Round Diamonds: Perfectly Paired With Wedding Bands

Round centre stones are a popular choice for engagement rings, and the good news is that any type of band will match them. If you're looking for a wedding band to pair with a round diamond, the options are endless. You can opt for a simple, plain metal band, an eternity wedding band, or a channel-set band. You can also mix metals and shapes to create a modern look. For instance, pairing a round diamond with a princess-cut diamond band will add sparkle to your ring. If you want to create a bold look, consider mixing silhouettes and metal colours.

Metal type: Traditionally, wedding bands match the metal type of the engagement ring, but mixed-metal sets are becoming more popular

Traditionally, wedding bands match the metal type of the engagement ring. However, mixed-metal sets are becoming more popular. While some engagement ring jewelers offer matching wedding bands, many do not, so shopping for a band that suits the style of your existing ring can be challenging.

If you want to stick with tradition, you can choose a wedding band made from the same metal as your engagement ring. This could be yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, palladium, or another metal of your choice. Matching the metal type of your wedding band to your engagement ring can create a timeless and elegant look.

On the other hand, you may want to mix things up by choosing a different metal for your wedding band. This can give your ring set a modern and unique appearance. For example, you could pair a white gold engagement ring with a yellow gold band or mix white, yellow, and rose gold for a stunning combination. Adding a different metal to your ring set can make it stand out and showcase your personality.

When deciding whether to match or mix metals, consider your personal preference and the overall look you want to achieve. There are no rules when it comes to metal pairings, so feel free to be creative and choose what best suits your taste and style.

Flush fit: Decide if you want a flush fit, which sits level with the engagement ring, or a gap between the two rings

When pairing a wedding band with your engagement ring, you may want to consider whether you want a flush fit, which is when the wedding band sits level with the engagement ring with no gap, or a non-flush fit, where there is a gap between the two rings.

A flush fit is a popular choice for those who want a unified look, with the wedding band sitting perfectly on top of or below the engagement ring. To achieve a flush fit, the centre stone of the engagement ring will need to sit entirely on top of the band, making the ring a little taller to accommodate the necessary space below. The setting height is the first key factor to consider when looking for a flush fit ring. High settings occupy more space on the ring and are therefore less likely to offer a flush fit with a wedding band. Low settings are usually better for a flush fit. Flush fit engagement rings usually have straight shanks, as twisted or scalloped designs are harder to stack with a wedding band.

A non-flush fit ring is an engagement ring with a feature that prevents the wedding band from sitting flush against it. This could be a low-basket-setting ring or a design detail like a finger-line halo that extends past the band. A non-flush fit will result in a varying amount of negative space between the two rings, which many people appreciate as it creates a clear distinction between the engagement ring and the wedding band. A non-flush fit can also lend itself to a more era-inspired feel, as engagement rings have historically sat low on the finger. If you want a non-flush engagement ring with the look of a flush fit, you can pair your ring with an open or contoured wedding band, which will sit intentionally around the details of your engagement ring.

There is no "better" option when it comes to flush or non-flush fits; it simply depends on your personal preference and lifestyle.

Wedding band type: Choose a style that reflects your personality and enhances the beauty of your engagement ring

There are endless options to consider when choosing a wedding band to complement your engagement ring. While there is no right or wrong, you can make it a perfect pairing that you can cherish forever. Here are some tips to help you choose a wedding band that reflects your personality and enhances the beauty of your round diamond engagement ring:

Metal Bands

Classic metal wedding bands are usually crafted from platinum, titanium, stainless steel, or 18K/14K gold. Platinum is the most popular choice as it is the shiniest metal and develops a beautiful patina over time. Metal bands are versatile and can be paired with any style of engagement ring. They are also ideal for those who lead an active lifestyle and don't want to worry about damaging their ring.

Pavé Bands

Pavé wedding bands add sparkle and shine to your ring stack. They feature small gemstones that line the band, creating a stunning pathway that guides the eye to the centre stone of your engagement ring. Pavé bands are perfect for those who want the brilliance of diamonds without the look of high-set prongs.

Eternity Bands

Eternity bands are a stunning choice, with diamonds and gemstones adorning the entire perimeter of the band. Within this style, you can choose between shared prong and channel settings. Shared prong eternity bands feature diamonds secured by shared prongs, forming a "U" shape that exposes the stones for maximum sparkle. Channel-set eternity bands, on the other hand, have diamonds laid side by side within a metal channel for a more encrusted appearance. Eternity bands can be designed with various diamond cuts, including round, cushion, or emerald, allowing you to customise the band to complement your engagement ring.

Contoured Bands

If you have a low-set engagement ring and desire a seamless fit with your wedding band, consider a contoured style. These bands are designed to match the curvature of your engagement ring and can be customised to suit your preferences. The front of the band is shaped to follow the contours of your ring, creating an elegant and natural pairing.

Notched Bands

Notched wedding bands are another option for a flush fit with your engagement ring. They are straight until the front, where there is a notch to accommodate the centre stone, giving the ring a puzzle-like appearance.

When choosing your wedding band, don't be afraid to mix metals and shapes. You can combine different metals, such as white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold, for a modern and unique look. Additionally, round-cut stones are extremely versatile and can be paired with any band shape. For a sparkling combination, consider pairing your round diamond with a band featuring small round diamonds or princess-cut diamonds.

Gemstone preference: While diamonds are popular, you could also consider moissanite, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or yellow diamonds

When it comes to gemstones, diamonds are a classic and popular choice. However, there are several other options that can make your ring unique and special. Here are some alternatives to diamonds:

Moissanite

Moissanite is a popular alternative to diamonds due to its durability, brilliance, and affordable price point. Moissanite is known for its fire and brilliance, making it a stunning choice for those who want a stone that sparkles intensely. It is also a more sustainable and ethical option, as it can be created in a lab, reducing the environmental and social impact often associated with diamond mining.

Sapphires

Sapphires are a beautiful and durable gemstone, scoring a 9 on the Mohs scale, making them ideal for everyday wear. They come in a variety of colours, including their signature azure blue, but also white, pink, and almost any other colour you can imagine. Sapphires are rarer than diamonds, and their price reflects this. They are a symbol of knowledge and wisdom and are believed to bring good fortune to a relationship.

Rubies

Rubies are a sought-after gemstone, known for their deep red shade and incredible toughness. They are rarer than diamonds, especially in gem-quality form, and command a higher price per carat. Rubies are said to symbolise protection and have been used as talismans for ancient warriors. They are a unique and intense choice for an engagement ring.

Emeralds

Emeralds are evaluated based on the vibrancy of their green colour and are considered much rarer than diamonds. They are typically more expensive than diamonds of similar quality. Their rich colour and clarity make them a unique and captivating choice for an engagement ring.

Yellow Diamonds

Yellow diamonds are a beautiful alternative to the traditional colourless variety. They get their signature hue from the higher number of nitrogen atoms in their structure. They are rarer than colourless diamonds, and their intense colour makes them stand out. Yellow diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings and can be just as valuable as their colourless counterparts.

Each of these gemstones offers a unique and captivating alternative to a traditional diamond ring. Whether you choose a diamond or one of these stunning gemstones, the perfect ring for you is out there.

Setting technique: There are six primary wedding band settings, including pave, channel, and bezel

When it comes to pairing a round diamond with a wedding band, there are six primary wedding band settings to consider: pave, u-shape, channel, prong basket, bezel, and compass. Each setting highlights your chosen stone(s) in a unique way, and the right setting for you will depend on your personal preference. Here's a detailed description of each setting:

Pave Setting:

A pave setting features stones placed closely together, creating the illusion of a fluid, diamond-covered surface. The word "pave" comes from the French word "pavé", meaning paved road. In this setting, tiny, subtle mini-prongs hold the diamonds very closely together, showcasing maximum sparkle and minimal metal.

U-Shape Setting:

The u-shape setting gently cups the stone, creating a "u"-shaped cutout in the band. Each stone is secured in place with four metal prongs, complimenting the stone's brilliance.

Channel Setting:

Channel set rings feature a flowing line of glittering diamonds or gemstones placed between two strips of metal (usually platinum or gold). The accent stones are side by side with no metal or prongs between them, creating a secure and sleek design.

Prong Basket Setting:

A prong basket setting uses metal prongs to create tiny little baskets that suspend the stones above the metal band. This setting allows for more light to flow through the stones and is easier to maintain and repair.

Bezel Setting:

A bezel setting completely encircles the diamond with the precious metal of your choice, creating a custom metal frame around the stone. This setting is very secure and is recommended for those with an active lifestyle.

Compass Setting:

A compass setting aligns each metal prong surrounding the stone with the cardinal points of a compass (North, South, East, and West). The result is a four-prong hold on the top, bottom, right, and left of the stone.

Frequently asked questions