Wedding Bands: Choosing a Ring to Wear With Your Engagement Ring
A wedding band is the ring you wear every day for decades, usually right beside the engagement ring. That makes it worth choosing with care. Here is what to think about, from the shape of the band to how the two rings sit together.
Band profiles
The profile is the shape of the band if you could cut straight through it. It changes how the ring looks on the hand and how it feels on the finger.
- Court. Curved on the outside and the inside. The rounded inside slides over the knuckle easily and sits comfortably, which is why a court band is often called a comfort fit.
- D-shape. Curved on the outside and flat on the inside. A traditional look that sits close to the finger.
- Flat. Flat on the outside and the inside, with crisp edges. Modern and clean, and it lines up neatly beside a straight engagement ring band.
- Flat court. Flat on the outside with a curved inside, so you get the modern look with the comfort of a court fit.
Width
Bands are measured across the top in millimetres. A narrow band of around 2 mm sits neatly beside a fine engagement ring, while wider bands of 4 to 6 mm make more of a statement on their own. A band close to the width of the engagement ring's band usually looks balanced. Wider bands also feel snugger on the finger, so try the width you want before you settle on a size. Our ring size guide explains why.
Plain or diamond set
A plain polished band lets the engagement ring take the attention, and it is the simplest to look after over the years. A diamond set band adds sparkle of its own. A half eternity band has diamonds across the top, where they show. A full eternity band has diamonds all the way round, which looks wonderful but means the size needs to be right from the start.
Most designs can be resized. Some fully set pavé and eternity styles have less room for adjustment. We will explain what is possible, and confirm any cost, before you buy.
Bands that sit flush
Some engagement rings have a setting that sits low or flares out at the base, so a straight band leaves a gap or will not sit against it. A shaped or fitted band is curved or notched to follow the outline of the engagement ring, so the two sit flush together. Some couples like a small gap, while others want the pair to read as one ring. If you want them flush, bring the engagement ring to your fitting so the band can be shaped around it. If you are still designing the engagement ring, mention the wedding band early, because the height of the setting decides whether a straight band will slide underneath.
Matching metal and carat
Two rings worn side by side rub against each other every day. Choosing the same metal, and the same carat of gold, keeps the colour consistent and means the two rings wear at the same rate. Different metals wear differently, so a mixed pair can show uneven wear over time. White gold bands are finished with rhodium plating, just like white gold engagement rings, so it makes sense to have both re-plated together to keep them matching. Our guide to choosing the metal explains the options.
Hallmarking
In the UK it is a legal requirement, under the Hallmarking Act 1973, for an item described as gold, silver, platinum or palladium to be hallmarked unless it weighs less than a set amount. For gold that is 1 gram, and for platinum it is 0.5 gram. UK hallmarks are applied by the assay offices in Birmingham, Edinburgh, London and Sheffield, and show who submitted the item, its precious metal content and which assay office tested it. Look for the hallmark on any band you buy. It is your assurance that the metal is what it says it is.
When to start
Give yourselves plenty of time before the wedding. A plain band is usually the simplest to make, while diamond set and shaped bands take longer because they are made to fit. Ask for a realistic date when you order, and leave room for a final fitting before the day.
Try them together
The easiest way to choose is to try bands next to the engagement ring on the hand. Book a wedding ring fitting at our Bristol showroom and bring your engagement ring with you. If you are starting from scratch, design the engagement ring in our ring builder and mention in your notes that you would like a matching band.