Colored Wedding Bands: The New Trend

Coloured wedding bands are a unique twist on traditional wedding rings. Couples are increasingly choosing to express their personal style through their wedding bands, and coloured gemstones are a great way to do this. From rubies to sapphires, emeralds, and even dinosaur bone, there are endless ways to make a statement with your wedding band. While platinum and white gold are the most popular choices for wedding bands, coloured gemstones are becoming an increasingly popular way to add a creative and sophisticated touch to your ring.

Coloured gemstones

There are many different types of coloured gemstones to choose from, each with its own unique appeal. For example, sapphires come in a variety of shades, from teal to lilac, yellow, and pink. Emeralds are a popular choice, with their rich green colour, and rubies offer a vibrant red option. Diamonds, too, are not just limited to the traditional clear stone; they can also be found in colours such as yellow, purple, pink, and even black.

Coloured gemstone wedding bands offer a wide range of options to suit different tastes and styles, allowing you to create a ring that truly represents your personality and story.

Metals and their properties

Metals play a crucial role in crafting exquisite wedding bands, offering durability, lustre, and unique properties that cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles. Here is an overview of commonly used metals and their distinct characteristics:

Platinum

Platinum, a precious silvery-white metal, has gained immense popularity in the jewellery industry. Known for its durability, platinum is ideal for those working with their hands daily as it is the most durable metal available. Its density and heft make it highly durable, ensuring it doesn't wear thin over time. Additionally, platinum is hypoallergenic, eliminating concerns about allergic reactions. While it is one of the most expensive metals due to its rarity and density, its longevity justifies the investment.

Palladium

Palladium, a white metal, shares similarities with platinum in terms of strength and lustre but is more affordable. It is a lightweight alternative to platinum due to its low density and is also hypoallergenic. However, resizing palladium rings can be challenging, and they may show scratches over time.

Gold

Gold, a timeless choice for wedding bands, comes in various colours, including yellow, white, and rose gold. Yellow gold is crafted by mixing pure gold with zinc and copper, resulting in a classic yellow hue that remains true over time. White gold is created by combining pure gold with white metals like palladium and silver, achieving a silver colour. However, white gold tends to yellow over time and requires rhodium plating every few years to maintain its bright colour. Rose gold, a delicate blend of gold, copper, and silver alloys, intensifies its coppery hue over time. Gold is a durable metal, but it is less durable than platinum.

Titanium

Titanium, a lustrous grey metal, is known for its exceptional durability and lightweight nature. It is stronger than gold or platinum and is highly scratch-resistant. Titanium rings are comfortable to wear and require minimal upkeep. However, resizing titanium rings can be challenging due to the metal's hardness.

Tungsten

Tungsten, a dark grey glossy metal, offers a contemporary look and is often reasonably priced. Wedding bands made of tungsten are crafted from tungsten carbide, which is easier to work with and retains its glossy appearance exceptionally well. While tungsten is dense and extremely durable, it is a heavy metal that cannot be resized. Additionally, tungsten rings are challenging to cut off during emergencies and cannot be repaired if broken or cracked.

Cobalt

Cobalt, a hypoallergenic and contemporary metal, boasts a white colour similar to platinum. It is scratch-resistant and highly durable, ensuring it maintains its lustre. Cobalt is also less dense than other metals, allowing for greater height and shape in ring designs. However, resizing cobalt rings is not possible due to their extreme hardness.

Silver

Silver, one of the most abundant precious metals, is commonly used in jewellery. Sterling silver, an alloy containing a minimum of 92.5% silver and typically mixed with copper, is used to craft silver rings. Silver is the least expensive of the three "white metals" (silver, platinum, and palladium). While silver is a soft metal that requires alloying to improve its hardness, it offers a luxe look at a lower price. However, silver rings require regular polishing to prevent tarnishing and can be prone to scratches.

Matching bands

Matching wedding bands are a popular choice for couples, symbolising their commitment to each other and their shared future. While some couples opt for identical bands, others prefer to add a unique twist, such as incorporating different colours or metals.

There are endless options for couples who want to add a splash of colour to their matching wedding bands. For instance, coloured gemstones can be added to the band, such as diamonds, rubies or sapphires. Alternatively, you could consider engraving your wedding vows around the band in a chosen typeface. For motorbike enthusiasts, a unique tyre tread pattern can be engraved onto the band, with black zirconium being a popular choice for this style.

For those who want to stick to a traditional metal band, there are still ways to personalise and match your rings. You could add a decorative pattern, such as a hand-engraved leaf design, or opt for a ring with a polished or matte finish. If you want to include a unique pattern or material, wood or meteorite inlay can be added to the band.

When choosing matching wedding bands, it's important to consider your lifestyle, personal tastes, and skin tone. For those with cool skin tones, lighter-coloured metals such as platinum, white gold and silver tend to be the most flattering. On the other hand, warm skin tones pair well with warmer metals like yellow gold and rose gold. Ultimately, the choice of metal and colour is a personal preference, and there are no rules when it comes to finding the perfect matching wedding band.

Width and fit

When it comes to coloured wedding bands, there are a few things to consider regarding width and fit. Firstly, it's important to understand that there is no standard or average width for wedding bands. The width you choose will depend on your personal preference, comfort, and the size and shape of your finger.

For those with smaller or more slender fingers, a thinner band might be more suitable, while those with larger, more robust fingers may prefer a wider band. Wider bands, typically ranging from 6mm to 8mm, give a bolder look and can feel more substantial on your finger. On the other hand, narrower bands, usually between 2mm and 4mm, are generally lightweight and feel less obtrusive.

When choosing the width of your wedding band, it's crucial to consider your comfort and personal style. You want to ensure the ring is comfortable to wear daily and allows for a full range of motion in your hand. Additionally, if you plan to wear multiple rings together, such as your engagement ring and wedding band, selecting similar widths can create a harmonious pairing.

The width of your wedding band can also impact the cost. Thinner bands typically use less metal and are, therefore, more affordable, while wider bands require more metal and tend to be more expensive.

It's worth noting that the width of your wedding band can affect the type of design or setting you choose. Thinner to medium-width bands can accommodate various design features and settings, while wider bands tend to be more minimalist due to the limited space available for intricate details.

When selecting your coloured wedding band, consider trying on different widths to determine what feels most comfortable and visually appealing to you. Remember that your happiness with the ring is the most important factor, so take your time and choose a width that suits your style, comfort, and lifestyle.

Finish

The finish of a wedding band describes its texture and appearance. A polished finish is a classic look for wedding bands, with a ring that has a gloss and shine. A high polish finish adds extra gleam to the ring. Textured finishes add extra dimension to the ring, such as hammered, scratched, or sandpaper finishes. Matte finishes feature little to no shine and are perfect for those who don't want a ring that is too flashy.

A polished finish is a popular choice for wedding bands, giving the ring a glossy and shiny appearance. This finish is achieved by buffing the metal to a smooth surface and then polishing it to a high shine. The result is a sleek and elegant look that reflects light and adds a touch of sparkle to the ring. A polished finish is often chosen for its ability to showcase the beauty of the metal and enhance the brilliance of any gemstones or diamonds that may be set in the band.

A matte finish, on the other hand, offers a more subtle and understated look. This finish is achieved by brushing or sanding the metal to create a soft, diffused surface that reduces light reflection. Matte finishes are popular among those who prefer a more contemporary or minimalist style. They are also a good option for those who want their wedding band to be less noticeable or who work with their hands a lot, as the finish can help hide scratches and scuffs over time.

Hammered finishes are created by using a jeweller's hammer to create a textured surface with small indentations. This finish adds a unique, handcrafted look to the ring and can be a good choice for those who want something a little different from the traditional polished finish. Hammered finishes can range from subtle to more pronounced, depending on the intensity of the hammering.

Other finishes include the brushed finish, which is achieved by brushing the metal with a soft brush to create a soft, satin-like texture. This finish is often chosen for its ability to hide scratches and maintain a sleek appearance over time. Sandpaper finishes are created by using fine-grit sandpaper to create a slightly textured surface, resulting in a subtle matte look. This finish is also good for hiding scratches and maintaining a consistent appearance.

Frequently asked questions