Wedding Band Sets: Where To Buy

There are many options for purchasing wedding band sets, both online and in-store. Some couples choose to purchase their wedding bands from the same retailer as their engagement ring(s). Online retailers such as Blue Nile, Grown Brilliance, Tiffany & Co., Brilliant Earth, Catbird, Ritani, and Etsy offer a range of styles, from classic to modern designs, at various price points. For those who prefer an in-store experience, Beaverbrooks in the UK and Zales in the US offer a range of wedding band sets to choose from, with experts on hand to help you find the perfect ring.

Online retailers with virtual try-ons

There are a number of online retailers that offer virtual try-ons for wedding band sets. Here are some options:

Brilliant Earth

Brilliant Earth is an ethical jewellery company that offers a sleek and convenient virtual try-on tool. To use this tool, you simply take a picture of your hand, upload it to their site, and start trying on different designs. You can even save your favourite options and share them with friends. Brilliant Earth offers a variety of ring options to test out, including cushion cut, marquise, and halo styles. They also offer virtual appointments for deeper diamond education and personalized advice. Brilliant Earth provides free shipping and returns on all US, Canadian, UK, and Australian orders.

James Allen

James Allen is one of the largest privately-owned online jewellery retailers in the world. They offer a virtual try-on tool that allows you to design your dream engagement ring and try it on using your smartphone. You can scan a QR code, take a picture of your hand, and then try on your design. You can also make tweaks or pair your ring with different bands for ultimate customization. James Allen offers 24/7 customer service and free worldwide shipping.

Jared

Jared is a mega-jeweler that offers a virtual try-on option for engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, and more. This is especially helpful for online-only styles that you can't try on in-store. With Jared, you can virtually test out different pieces of jewelry for your big day.

Shane Co.

Shane Co. offers a virtual try-on tool that is available via your phone. As you design your engagement ring, you can see your decisions come together in real time via the 'Virtual Try-On' feature and make adjustments as needed. They also offer a jewelry finder tool where you can upload designs you like, and they will find something similar in their inventory.

Jean Dousset

Jean Dousset, the great-great-grandson of Louis Cartier, allows you to watch your dream engagement ring come to life as it’s drawn in a “gouache” style. As you select precious metals, carats, prongs, and more, the ring takes shape before your eyes. After you’ve made most of your selections, a mock-up of your choices appears on a hand so you can see your creation as it would look in real life.

Soha Diamond Co.

Soha Diamond Co. offers a virtual ring try-on tool that allows you to see different carat sizes, cuts, and styles come to life on a hand. This can help you get educated about what you like and don't like before designing a custom ring or looking for an existing piece.

High-street stores

Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. is an iconic jewellery store known for its timeless and classic designs. They offer a nice mix of diamond and metal options, as well as helpful wedding band sets that make it easy to find a matching pair. Their website is also a great option for those who don't live near a physical store.

Zales

Zales is a well-known jewellery store that caters to a variety of budgets. They offer plain gold bands starting at $79, as well as custom design options. They also carry the Vera Wang Love collection, which is the designer's bridal jewellery line.

Helzberg

Helzberg Diamonds offers a wide range of wedding bands, from classic diamond or shimmering gold to unique gemstones. They also carry lab-grown bands, which are nearly identical to naturally grown diamonds. You can find a style and metal that suits your taste, with options like platinum, titanium, and rose gold.

Modern Gents

Modern Gents offers beautiful and affordable wedding ring sets, including both an engagement ring and a wedding band. Their bridal sets are made of premium 925 sterling silver with micron plating in rhodium or rose gold for extra shine and durability. They also offer ethical and responsibly sourced jewellery, with human-made stones that provide the same flash and beauty as traditional diamonds at a more affordable price.

F.Hinds Jewellers

F.Hinds is a UK-based jeweller with over 160 years of expertise. They offer a wide range of wedding bands in various metals, including zirconium, silver, 9ct gold, 18ct gold, platinum, and palladium. In addition to plain wedding rings, they also have diamond-set and patterned wedding rings. You can design your own wedding ring or choose from their Bridal Suite collection, which features perfectly matched engagement and wedding rings.

These are just a few examples of high-street stores where you can find wedding band sets. It's always a good idea to visit a few different stores to compare styles, prices, and quality before making your final decision.

Diamond vs non-diamond sets

When it comes to choosing a wedding band, there are many options to consider. Diamonds have long been the traditional choice, but non-diamond wedding bands are becoming increasingly popular. Here is a comparison between diamond and non-diamond wedding band sets to help you decide which option is best for you:

Diamond Wedding Band Sets

Diamond wedding bands offer a subtle sparkle that can complement your engagement ring. They are a great choice if you want your wedding band to stand out, even when worn without your engagement ring. Diamond wedding bands also offer more style options than plain bands, including various diamond cuts and settings such as channel set, micro-grain, claw set, and pavé set. Additionally, a diamond wedding band can incorporate the meaning of an eternity ring if that is not in the foreseeable future.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Choosing a diamond band with too much sparkle might take away attention from your engagement ring. If you plan on getting an eternity ring in the future, two diamond bands might not work well together, especially if they are not the same style or design. Diamond wedding bands also require more maintenance, as smaller set diamonds can attract residue buildup and need regular cleaning to prevent loosening or losing stones. Lastly, diamond wedding bands are more expensive than plain bands.

Non-Diamond Wedding Band Sets

Non-diamond wedding bands, often made of plain metal, are a simple and elegant choice. They allow your engagement ring to be the centre of attention and are a good option if your job requires you not to wear diamonds. Plain bands are also more practical for everyday wear, especially if you work with your hands, and they require less maintenance. Additionally, non-diamond wedding bands tend to be more affordable than diamond bands.

However, there are a few things to consider. A plain band might not have the same desired effect as a sparkling diamond band when worn without your engagement ring. Plain bands may also appear to get worn out quicker, as more metal is showing compared to a diamond band. Additionally, thicker plain bands might look chunky when paired with your engagement ring. Lastly, plain bands have fewer design options compared to diamond bands.

Both diamond and non-diamond wedding band sets have their advantages and disadvantages. Diamond wedding bands offer more sparkle and style options but can be more expensive and require more maintenance. Non-diamond wedding bands, on the other hand, offer a simpler and more affordable option but may have fewer design choices. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preference, budget, and lifestyle.

Matching vs non-matching sets

Matching wedding band sets are a great way to symbolise your love and the unique connection and journey you and your partner are embarking on together. They serve as a constant reminder of your shared commitment. The act of selecting matching wedding bands also becomes a shared experience, adding an extra layer of significance to these meaningful pieces of jewellery.

Matching sets can be a perfect way to express your individual personalities and styles while still matching perfectly. For example, you could opt for a set that incorporates unconventional elements, such as exotic wood, dinosaur bone, or meteorite, or you could choose a set that features more classic materials like gold, silver, or platinum.

However, some couples may prefer to forgo the matching set and opt for non-matching wedding bands instead. This could be because they want to mix and match metals for a unique look, or because they want to incorporate a colourful gemstone band. For instance, a bride with a classic engagement ring may desire a more statement-making look, while a couple may want to express their foundational values and outlook on life through their choice of wedding bands. For instance, they may want to ensure their wedding ring set is ethically sourced and made, avoiding "conflict minerals" or "blood diamonds".

Ultimately, the decision to choose matching or non-matching wedding band sets is a personal one and should be based on what feels right for the couple. Whether you opt for matching or non-matching sets, the most important thing is that the wedding bands symbolise your relationship and commitment to one another.

Ethical sourcing

When it comes to wedding bands, it's important to consider the ethical implications of your purchase. The jewellery industry has long been associated with shady practices, including corruption, extreme working conditions, and human rights abuses. To ensure that your wedding bands are ethically sourced, there are several factors to keep in mind.

First and foremost, it's essential to look for specific certifications that indicate ethical sourcing, such as Fairtrade Gold, Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), or the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) seal. These certifications ensure that the ring has been responsibly made, with fair wages and ethical mining practices. Additionally, choosing traceable diamonds or gemstones can provide transparency and assurance that your jewellery is conflict-free. Look for brands that are open about their sourcing practices and can provide details on conflict-free zones and adherence to ethical mining standards.

Recycled metals are also a more ethical option for wedding bands. By using recycled gold, platinum, or silver, you reduce the environmental impact of mining and give new life to existing metals. Fairtrade Gold is another excellent choice, as it supports fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally friendly mining practices.

Lab-grown diamonds are an environmentally friendly alternative to natural diamonds, offering the same shape, size, colour, and clarity grades. They are created in controlled environments, making them more affordable and reducing the water consumption associated with mined diamonds. Opting for lab-grown diamonds ensures your wedding bands are both ethical and sustainable.

Several jewellery brands are known for their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Here are some reputable options to consider:

• Valley Rose: They offer a range of ethical wedding bands, including lab diamond, sapphire, and gold bands. Valley Rose uses certified Fairmined gold and ethically sourced gemstones, ensuring full traceability and low environmental impact.
• Brilliant Earth: With a focus on creating a more ethical luxury jewellery industry, Brilliant Earth offers Beyond Conflict-Free™ diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and ethical engagement rings. Their suppliers adhere to a robust chain of custody protocol, and their diamonds are sourced from operators following international standards.
• Aurate New York: Based in New York, they create beautiful pieces using recycled gold and high-grade pearls. Their materials are sustainably sourced, and they offer an in-home try-on programme.
• Catbird: This Brooklyn-based brand creates ethical wedding bands using conflict-free recycled diamonds and gold. They collaborate with various designers to bring unique and timeless pieces to their collection.
• Bario Neal: Carrying an array of gender-neutral styles, Bario Neal uses recycled metals and responsibly sourced, traceable gemstones. They collaborate with small-scale miners and fair-trade gemstone suppliers to ensure ethical and sustainable sourcing.
• Do Amore: This brand offers simple, modern, and vintage wedding band options made with recycled precious metals and ethically sourced stones. They also provide information about the water projects your purchase helps fund, including GPS coordinates and photos.
• Plum Diamonds: A female-led company that offers customizable wedding bands made with lab-grown diamonds and recycled gold or platinum. Their diamonds are rated highly for quality, clarity, and colour.
• Clean Origin: An ethical jewellery brand that exclusively uses recycled metals and lab-created diamonds for their conflict-free wedding bands. They carry a wide range of ethical wedding rings for both women and men.
• Vrai: Known for their minimalist aesthetic, Vrai creates ethical wedding bands with lab-created diamonds, producing pieces with zero carbon emissions during production.
• Taylor & Hart: Based in the UK, Taylor & Hart crafts ethical wedding bands using precious metals such as platinum and gold. They are certified by the Kimberley Process and use Fairtrade, recycled, or lab-grown diamonds.

By choosing wedding bands from these or other reputable ethical jewellery brands, you can be confident that your special day is celebrated with rings that reflect a commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and respect for people and the planet.

Frequently asked questions