Choosing The Perfect Diamond Wedding Band

Choosing a diamond wedding band is an important decision, as it's a piece of jewellery you'll likely wear every day. There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a wedding band. Firstly, think about the metal type—do you want it to match your engagement ring, and which metals suit your lifestyle? Platinum and gold are popular choices, but other options include rose gold, white gold, and titanium. Next, consider the size and fit of the ring—ensure it's properly sized and think about whether you want a standard or comfort fit. Decide whether you want your wedding band to match your partner's and set a budget to guide your selection. It's also important to buy from a reputable jeweller and consider factors like certification, warranty, and maintenance. Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and choose a style that reflects your personality, whether it's a plain band or one with intricate details and diamonds.

Diamond vs plain wedding band

When it comes to choosing a wedding band, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, do you want a diamond band or a plain band? Both have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Diamond Wedding Bands

Diamond wedding bands are a popular choice for those who want a little extra sparkle. They can be set in a pavé or channel setting. A pavé setting gives a brilliant and dazzling effect, with the metal band appearing to be paved with diamonds. A channel setting is more subdued, with small, uniform diamonds set in rows within a channel. Diamond bands also come with more style options than plain bands, including different diamond cuts and settings. They are also a good choice if you want to incorporate the meaning of an eternity ring into your wedding band. However, diamond bands can be more expensive and may require more maintenance, as smaller set diamonds can attract residue buildup and need regular cleaning to prevent stones from loosening and being lost. If you plan on getting an eternity ring in the future, two diamond bands may not work well together unless they are the same style and design. Additionally, if your job requires you to not wear diamonds, a diamond band may not be practical.

Plain Wedding Bands

Plain wedding bands are classic and elegant, and they allow the engagement ring to take centre stage. They are also more practical, especially for those with active lifestyles or jobs that are rough on the hands, as they require less maintenance and cleaning. Plain bands can also be easily refinished and customised. However, they may appear to get scuffed and dull over time, and some may feel that a plain band does not allow for adequate self-expression.

Other Considerations

When choosing a wedding band, it is important to consider the metal type, width, fit, and whether you want any additional embellishments like engravings or stones. The band should match your engagement ring and lifestyle, and it should be comfortable enough for everyday wear. It is also important to set a budget and stick to it, as the price of wedding bands can vary widely depending on the metal and any gemstones.

Matching or complementary styles

If you prefer a coordinated look, matching rings might be the best option. This could mean purchasing a set of identical wedding bands or choosing two rings made from the same metal. Matching sets can be a powerful symbol of the couple's unity and commitment to each other. They may also choose to have their bands inscribed with a special message or date.

On the other hand, if you want your rings to showcase your individual personalities, complementary styles might be more suitable. For example, you could select bands with matching metals but different designs. This allows you to stick to separate styles that still coordinate with one another.

When deciding between matching and complementary styles, it is essential to consider your budget. Matching rings can sometimes be more expensive than buying two different rings, so this should be factored into the decision-making process. Ultimately, the choice of whether to go for matching or complementary styles depends on what makes the couple happy and appeals to them in some way.

Metal type

Durability and Maintenance

The durability of your wedding band is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to wear it daily. Some metals are softer and more delicate, while others are harder and more resistant to damage. For example, 24-karat gold is soft and can easily be scratched or bent, while platinum is one of the strongest precious metals and is very durable. White gold, on the other hand, needs to be dipped every few years to maintain its luster. Palladium, a metal similar to platinum, is also durable but may show scratches and can be tricky to resize. Titanium is another durable option that is scratch-resistant and easy to maintain, but it cannot be easily resized.

Skin Tone and Appearance

The appearance of the metal is also an important consideration. Some metals offer a warm look that matches certain skin tones, while others have a cooler look that suits different skin tones. For example, yellow gold is a traditional choice that looks good with olive and darker skin tones. White gold has a modern appearance and complements fair and rosy skin tones. Rose gold is romantic and warm, naturally complementing all skin tones. Platinum has a stunning white colour that subtly signals luxury and exclusivity.

Matching the Engagement Ring

If you already have an engagement ring, it is important to consider choosing a wedding band made from the same metal. This creates a cohesive look and ensures that the rings complement each other. However, it is not necessary to have matching metals, and you can opt for a complementary look instead. For example, a rose gold band can be paired with a white gold engagement ring.

Budget

The price of wedding bands can vary widely depending on the metal chosen. Platinum, for instance, is one of the most expensive options. Palladium, while similar in appearance, used to be more affordable but has recently increased in price. Gold, in various types, is a popular choice and can be more affordable depending on the karatage. Other alternative metals like titanium and tungsten carbide are also more affordable options.

Width and fit

When choosing a diamond wedding band, the width and fit are important factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Visualising the Ring Band Width: Ring size is often confused with ring width. The ring width refers to the thickness of the band itself, which ranges from 1.6 millimetres to 20 millimetres for both women and men. To visualise how these widths look on your finger, you can use coins as a guide. A nickel is about 2 millimetres wide, and a penny is about 1.5 millimetres wide.
• Pros and Cons of Wide and Thin Ring Bands: Wider bands have a modern and contemporary feel, are more durable, and can accommodate unique design work. However, they are more expensive and may require a larger ring size. Thinner bands, on the other hand, are less expensive, make centre stones appear more impressive, and offer more design choices. But they are less durable and may not be suitable for elaborate settings or large stones.
• Choosing the Right Width for Your Fingers: The width of the band should complement the size of your fingers and hands. If you have small hands or thin fingers, a wider band may look overwhelming, while a thinner band will be a better choice. Conversely, if you have larger hands, a wider band will be more complementary. Wider bands are also easier to put on and remove if you have wider fingers or knuckles.
• Comfort and Firmness: Consider whether you want to feel your ring at all times or barely feel it. If you prefer a firmer fit, choose a ring with a height of at least 2.3 millimetres. If you prefer a looser fit, opt for a thinner ring that feels lighter on the finger.
• Wearing Multiple Rings: If you plan to wear your wedding band with other rings, such as an engagement ring, it is recommended that the bands have a similar thickness. This will create a complementary look and make the rings look spectacular together. You can also set one band to be wider and the other narrower to add style and dimension.
• Lifestyle Considerations: Think about your lifestyle and how often you plan to wear the ring. If you use your hands frequently for work or other activities, a slightly thicker band may be more durable and practical. On the other hand, if you have a less active lifestyle, a normal-sized or thinner band may be more suitable.
• Diamond Setting and Width: If you plan to set a diamond onto your wedding band, consider the size of the diamond and choose a width that complements it well. Narrower rings can make the diamond appear more full and eye-catching, while wider bands can accommodate larger diamonds and provide more durability.
• Engravings: If you want to engrave names or other designs onto the band, a minimum width of 1.5 millimetres is recommended to ensure the engravings are clear and not blurry.
• Partner's Preferences: If you are choosing a wedding band for your partner, pay attention to their jewellery preferences and lifestyle. Notice whether they usually wear thin or thick rings, and how tight or loose they like their accessories to be. This can help guide your decision when selecting the appropriate width for their wedding band.

Budget

Adding diamonds to the band will also increase the cost, with the total price depending on the carat weight of the diamonds, their quality, and the number of diamonds included. The average cost of a female wedding band in 2019 was $1,100, and for males, it was $510. However, prices can range from $180 to $2,000 and higher, depending on the specific features of the ring.

If you're on a tight budget, consider a plain band without any diamonds or other gemstones. These can be found for under $200, and some metals, such as tungsten, are both durable and more affordable. You could also opt for lab-grown diamonds, which are usually much more affordable than earth-grown stones.

It's worth noting that your wedding band is one of the few things from your wedding that will last forever, so it's important to find a balance between your budget and choosing a ring that you'll be excited to wear for a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions