Women's Wedding Bands: Style Guide

Wedding bands are a symbol of a couple's commitment to each other, and choosing the right one is an important part of wedding planning. While engagement rings often take centre stage, wedding bands are equally significant and are usually worn every day, so it's important to choose a ring that suits your personal style and is comfortable.

There are many different types of wedding bands to choose from, from classic metal bands to more intricate, diamond-encrusted designs. Metal bands are a popular choice as they can be paired with any style of engagement ring and layered with other bands. Platinum is the most popular metal, but other options include titanium, stainless steel, and 18 or 14-carat gold in white, yellow, or rose hues.

For those who want something with a bit more sparkle, pavé bands feature encrusted diamonds or gemstones, and can be matched with the stones of an engagement ring. Eternity bands feature diamonds or gemstones around the entire perimeter of the band, while anniversary bands feature clusters of stones along half of the band's perimeter and are often given to celebrate a wedding anniversary.

Other factors to consider when choosing a wedding band include size and fit, budget, and whether you want matching bands or individual styles.

Platinum, gold, white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold are popular metals for wedding bands

Platinum is a durable metal that is naturally white in colour. It is denser and heavier than gold, and it develops a patina finish over time, giving it a vintage look. Platinum is also hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for individuals with metal allergies. However, it is more expensive than gold.

Gold is a traditional choice for wedding bands and has been used for millennia. Yellow gold is the most popular type of gold and derives its warm colour from the mixing of pure gold with silver and copper. White gold, on the other hand, has a silvery-white colour due to the presence of metals like nickel, silver, and palladium. Rose gold is a newer favourite, with a romantic pink hue resulting from the addition of copper to pure gold. Gold bands are generally less expensive than platinum, but they are softer and more prone to scratching.

When choosing between different types of gold, consider factors such as purity, durability, and skin tone. 14k gold, containing 58.3% pure gold, is more durable and scratch-resistant than 18k gold, which has a higher gold content of 75%. Additionally, the warmth of yellow gold complements olive and darker skin tones, while the cool tones of white gold suit fair and rosy skin tones. Rose gold is versatile and complements all skin tones.

In conclusion, when selecting a wedding band, it is essential to consider factors such as durability, maintenance, skin tone, and budget. Platinum and gold bands, in their various forms, offer a range of options to suit different tastes and lifestyles.

Wedding bands can be simple or encrusted with diamonds or gemstones

On the other hand, wedding bands with diamonds or gemstones add a touch of sparkle and boldness to a ring stack. Diamonds and gemstones come in a variety of cuts and colours, allowing for unique styles with handcrafted details and accents. For instance, a bride could opt for a thread-thin, diamond-encrusted ring that hugs her engagement ring, or a bold, colourful gemstone band.

The average cost of a woman's wedding band is around $1,000

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider a simple metal band in white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold. White gold has a silver tone with a hint of white and suits women of all ages. Yellow gold is a timeless choice that pairs well with any outfit, while rose gold offers a contemporary appeal with its reddish tones. These bands typically range from $180 to $2,000 or more, depending on the karat and durability of the gold.

For a more sophisticated and durable option, platinum is a good choice. Platinum has a higher purity and a cooler tone than other metals, but it also comes with a higher price tag. Platinum bands are more scratch-resistant than white gold and develop a patina finish over time, making them a good choice for those with active lifestyles.

If you want to add some sparkle to your wedding band, consider a diamond or gemstone-encrusted band. These can range from a simple solitaire design to more intricate eternity bands or channel-set diamonds. The number, size, and quality of the stones will also affect the overall price.

When creating your wedding band budget, keep in mind that the cost of the band is just one part of your overall wedding expenses. It's important to allocate your budget wisely and decide how much you're comfortable spending on the ring. Remember, the most important thing is to choose a ring that represents your love and commitment, regardless of the price tag.

Wedding bands can be purchased as a set with an engagement ring

There are several styles of wedding ring sets to choose from, each with its unique features and symbolism. Here are some popular styles:

• Solitaire: This style features a single diamond or precious stone on a simple band, perfect for those who prefer a minimalist look.
• Halo: A halo setting has a centre diamond or gemstone surrounded by smaller diamonds, creating a dazzling effect that makes the centre stone appear larger.
• Vintage: Vintage wedding ring sets have intricate details such as filigree, milgrain, or engraving, perfect for those who appreciate a romantic, bygone era.
• Three-stone: Symbolising the past, present, and future, this set has three diamonds or stones, with the centre one being larger.
• Channel set: This style features diamonds or stones set in a channel around the band, perfect for a contemporary feel.

When purchasing a wedding ring set, it is important to consider the type of metal and the size and quality of the diamonds or gemstones. The cost of a wedding ring set can vary widely, depending on these factors. On average, couples in the United States spend around $5,500 on their wedding rings.

Additionally, when deciding on a wedding band, it is essential to consider your lifestyle. If you have an active lifestyle, you may want to opt for a more durable metal such as platinum. If you prefer a traditional look, yellow gold is a popular choice, while rose gold is a contemporary alternative. Ultimately, the wedding band should complement your engagement ring and reflect your personal style.

The wedding band is often worn closest to the heart

The wedding band is a piece of jewellery that is often understated when compared to the engagement ring, but it is no less important. In fact, it is the wedding band that is likely to be worn forever and never taken off. It is worth spending time and attention on choosing the right one.

The wedding band is traditionally worn closest to the heart, on the fourth finger of the left hand. This tradition is thought to have originated with the Ancient Egyptians, who believed that a vein, the vena amoris or vein of love, ran from this finger directly to the heart. The Romans adopted this custom, and it has endured, despite modern science proving that all fingers have venous connections to the heart.

The wedding band is often worn stacked with the engagement ring, with the wedding band closest to the heart. Some brides choose to solder the two rings together to form one unified piece of jewellery.

When choosing a wedding band, it is important to consider the metal type, design, and any accent diamonds or gemstones. The band should complement the engagement ring, as traditionally, the two are often worn together. Some brides opt for a classic and traditional band, such as a sleek metal band in platinum or gold, while others may choose something more modern or bespoke. The band can be chosen to match the groom's band, or to complement it.

The wedding band is a symbol of love and commitment, and it is worth investing time and money in choosing the perfect one.

Frequently asked questions