How to Correctly Pair a Wedding Band with the an Engagement Ring

When it comes to bridal jewellery engagement rings tend to be the centre of attention. Whilst the wedding ring is arguably the most significant, the ring with the big shiny gemstone tends to come out on top when it comes to time spent, cost and attention. However, given the varied style and character of engagement rings, they need to match them with a wedding band that suits their style and character the complete bridal set is not always a straightforward one. Since engagement rings vary considerably in terms of design, the metal of choice, main gemstone, the number of gemstones, the presence of side stones and other additions, it is important that the style of the wedding complements that of the engagement ring and vice versa.

A matter that is made somewhat more complex owing to the growing complexity of designs in the world of wedding rings. As we shall see, wedding rings are no longer the simple metal bands they once were, so matching them with a suitable engagement ring style is crucial. In this post, we will outline the key points you need to consider when choosing an engagement ring that embodies your style and a wedding band that forms a perfect fit with your choice of engagement ring. So read on to find out about having your perfect bridal set.

Consider the Core Features of the Engagement Ring

When it comes to getting a solid fit between your wedding and engagement ring, making the right call when it comes to your engagement ring is crucial. Since the engagement ring is often the first choice you would make (unless you are going for a bridal set which contains both the wedding and engagement ring) it is important that you make this decision with an eye on the wedding ring. Often the engagement type is determined by a host of factors decision. However, the two key factors are the type of metal, the type and number of gemstones in the ring, and the ring design. Let’s break these down at a time.

The Type of Metal

The generally accepted rule when it comes to picking a wedding band to pair with your engagement ring is to ensure that they are of the same type and colour. Whilst difference in metal type is likely to reflect in a different tone or even colour: in case of a traditional gold ring vs platinum one. Metals can also differ within the same range. Notable here are the three main options of white gold, rose gold and yellow gold engagement rings. Wedding ring buyers are generally advised to pick a wedding band of the same hue, as it helps maintain the visual style. Wearing different coloured rings on the same finger is not a plan of action for those who wish to maintain a certain aesthetic standard.

In recent times, this straightforward decision has become more interesting with the growing adoption of two or mixed-metal bands: which have entered the mix in popular engagement rings. Combining two popular metal tones like white and yellow in gold or rose gold with yellow, is become a popular practice. In addition to their uniqueness, two-tone rings provide greater freedom for wedding buyers, as it gives the opportunity to combine it with one of two ring hues.

Gemstone Type and Number

When picking an engagement ring, one of the most stand-out features is the main gemstone. Often buyer decisions when it comes to bridal jewellery are often influenced if determined by their choice of the centre stone. This is especially true when it comes to solitaire engagement rings, where the centre stone is the centre of attention. Since the gemstone, depending on the type, carat and cut, will greatly determine the price of the ring, if not being the priciest aspect of it. When it comes to the size of the main gemstone, depending on its carat (1.5 + carat) the gemstone’s presence becomes visually significant to a point where it might capture the space around it, at times covering the surface area near the engagement ring.

This is an advantage, as the wedding ring is tucked neatly beside the engagement ring with the two going across the ring finger. However to achieve this would mean investing in a larger carat stone, and gemstones, particularly in the top diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald variety increase in price once they hit the 1-carat mark. In the case where the centre stone is smaller, or if there are multiple stones, as in a three-stone ring, buyers could opt for a more stylistic option in the form of a more sophisticated wedding ring style. For example, if you opt for a more simple white gold engagement ring with a blue sapphire centre stone that is less than one carat, the intricately designed primrose wedding ring with its lovely surface designs will be a great compliment to your engagement ring.

Features of Good Engagement Ring Wedding Band Pair

The first step in ensuring a good combination between a wedding band and engagement ring is to determine whether both rings fit together (sit flush) on your ring finger. Since the wedding ring and engagement ring can feature many design additions and variations to the band, in addition to the gemstone, there is the chance that both rings would sit aligned together. Of in some cases, one of the rings will be shifted by the placement of the main gemstone. As a rule of thumb, it is important to ensure that (notably in solitaire engagement rings) that the main gemstone in the engagement is elevated to a degree or few degrees above the band of the wedding ring. Giving enough space for both rings to fit together.

Gemstone Combination of the Wedding and Engagement Ring

Another point to consider is the presence of gemstones in a wedding ring. Since modern wedding rings, today come with their own set of small and accent gemstones: which vary in terms of size, type and number it is important to ensure that these gemstones in both bands compliment each other well. Wedding rings that feature diamond accent stones, which tend to be colourless are best matched with engagement rings that also feature a gemstone or gemstones (in the case of multi-stone rings) that fit well this tone of the engagement ring. This point is a subjective one, but the buyer must recognize that gemstones in wedding rings are new and important variable that affects the style of the ring, and it would be best to combine such a wedding band with an engagement ring that features gemstones that are complimentary. In addition, the presence of gemstones, of varying sizes on the wedding ring could affect the fit with an engagement ring and vice versa. Thus being able to try on the ring physically, or have the service of dedicated tools online that can pair both rings to ensure a perfect fit is key. Top-quality jewellery provides this service.

Use of Notched and Contoured Style Wedding Bands

The notch and contour are design changes which are introduced to the band of the wedding ring to ensure a better fit with the engagement ring. A contoured wedding band features a curved shape that fits the curvature of your engagement ring. Often a contoured wedding band features a shaped curve at a certain point that allows the engagement ring, to sit in place. Notably by providing adequate space for the centre stone that will fill this space. This is a more recent yet classy style of bridal jewellery.

A notched wedding band on the other hand generally is made of a straight band, in the style of the classic wedding band, with the notable difference of having a semicircular bend that permits the engagement ring (i.e. the gemstone) to fit in place. Notched wedding bands are among the newest design addition to hit the market. However, they are not for everyone. Notable here is if the wearer decides to go out with only the wedding band, minus the engagement ring. When the notch would be visible. However, for some this design may itself be a new type of style for the wearer to showcase, particularly if the ring features a gemstone set.

The Bridal Sets: Simplifying the Decision

When it comes to correctly pair a wedding band and an engagement ring there are a number of points to consider. The colour of wedding and engagement ring bands, their sizes, the level of comfort, the particular tone of the rings (for whilst the colour might be the same, there could be slight differences in tone), and importantly the availability of materials, and other supply chain-related questions that will arise if you choose to buy the rings separately. Since minimizing the differences, and ensuring comfort and compatibility is the aim, it might be wise to hit two birds with one stone by going for rings at once.

This could be advantageous for a number of reasons. First, it speeds up the process of buying the rings. As both the wedding and engagement ring bands are purchased together. Next, it gives the jeweller the chance to make both rings with similar colours (if that is your request) so as to minimize any external discrepancies, which could be unavailable if the rings are purchased separately. Also when it comes to unique styles and marking, buying both rings together would help ease the production process, as the designers make changes to both rings where appropriate, and make corrections where necessary.

Concluding Thoughts

There are no fixed rules when it comes to how well your wedding band should match your engagement ring. While some may prefer a perfectly matched set, whilst others may want to get experimental by combining contrasting metal types, diamond shapes, textures, and the ring bands' widths. The key point is that both rings fit well on the finger, are comfortable, and the colours of the bands are complementary along with any gemstones, with other design additions also fitting together. Everything else follows from this. Good luck.

Rafael Green

Damian Sylvester

Is the Lead Content Developer and Digital Marketer for Brilliyond Jewellery, with a keen interest in the gemstone industry and business development. His posts focus on educating readers on jewelry industry, precious stones. With his academic background in business and professional writing, he brings an analytical approach to developing content writing. His posts adopt a historical approach to the given subject, and combines them with the latest trends in the industry and the business environment. From buying guides, to the histories of precious stones, to exotic topics which most readers are yet to learn about. The reader stands to benefit from both perspectives: as the content is aimed towards buyers, jewellery enthusiasts, and those involved in the business side of the jewellery industry.

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