Finding The Perfect Wedding Band Match

Finding a wedding band to match your engagement ring can be a difficult task. There are many options to choose from, including diamond wedding bands, gold wedding ring sets, gemstone bands, men's rings, and women's wedding rings. The first step is to set a budget and determine your price range. Next, consider the features of your engagement ring that you love the most and choose a wedding band that enhances those features. While there is no strict rule, most people prefer to get a wedding band made from the same precious metal as their engagement ring. If you have a high profile setting, such as a cathedral or solitaire, you may want a wedding band that sits snug against your engagement ring. On the other hand, a low profile setting may create a gap between the two rings. There are also online tools available to help you find the perfect match.

Set a budget

Setting a budget for your wedding bands is a crucial step in the process. Wedding bands can vary widely in price, so it's important to establish a clear budget that works for you and your partner. Here are some factors to consider when setting your budget:

Financial Situation

Your current financial situation will play a significant role in determining your budget for wedding bands. It's important to be realistic and avoid going into further debt for expensive rings. As a general rule, if the price of a ring would make it challenging to cover your current bills, it's probably outside your budget. Be honest with yourself and your partner about what you can comfortably afford.

Willingness to Spend

There is no "right" amount to spend on a wedding band. Some people follow traditions like the "three-month salary rule," while others prefer not to spend that much. Ultimately, you and your partner need to decide how much you are willing to spend on these rings. Discuss your priorities and comfort levels to set a budget that works for both of you.

Type of Ring

The type of ring you're shopping for will significantly impact the cost. For example, plain wedding bands are typically more affordable, with prices ranging from $250 to $1,500 for women and $140 to $2,000+ for men. On the other hand, more intricate rings with diamonds or gemstones can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 or more. The metal type, karat (for gold), and any additional gemstones or diamonds will all influence the final price tag.

Shop Around

Different retailers will offer varying prices for wedding bands. Higher-end jewellers or luxury brands will likely be more expensive than local jewellers or affordable online retailers. Don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices to find the best value within your budget. You may also consider buying at the right time by taking advantage of sales or promotions offered by jewellery stores.

Extras and Customisations

When budgeting for your wedding bands, don't forget to factor in any additional costs for customisations or "extras." For example, if you want your wedding band to include diamonds or gemstones, the size, quality, and number of stones will impact the price. Additionally, if you want a custom engraving or any other unique features, these will likely incur extra charges.

Matching Sets

If you and your partner want matching wedding bands, consider asking jewellers about potential discounts for purchasing multiple rings. Buying a set may provide an opportunity to save money, and it ensures that your rings complement each other perfectly.

Choose a metal

When it comes to choosing a metal for your wedding band, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should think about the overall style and aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you prefer a traditional and timeless look, or something more modern and stylish? Gold, for instance, is a classic choice that symbolises wealth and prosperity, while titanium offers a more contemporary feel.

Another important consideration is durability. Wedding bands are meant to be worn every day, so choosing a metal that is long-lasting is crucial. Platinum and titanium are known for their durability and scratch resistance, while gold may require more maintenance due to its softness. If you work with your hands or lead an active lifestyle, consider a metal that can withstand daily wear and tear, like platinum or tungsten.

The weight of the metal will also impact the comfort of the ring. Metals like titanium and tungsten are lightweight and comfortable, while gold and platinum have a heavier feel. Try on different metals to determine which weight suits you best.

In addition, some metals are hypoallergenic, which is an important factor if you have sensitive skin. Platinum, for instance, is hypoallergenic and ideal for those with skin sensitivities. On the other hand, rose gold, which contains copper, is not hypoallergenic.

Personal style and budget will also play a role in your decision. Gold, for example, offers a range of colours, including yellow, white, and rose gold, providing options to suit various preferences. Platinum, while durable and low-maintenance, is one of the most expensive choices.

• Gold (including yellow, white, and rose gold): Classic, traditional choice; range of colours available; soft metal that may require more maintenance; easy to resize; hypoallergenic (especially yellow gold).
• Platinum: Durable, scratch-resistant, and low-maintenance; modern look; hypoallergenic; develops a patina over time; expensive.
• Titanium: Strong, lightweight, and comfortable; modern and stylish; scratch-resistant; affordable; difficult to resize.
• Silver: Affordable precious metal option; widely available in various styles; soft metal that may require more maintenance; not as durable as other metals; can tarnish over time.
• Tungsten: Scratch-resistant, durable, and affordable; heavy; lustrous; difficult to resize; brittle.
• Palladium: Naturally white metal; similar to platinum in appearance and strength but more affordable; less dense and rare; shows scratches; difficult to resize.

Pick a stone shape

Picking the right stone shape for your wedding band is an important step in the process of finding a matching wedding band. The shape of the stone will determine how well your wedding band complements your engagement ring. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect stone shape:

• Round cut stones are a classic and timeless choice that offers incredible sparkle due to their many facets. They also fit into almost any setting, providing amazing versatility. Round-cut stones complement all other shapes and can be easily paired with any band shape.
• Oval-cut stones are a trendy choice that provides a similar sparkle to round cuts but with an elongated shape. They tend to appear larger and are a great option for those who want a classic yet modern look. A curved wedding band can enhance the trendy vibe of an oval-cut diamond.
• Cushion-cut stones offer a highly faceted, blingy sparkle and are incredibly versatile. They can be set as a solitaire or halo for a modern look or in a vintage floral or luna halo setting for a vintage vibe.
• Pear-cut stones are unique and create an asymmetrical, teardrop shape. They help elongate the finger, making them a good choice for brides with smaller hands. Pear-cut stones combine a round brilliant cut with a marquise cut, resulting in a gorgeous blend of uniqueness and luster.
• Emerald-cut stones are a bold choice that exudes sophistication and glamour. They have a blocky yet smooth shape with defined edges, making a seamless and composed statement. Emerald-cut stones pair well with wedding bands featuring round or other fancy-shaped diamonds to enhance their brilliance.
• Marquise-cut stones have a curving, oblong shape that is distinctive and flattering. To highlight their silhouette, consider pairing them with an open band or ring jacket. A simple straight band with small diamonds or gemstones that mirror the marquise stone can also be a beautiful choice.

Remember, the stone shape you choose should ultimately be based on your personal preferences and style. Don't be afraid to mix and match different shapes and cuts to create a unique and customised look that reflects your personality.

Select a stone colour

Selecting the colour of the stone for your wedding band is an important decision. The colour of the stone can add a pop of colour to your ring pile while also maintaining a stunningly cohesive look.

Traditionally, wedding bands are made using the same type of metal as the engagement ring, but there is no rule that says the metals have to match. If you like wearing both gold and silver jewellery, you can pair the two metals together to create a unique set.

If you want to be adventurous, you can opt for different shades of the same colour, such as pairing an aquamarine with a blue sapphire. This will create a cohesive look while adding a bit of intrigue to your ring stack.

You can also opt for complementary colours. For example, pairing a ruby with an emerald or aquamarine. This will add different pops of colour to your ring set while maintaining a harmonious appearance.

If you have a diamond engagement ring, you can pair it with any gemstone colour. Diamonds are uncommon, and their meanings date back thousands of years. They are believed to symbolise pure love and the vein of love that runs directly to the heart.

When selecting the stone colour for your wedding band, consider the symbolism and energy you want to bring into your marriage. For example, rubies symbolise passionate love, while emeralds represent a happy and successful marriage.

Ultimately, the pairing of your engagement ring and wedding band should be based on what is most aesthetically pleasing to you.

Opt for a complementary or matching set

Opting for a complementary or matching set is a great way to symbolise your dedication to your partner. Increasingly, couples are choosing matching wedding bands to represent their unity.

You can choose a set that includes an engagement ring and matching wedding bands for both partners, or you can select a bridal set, which does not include the groom's ring. You can also opt for a complementary set, which matches your engagement ring to your wedding band.

Matching sets can be customised to your preferences, with options for unique designs, and a range of materials, including 14K, 18K white gold, yellow gold, two-tone gold, platinum, palladium, titanium, and tungsten. You can also choose to have your wedding bands engraved, for an extra personal touch.

If you're looking for a complementary or matching set, you can use a matched set visualiser to discover which wedding band pairs best with your engagement ring.

Frequently asked questions