Wedding Band Style Guide

Wedding bands are a symbol of love and devotion within a relationship. They come in various styles, colours, and shapes, allowing couples to select bands that reflect their unique love stories. A wedding band is usually exchanged at the wedding ceremony and worn on the ring finger of the left hand. While men's and women's wedding bands differ in appearance, they are usually designed with a plain or simple band.

Wedding bands are traditionally made of metals such as platinum, gold, or tungsten, and may be embellished with diamonds or other gemstones. The width of the band is an important consideration, with men typically preferring a wedding band between 4mm to 7mm, and women opting for skinnier, daintier bands. The finish of the band can also be customised, ranging from a textured look to a satin or high polish.

Wedding bands for men

Styles

Men's wedding bands can be categorised into four main styles: classic, curved or domed, diamond-accented, and gemstone-accented. Classic wedding bands are typically all-metal with a smooth or slightly textured finish. Curved or domed bands are designed with comfort in mind, featuring rounded edges that make it easier to take the ring on and off. Diamond-accented and gemstone-accented bands add a touch of sparkle or a pop of colour to make a statement.

Metals

The most popular metal choices for men's wedding bands include platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, titanium, meteorite, tantalum, tungsten, and cobalt. Platinum is known for its durability, hypoallergenic properties, and silvery-white colour. White gold has a bright white finish due to rhodium plating, while yellow gold has a subtle warm glow, and rose gold creates a unique vintage effect. Titanium is a lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant metal with a silver colour. Meteorite, a unique and extraordinary option, features markings and patterns inspired by its extraterrestrial origin. Tantalum, a rare and dense metal, provides a hardy alternative to gold. Tungsten is an incredibly strong and scratch-resistant metal with a contemporary look. Cobalt has a white colour similar to platinum or white gold and is also hypoallergenic.

Widths

The average width for a men's wedding band is around 6mm, but the choice of width depends on personal preference and hand size. Wider bands tend to be more suitable for larger hands, while thinner bands complement slimmer fingers. It is recommended to try on different widths to determine what feels most comfortable.

Finishes

The finish of a wedding band refers to its texture and decoration. Popular finishes include polished, brushed, satin, hammered, and engraved. Polished rings have a classic, shiny, mirror-like appearance that showcases the metallic lustre. Brushed and satin finishes create a matte look, with brushed finishes characterised by subtle "brush strokes". Hammered rings feature soft indentations created by striking the metal with a hammer, resulting in a rugged, textured finish. Engraved rings can be customised with various decorative styles, motifs, or personal touches such as initials or meaningful dates.

Wedding bands for women

Classic Wedding Bands

Simple and elegant, classic wedding bands are typically made of plain gold or platinum. They are a timeless choice that symbolises eternal love and commitment. Platinum is the most popular option in this style, known for its shine and the beautiful patina it develops over time. For those who want a more durable option, 18 karat or 14 karat gold is recommended over 24 karat gold, which is more prone to scratches.

Diamond Wedding Bands

For brides who want their wedding bands to sparkle, diamond wedding bands are a breathtaking option. These can be in the form of eternity bands, which feature diamonds around the entire ring, or pavé bands, which have diamonds encrusted on part of the band. Diamond wedding bands can be paired with engagement rings that have similar pavé bands or cushion-cut solitaire rings with a pavé halo setting.

Gemstone Wedding Bands

For a flamboyant and colourful option, gemstone wedding bands are a great choice. Rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are some of the popular gemstones used. These bands can be designed as stackable bands or set in metals like palladium or platinum. Princess, marquise, and pear-cut engagement rings go well with gemstone wedding bands, providing a balanced combination of understated elegance.

Unique Wedding Bands

For brides who want to make a statement, unique wedding bands offer a range of styles. These include custom-made designs, brushed metal, or two-toned bands. Playing with different shapes like trapezoids, hexagons, or trillions can also add a unique touch. Engraving or etching can further personalise the band. Distinctive gemstones, such as white topaz set in yellow gold or rose-cut diamonds in hexagonal bands, are also eye-catching choices.

Vintage Wedding Bands

Vintage wedding bands evoke romance and craftsmanship from past eras. Art deco-style bands, Victorian-inspired designs, and rings from the art nouveau and Edwardian periods are all unique choices. Placing distinct diamonds in eternity bands or opting for a ruby set in rose gold are some ways to achieve this timeless look.

When choosing a wedding band, it is important to consider factors such as style, personality, comfort, and durability. The shape of the fingers and complexion can also play a role in finding the perfect band. With a variety of designs, metals, and gems available, there is sure to be a wedding band that meets every bride's needs and preferences.

The history of wedding bands

During the Byzantine Empire, wedding rings began to be personalised with engravings of the betrothed couple, sometimes depicted with Jesus or a cross between them to symbolise a blessing on their union. The use of metal rings also became more common during this time, with iron being the primary metal used, and gold and silver rings being given only on rare occasions by the extremely wealthy.

In the Middle Ages, Christian marriage ceremonies adopted the wedding ring tradition, often using heavily engraved rings. However, the Church denounced these rings as overly lavish, leading to the adoption of simpler styles, including plain wedding bands. During this period, the fede ring, featuring engravings of two clasped hands, became popular. The name "fede" comes from the Italian phrase "mani in fede", meaning "hands clasped in faith".

In the 16th century, gimmel rings, composed of multiple interlocking hoops that could be separated into individual rings, became popular in Europe. Each member of the betrothed couple would wear one of the hoops during the engagement period, and then the hoops would be rejoined and placed on the bride's finger during the wedding ceremony.

During the Renaissance, poesy or posy rings, featuring short engraved excerpts from poems or scripture, became popular. These rings evolved from ornate designs with outward-facing inscriptions to simpler designs with inward-facing inscriptions, reflecting changing attitudes towards marriage as a more personal union rather than a legal agreement.

In the 17th century, fede and claddagh rings, which feature clasped hands, a heart, and a crown, became a popular type of wedding ring in Ireland, and they continue to be a symbol of Celtic heritage.

In more recent times, the use of wedding bands for men became more common during World War II, as soldiers heading off to battle wanted a reminder of their wives waiting for them at home. Today, wedding bands can vary from simple circles to complex, jewel-adorned bands, and couples have more freedom to choose styles that suit their individual preferences.

Wedding band styles

Wedding bands are a huge symbol of love and devotion within a relationship. They come in various styles, colours, and shapes to suit the essence of modern-day nuptials. Couples have the freedom to purchase wedding bands that fit their unique love stories, and the choices are truly endless when it comes to finding a style that's memorable and long-lasting. Here are some of the most popular wedding band styles:

Classic Metal Bands

Classic metal wedding bands typically feature no gemstones and are usually crafted from platinum, titanium, stainless steel, or 18K/14K white, yellow, or rose gold. Platinum is the most popular choice for this style. Metal bands are perfect for the super-active bride who doesn't want to take off her wedding band and doesn't want to worry about diamond or prong damage. They can be worn with any style of engagement ring or as a piece to layer with other bands.

Pavé Bands

Pavé wedding bands are diamond and gemstone-encrusted rings with a bit of pizzazz and flair. Brides can find a piece that sparkles and shines, including styles that perfectly match the stones of their engagement rings. Pavé bands are ideal for brides who like the sparkle of a diamond band without the look of high-set prongs. They match well with engagement rings that have a pavé band or a cushion cut solitaire ring with a pavé halo setting.

Eternity Bands

An eternity band is a ring with diamonds and gemstones around the entire perimeter of the band. Within this category, there are two common styles: shared prong and channel settings. In a shared prong eternity band, two adjacent stones share a prong, forming a "u" shape from the side. In contrast, a channel-set eternity band features diamonds laid side by side within a metal channel for a more encrusted look. Eternity bands can be a statement-making piece on their own and are perfect for brides who want to wear their wedding band alone without their engagement ring.

Anniversary Bands

Anniversary bands are similar to eternity bands, featuring clusters of diamonds along the perimeter of the ring but only going halfway around the band instead of the entire edge. They are meant to celebrate a couple's wedding anniversary, especially milestones like 10, 15, or 20 years. Anniversary bands can match with any type of engagement ring, creating a cohesive feel. They are ideal for brides who like the timeless look of an eternity band but don't want the bulkiness of having diamonds between their fingers.

Men's Wedding Bands

Men's wedding bands have also evolved, offering more options beyond the simple gold band. Width is an important consideration when choosing a men's wedding band. Thicker bands tend to be more comfortable for men with larger hands, while thinner bands work well for those with smaller hands and thinner fingers. Various metals are available, including platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and stainless steel. Different finishes are also available, such as high polish, matte, satin, brush/cross satin, and sandblasting. Adding details like diamonds, milgrain, or carving can further enhance the design.

How to wear a wedding band

Wedding bands are a huge symbol of love and devotion within a relationship. They are traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand.

On the wedding day, the bride should move her engagement ring to her right hand so that the wedding band can be placed on the appropriate ring finger during the ceremony. After the ceremony, the engagement ring can be moved back to the left hand, with the wedding band closest to the heart.

There are no rules when it comes to choosing, designing, or wearing wedding bands. It is becoming more common for couples to purchase their own wedding bands, but this is a personal choice.

When selecting a metal, consider your lifestyle and the other pieces of jewellery you often wear. Most brides choose the same metal used in their engagement rings for their wedding bands. If you work with your hands, consider a stronger metal such as tungsten or platinum.

The width of your band is another important choice. Men typically prefer a wedding band between 4mm to 7mm, and women's preferences vary, with younger generations opting for skinnier, daintier bands. Most brides will opt to match the width of their wedding bands to that of their engagement rings, with the most common widths ranging from 2mm to 4mm.

Adding stones and gems, such as diamonds, sapphires, or rubies, is a way to make your wedding band unique. Pavé and channel styles add lots of sparkle and flair, but this decision is a personal choice and can increase the cost.

A finish can also set the accessory apart and help your ring stand out. Whether you prefer a more textured look found in stone, brush, matte, hammered, or sandblast, or a satin or high polish, a finish is a final touch that will make your band your own.

Frequently asked questions