solitaire ring. However, nowadays, wedding bands can be encrusted with gemstones, such as diamonds, and can be made from various metals such as gold, ceramic or titanium. Wedding bands are also known as wedding rings, and the two terms are often used interchangeably.

Diamond wedding band styles for women

A wedding band is a ring that is exchanged during the wedding ceremony to symbolize matrimony. While engagement rings tend to be flashier, wedding bands are usually simpler in design. However, this doesn't mean that wedding bands can't be diamond-intensive.

Eternity bands, for example, are a popular choice for women's wedding bands. They feature a continuous row of diamonds or alternative gemstones, symbolizing a long-term commitment. Eternity bands can be worn as standalone rings or paired with an engagement ring. They can be designed to match the engagement ring or to create a unique contrast.

Another style to consider is nesting wedding bands, which hug the contours of an engagement ring. These bands are often curved to fit around intricate engagement ring designs, such as those with elongated or asymmetrical center stones.

When choosing a wedding band, it's important to consider the metal type and design details. Women may prefer bands with matching accents or unique details that hold special meaning. Stackable wedding bands are also a modern choice, allowing women to change the look of their wedding set by adding new bands or mismatching styles.

Ultimately, the decision to match the wedding band to the engagement ring or choose a different style is a personal preference. Wedding bands can range from simple plain metal circles to more intricate diamond-studded designs, depending on the wearer's taste and budget.

Diamond wedding band cuts

Diamond wedding bands are a popular choice for couples, with a wide variety of cuts and styles available to suit different tastes. Diamond cuts can be made to suit different shapes and sizes, and the cut of a diamond can greatly affect its appearance. Here are some of the most popular diamond cuts for wedding bands:

• Round cut: Round cuts are the most popular and classic choice for diamond wedding bands. They are known for their brilliant sparkle and ability to maximise light reflection, creating a stunning, radiant effect. Round cuts are often chosen for their versatility and timeless appeal.
• Princess cut: Princess cuts are another popular choice, featuring a square or rectangular shape with pointed corners. This cut is particularly flattering for diamonds of all sizes and is often chosen for its modern and elegant appearance. Princess-cut diamonds offer a unique blend of contemporary style and traditional brilliance.
• Emerald cut: Emerald cuts are characterised by their rectangular shape and stepped sides, resembling a staircase. This cut is known for its ability to showcase the clarity and colour of a diamond. Emerald-cut diamonds have a sophisticated and distinctive appearance, often chosen for their elegant, art-deco style.
• Oval cut: Oval cuts are a unique variation of the round cut, offering a similar level of brilliance. This cut is known for its ability to elongate the fingers and create a flattering silhouette. Oval-cut diamonds are a popular choice for those seeking a modern and elegant alternative to the traditional round cut.
• Radiant cut: Radiant cuts combine the brilliance of a round cut with the distinctive shape of an emerald cut. The trimmed corners of this cut give it a soft, refined appearance. Radiant-cut diamonds offer a unique blend of traditional and contemporary style, making them a popular choice for those seeking an elegant yet modern design.
• Asscher cut: The Asscher cut is a less common but distinctive choice, featuring a square shape with trimmed corners and large step facets. This cut is known for its art-deco appeal and ability to showcase a diamond's clarity. Asscher-cut diamonds are a unique and sophisticated option for wedding bands.

Diamond wedding bands come in a variety of styles, including eternity bands, solitaire enhancers, and vintage-style designs. Couples can also choose from a range of metals, including gold, white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, platinum, and palladium, to further customise their rings.

Diamond wedding band settings

A wedding band is a ring that is exchanged during the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, a wedding band is a plain gold band with no raised setting, often worn by women alongside a diamond solitaire ring. Today, however, wedding bands come in a variety of styles and settings. Here are some of the most popular diamond wedding band settings:

Bar Setting

The bar setting uses a rectangle of metal (or a bar) between each stone, creating a geometric pattern. This setting offers good protection for the diamonds against everyday wear and tear, but it does minimise their appearance. Bar settings are perfect for those who want a bold, less feminine look that can be worn every day.

Bead Setting

Also known as a surface prong setting, the bead setting holds the diamond in the metal with two or more subtle metal beads, creating a nice play of light. This setting offers good protection for the diamonds as their sides are completely surrounded by metal. Bead settings are a great choice if you want to see the full diameter of the diamond while also needing a more protective design.

Flush Setting

Also called a gypsy setting, the flush setting completely surrounds the stone, which sits within the band with the top flush with the metal. This setting is very secure as it is unlikely that the diamond will come loose, and it is well-protected from knocks. Flush settings are perfect for those who want a minimalist or contemporary look with maximum protection for their diamonds.

Channel Setting

Channel settings feature thick borders on either side of the diamonds, holding them in a line around the band. The diamonds sit below the surface of the band and are protected on two sides. This setting has a sleek, modern look with no prongs or raised elements that can snag. Channel settings are a good choice for everyday wear.

Pavé Setting

Pronounced "pah-vay", pavé settings showcase the diamonds by clustering them in multiple rows with very little metal in between. This setting creates a glittering, sparkling effect. However, pavé settings are not as secure as other wedding band settings, and the diamonds may come loose if you work with your hands. If you prioritise style and glamour, pavé settings are ideal.

Prong Setting

A classic style, the prong setting holds each diamond in the wedding band with individual or shared metal prongs. Prong settings allow a lot of light to flow through the stones. Although they offer less protection than other settings, they are easy to maintain and repair as each prong can be adjusted individually. Prong settings are perfect if you want a design that showcases the gems.

Eternity Band

An eternity band features diamonds that go all the way around the ring, creating a continuous row of sparkle. Eternity bands always look good as the diamonds are always on display, even if the ring spins on your finger. However, they are difficult to resize and the diamonds underneath your finger are more prone to chipping or damage during everyday wear.

Diamond wedding band maintenance

A wedding band is a ring exchanged during the wedding ceremony, traditionally a plain gold band with no raised setting. However, nowadays, wedding bands come in various styles, including all-diamond bands.

Insurance

It is necessary to insure your diamond wedding band to protect your financial investment in case it gets lost, stolen, or damaged. It is also important to have your jewellery appraised every five years as the cost of diamonds and precious metals increases over time.

Avoid Certain Chemicals

Harsh chemicals should be avoided when wearing a diamond wedding band. While diamonds are the hardest natural mineral, they can be damaged by harsh chemicals over time. These chemicals can also wear down the metal settings of the diamonds.

Avoid Needless Wear and Tear

Although diamonds are incredibly hard, a cut and polished diamond can still chip. Be sure not to knock your diamond wedding band against other hard materials.

Remove Your Ring During Hands-On Activities

It is recommended to remove your diamond wedding band during hand-heavy activities such as gardening, cleaning dishes, moving furniture, and exercising. This will help prevent damage and potential loss.

Schedule Maintenance Appointments With Your Jeweller

It is important to schedule maintenance appointments with your jeweller at least once a year to ensure the prongs are tight, the diamonds are secure, and there are no hairline cracks in the band.

Keep Your Ring Clean

It is not recommended to clean your diamond wedding band with random cleaners at home. Instead, take your ring to an expert jeweller to get it professionally cleaned.

Don't Remove Your Ring in Public

When washing your hands in a public restroom, avoid removing your diamond wedding band as you may leave it behind or drop it down the drain.

Leave the Centre Stone Alone

Diamonds are magnets for dust, dirt, and body oil. When putting on or taking off your ring, try grabbing the band on either side of the stone to avoid getting dirt trapped underneath it.

Keep Ring Dishes Around the House

Keep ring dishes by your bedside, next to the sink in the bathroom, and in the kitchen to ensure that you always have a safe place to remove your ring when at home.

Get a Professional Pre-Wedding Cleaning

If your wedding is coming up, it is the perfect time to get your diamond wedding band professionally cleaned by a jeweller. Hold off on wearing it until the wedding day to maintain an ultra-clean, high-sparkle look.

Diamond wedding band customisation

A wedding band, also known as a wedding ring, is traditionally a plain gold band with no raised setting. However, nowadays, the term "band" is used synonymously with "ring", and wedding bands can be customised in a variety of ways.

Custom wedding bands can be designed to complement the unique engagement ring of the wearer. For example, a wedding band can be crafted to perfectly contour the shape of the engagement ring, leaving no gap between the two rings when worn together. This is known as a nesting band. Alternatively, a stand-alone band can be designed to look good when worn on its own, separate from the engagement ring.

Custom wedding bands can be crafted from a range of materials, including recycled metals, conflict-free diamonds, lab-created diamonds, and gemstones. The metals used can include gold, rose gold, white gold, platinum, and sterling silver.

The design of a custom wedding band can be as simple or as intricate as desired. Some couples choose to incorporate meaningful details, such as matching stones or metalwork, into their bands. For example, a couple could include their children's birthstones in their wedding bands, as in the case of Robert's Bands. Alternatively, a couple might choose to design a set of matching bands that, when placed together, form an infinity symbol or a "diamond", as in the case of John's Wedding Bands.

The process of customising a wedding band typically involves collaborating with a jewellery designer to discuss design ideas, options, and budget. The designer will then create sketches and concept art, followed by high-resolution 3D renderings of the piece. Once the design has been approved, the band will be manufactured and shipped to the customer.

Frequently asked questions