Diamond Wedding Band: Which Side?

Wedding bands are often a demonstration of form meeting function. The best wedding bands are both beautiful and secure, designed with everyday wear in mind. With diamond wedding bands, you’ll want to consider which styles you find aesthetically pleasing, along with which styles will keep the gems protected. Some settings are more secure than others, so it’s worth doing a bit of research to find the right setting to match your lifestyle.

In Western cultures, wedding rings are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. This tradition can be traced back to the Ancient Romans, who believed this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart. However, wearing the wedding ring on the left hand is not a global tradition. In Russia, Germany, Norway, and India, engagement and wedding rings are worn on the right hand.

Diamond wedding bands for men

Men's diamond wedding bands offer a range of styles and designs to suit different tastes and budgets. Some bands may feature a single diamond as a centerpiece, while others have multiple diamonds in different arrangements. For instance, diamonds can be channel-set, pavé-set, or bezel-set, and may vary in cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Eternity-style bands have diamonds encircling the entire ring, while others may have diamonds set only on the top or sides for a more subtle look.

When choosing a diamond wedding band, it's important to consider the type of metal used, such as platinum, gold, tungsten, or white gold. The band should also be comfortable and have sturdy settings to securely hold the diamonds. Additionally, factors like ring size, maintenance, and cost should be taken into account.

• The Brilliant Earth Avalon Eternity Men's Diamond Wedding Ring features two rows of diamonds encircling the ring at the top and bottom, with a rounded inside edge for comfort.
• The Tiffany & Co. Tiffany True Band Ring with Diamonds is a thin wedding band with beveled edges and diamonds that immediately catch the eye. It can be worn alone or stacked with other rings.
• The Ben Bridge Bella Ponte Gents Diamond Wedding Ring has a modern brushed finish with a subtle splash of sparkle from diamonds set along one side profile.
• The Blue Nile Diamond Brushed Line Wedding Ring is a modern platinum band with a centre row of diamonds circling the entire piece, creating a brilliant sparkle from every angle.
• The Avianne Jewelers White Gold Men's Diamond Wedding Band is an absolute showstopper, with small round diamonds pavé-set throughout the white gold band.

Diamond settings

The tradition of wearing a wedding band on the fourth finger of the left hand can be traced back to the Ancient Romans, who believed that this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart. This vein was called the Vena Amoris, or the 'vein of love'. The heart, being the centre of emotion, was thought to be the best place to wear a symbol of everlasting love.

In some countries, including Russia, Germany, Norway, and India, engagement rings are worn on the right hand. This is derived from the Latin word for 'left', which is 'sinister'. As a result, the left hand was once considered unlucky.

There are many different types of diamond settings, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Here is a list of some of the most popular diamond settings:

Prong Setting

This is the most common and classic ring setting. It involves metal claws (prongs) that hold the diamond in place. The number of prongs can vary, but four and six are the most common. Prongs can be rounded, pointed, flat, or V-shaped. A ring with a smaller number of prongs allows more light to hit the diamond, creating a sparkling effect. Settings with a higher number of prongs tend to be more secure.

Bezel Setting

The diamond is completely encircled by metal in this setting, offering a modern look and added protection for the stone. This is one of the most secure types of settings, making it ideal for those with an active lifestyle. It is also easy to clean and maintain due to the lack of prongs.

Channel Setting

Small diamonds are set between two horizontal metal channels without any prongs in this setting, which is commonly seen in wedding bands.

Tension Setting

The diamond appears to be suspended in mid-air and is held in place by the tension of the metal band.

Solitaire

This style features a single diamond or gemstone. The focus is solely on the stone, and it can be paired with any setting, like a prong or bezel.

Halo

A halo setting surrounds the centre stone with a circle of smaller diamonds, enhancing its size and sparkle.

Three-Stone

This setting features a centre stone flanked by two smaller stones, often symbolising the past, present, and future.

Vintage

Rings inspired by designs from specific historical eras, such as Art Deco or Victorian, often featuring intricate details and craftsmanship.

Pavé Setting

The word pavé comes from the French word "to pave". This setting style involves closely setting small diamonds together with minimal visibility of the tiny metal beads or prongs holding the stones in place, creating a continuous sparkle effect.

Cathedral Setting

The cathedral setting is an elegant and classic engagement ring setting. It uses arches of metal to hold the diamond, similar to the graceful arches of a cathedral. The arches can add height and make the centre stone appear larger.

Flush Setting

Also known as a gypsy setting, this setting involves drilling a hole into the band of the ring and hammering the metal around the diamond to hold it in place. This setting is very secure and is a popular choice for wedding bands, especially men's bands.

Diamond band styles

Pave and Micro-Pave

This setting style features diamonds that are set closely together, held in place by tiny beads or prongs, resulting in a low-profile look that minimises the appearance of metal.

Multi-Row Pave

This style is similar to pave, but instead of a single line of diamonds, it features double, triple, or even six rows of micro pave diamonds on the band. A three-row micro pave band, the most common style, measures around 2.30 mm wide and can go up to 5.00 mm thick.

Shared Prong Basket

This setting uses prongs and a metal bar to hold the diamond in place, allowing for thinner prongs on top and a more structured appearance. It is often used for larger diamond eternity bands but can also accommodate smaller diamond sizes.

U-Shape

This setting type is characterised by the entire profile of the diamond being visible. It pairs well with classic designs, such as solitaires, but can also be created in more delicate versions for added versatility. The prongs holding each stone are typically made larger as they are the only metal holding the stones in place.

Bezel

This setting encases the diamond with a thin rim of metal, resulting in a clean and sturdy appearance. It often incorporates milgrain etching to give it a vintage feel. Round bezel bands can start at 1.75 mm wide and go up to 3.50 mm or more.

Bright-Cut

Bright-cut is a type of pave setting where the diamonds are set with tiny walls surrounded by metal, creating a highly reflective, sparkling surface.

Channel

Channel settings refer to stones fitted into channel walls and held in place by a continuous strip of metal. This classic look adds more metal and bulk to the band. It is commonly used for wedding bands or stackable rings.

Prong Setting

This classic setting uses metal claws (prongs) to hold the diamond in place, with four and six prongs being the most common. It elevates the diamond, making it more prominent, and allows for significant light to pass through, increasing its brilliance.

Bezel Setting

The bezel setting is the second most popular ring setting due to its modern look and suitability for an active lifestyle. It encircles the diamond with a thin metal rim, custom-made to hold the stone securely. It can be full or partial, with the former completely surrounding the diamond and the latter leaving the sides open.

Tension Setting

In this setting, the diamond appears to be suspended in air, held in place by the tension of the metal band. It provides a unique, modern look and enhances light reflection due to minimal surrounding metal.

Solitaire

The solitaire style features a single diamond or gemstone, drawing all attention to the stone. It can be paired with any setting, like prong or bezel, and suits those who prefer simple, timeless beauty.

Halo

The halo setting surrounds the centre stone with a circle of smaller diamonds, enhancing its size and sparkle. It can make a small diamond appear larger and is often paired with pave bands.

Three-Stone

This setting features a centre stone flanked by two smaller stones, symbolising the past, present, and future. It allows for multiple larger stones and can be personalised with coloured side stones.

Vintage

Vintage settings are inspired by designs from specific historical eras, such as Art Deco or Victorian, and often feature intricate details and craftsmanship, including filigree and milgrain engraving.

Diamond band prices

The tradition of wearing diamond rings as a symbol of everlasting love and devotion has been around for hundreds of years. Today, there are hundreds of options to choose from, with prices to suit any budget.

The price of a diamond band varies depending on several factors, including the type of metal, the number of diamonds, their quality, and the overall design of the ring. The average cost of a wedding band in the US is $1,417 for the bride and $558 for the groom, with an overall average of $1,975 for both. However, you can find diamond bands at a wide range of price points, from $150 to $6,499.99.

For example, a simple gold band with a single diamond can cost as little as $150, while a more intricate design with multiple diamonds can range from $1,000 to $2,000. The metal type also affects the price, with plain white gold being more affordable than platinum. For instance, a 0.50-carat diamond band in 14-karat gold is $649.99, while the same ring in platinum is $1,999.99.

If you're looking for a more unique or elaborate design, prices can go even higher. For instance, a diamond band with a two-tone gold and white gold effect and 0.50 carats of diamonds costs $4,650. Or, for a ring with a bit of extra sparkle, a 2-carat diamond eternity band in platinum is priced at $6,299.99.

Additional Costs

It's important to consider other factors that may influence the final cost of your diamond band. For example, if you want to match your wedding band to your engagement ring, you may have limited options, and custom designs can be more expensive. Engraving is another feature that can add to the cost, with hand engraving typically being more costly than machine engraving.

While the diamond band itself is a significant purchase, it's worth remembering that you can always upgrade or add to your ring later. Your wedding ring is a symbol of your love and commitment, so it's essential to choose something that suits your style and budget.

Diamond band alternatives

While diamonds are the most popular gemstone for wedding bands, there are several alternatives to consider. These options offer a unique and colourful twist on the traditional diamond ring.

Moissanite

Moissanite is one of the most popular diamond alternatives. It strongly resembles a diamond, but at a fraction of the price. Moissanite is almost as durable as a diamond and has an incredible sparkle. It is also lab-created, making it a more ethical and sustainable option.

Sapphire

Sapphire is another elegant and classic option. Sapphires come in a range of colours, from the traditional royal blue to peach, pink, teal, yellow and white. They are one of the hardest diamond alternative stones, making them ideal for everyday wear.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is an elegant and fresh choice. These light blue stones can also serve as your "something blue" on your wedding day. Aquamarine has a hardness rating of 7.5-8, so it will require careful storage and attention when being worn.

Emerald

Emeralds are a classic choice that will add a gorgeous green hue to your jewellery collection. They come in a variety of shapes and can be easily customised to fit your dream ring. Like aquamarine, emeralds are about 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, so they will require a bit more attention and care.

Morganite

Morganite is a trendy non-diamond option. This feminine, light pink stone is versatile and easy to wear. Morganite is in the same family as aquamarine and has a hardness of about 7.5, making it suitable for everyday wear but requiring delicate treatment.

Ruby

Rubies are an excellent diamond alternative, as they are classic yet bold. They come in a range of shades from deep pink to red, making a beautiful contrast when paired with white or yellow metals. Rubies are also durable and suitable for everyday wear, but they are not as inexpensive as some other options.

Amethyst

The deep violet hue of amethyst makes this gemstone perfect for the unconventional bride-to-be. Amethyst is considerably less expensive than a diamond, and you can get a large stone for a budget-friendly price. However, amethyst is not as strong as some other gemstones, with a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, so it may not be suitable for everyday wear.

Opal

Opal gemstones can give your jewellery an elegant, vintage feel. These beautiful milky white stones have an interesting iridescence and are pretty versatile. However, opals are not very strong and are not suitable for everyday wear. They may also change colour over time and may not react well to sudden temperature changes or prolonged sunlight exposure.

Topaz

White topaz has become a popular gemstone for those seeking a diamond alternative. To the naked eye, it looks very similar to a natural diamond, which allows it to be a suitable option for brides with classic and traditional aesthetics. However, it is an 8 on the Mohs scale and needs to be properly handled when worn and stored.

Lab-grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are another form of natural diamonds, with the same durability, brilliance, refractive index, symmetrical formations and 4Cs grades. They are made in a laboratory with artificial control and ethical practices. Lab-grown diamonds are 20-80% cheaper than natural diamonds due to their making process and renewable energy use.

Frequently asked questions