After they say, “Yes,” but before they say “I do,” there’s one key item necessary to make a wedding complete—the wedding band. That said, choosing the right wedding band to accompany an engagement ring can take time and knowledge.
If you’re curious about wedding ring bands and wedding sets for women, we’ve got you covered.
Before you start writing your vows and planning the honeymoon, take some time to look over this guide to choosing the right ladies’ wedding bands. We’ll explore band materials, design options, and more to ensure you find the piece of jewelry that reflects your perfect match.
Metals And Band Materials
Let’s start with the basics: What material should you pick for a wedding band? Every choice you make regarding your wedding is deeply personal, and the wedding ring band is no different.
Consider these popular options for band material and how they might pair with the engagement ring that your betrothed is already wearing:
- Yellow gold – This classic choice might feel like a natural pick to pair alongside a golden engagement ring. Yellow gold can be matte or shiny and have the added bonus of making a diamond look even brighter. In fact, the contrast of yellow within your gold ring on diamonds may disguise stone impurities and tinting, allowing the diamonds to truly shine.
- White gold – Designed to resemble platinum, white gold offers a shimmery, almost silver color that can appear both elegant and understated. Composed of gold and nickel, this material is always eye-catching, though it will eventually begin to develop a yellowish sheen as the rhodium wears away. This is a natural process, and a jeweler can easily correct this issue by reapplying a layer of rhodium to the band.
- Rose gold – A millennial favorite, rose gold has risen to prominence over the last decade due to its lustrous pink hues. Additionally, rose gold is more durable than white or yellow gold, due to the copper and silver alloys used in its production.
- Platinum – For those worried about the strength of their wedding band, platinum is a great option. More durable than other ethical wedding rings, a platinum band is well suited to those who never want to take their bands off, even if they get their hands dirty on a daily basis.
- Sterling silver – A popular option that can easily fit into most budgets, sterling silver offers a beautiful shine. Though not quite as durable as gold or platinum, it can be an elegant complement to a more ornate engagement ring.
- Palladium – Looking to explore a lesser-known rare metal? Palladium resembles platinum though is known to develop a unique patina over time. Palladium is lightweight and highly durable, making it a top contender for those looking for a comfortable ring for everyday wear.
Additionally, many couples opt for a range of less traditional materials, including tungsten, titanium, or even a variety of hardwoods for a more earthy look. Consider your partner’s overall style and jewelry choices to determine what they might enjoy wearing.
Wedding bands aren’t quite the surprise that ethical engagement rings often are, so you may even want to talk to them about the wedding band they’ve been dreaming of.
Gold Bands and Karats
If you do decide on a gold wedding band, you may have a few questions regarding karats. To put it simply, karats are the units of measurement used to determine the purity of gold.
Some key takeaways regarding karats include:
- 24 is the max – 24 karat (K) is the maximum purity for gold. Pure gold is a rich yellow color and contains no other metal alloys. 24K gold is highly valuable, though that doesn’t mean it’s a good choice for wedding bands. That’s because pure gold is soft and malleable, meaning it would quickly lose its shape when molded.
- 10K, 14K, and 18K – Wedding bands are typically made of 10K, 14K, or 18K gold. These purity levels ensure the band will remain sturdy over many years of wear. In terms of differences, an 18K wedding band may be noticeably more yellow and bright than its 10K counterpart. Due to the purity, a higher karat band will be more expensive as well.
Stones and Embellishments
Once you have a clear picture of the general makeup of your wedding band, you can explore a variety of stone options for embellishment. Adding something sparkling to your band can leave your partner permanently ga-ga every time they look at their finger.
Some of the most popular options for wedding band details include:
- Diamonds – A ladies’ lab diamond wedding band is a timeless way to add flourish to your engagement ring. The “pavé style” involves a set of diamonds on top of the band, while the subtle “channel style” creates a small indentation along the band filled with diamonds. Find a styling that reflects your partner and twinkles brilliantly, whether they’re walking down the aisle or just holding your hand.
- Precious gems – Diamonds are forever, but if your partner has a particular interest in another stone (perhaps their birthstone even), you may enjoy decorating your band with precious stones. Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and other gems can be encrusted into a band to give it a colorful flair.
- Engraving – Say “I love you” literally by inscribing a special phrase or word on the inside of the wedding band. A deeply felt personal message can be a beautiful way to personalize your band. You can even choose to engrave your wedding date onto the band as a reminder of your special day.
Some couples may prefer a piece of jewelry sparkling with stones, while others may feel more comfortable with an understated and minimalist piece. It’s all about you and your partner. After all, a wedding band is more than a piece of jewelry—it’s a symbol of the commitment between you and your loved one.
Ring Width
It’s all about the small things when it comes to wedding bands. That’s why choosing the exact size and shape of the band is of particular note. While your wedding band should be professionally sized to ensure a comfortable fit, the width of the band is up to you.
Consider the following tips for choosing the right width for a wedding band:
- Match the engagement ring – For a simple way to ensure a great look, match the wedding bandwidth to the engagement ring width. Neither ring will look out of place if they’re sized evenly and should complement each other well. That said, due to the taper of some bands, it may be more appropriate to choose a smaller wedding band.
- Compare and contrast – Wedding bands most often range between 2mm and 4mm. That may seem like a very small variation, but these sizes look vastly different when worn. Additionally, the size of the band may impact how the stones look to the naked eye. A slimmer band may give the appearance of larger stones and vice-versa.
Often, the easiest way to determine the best ring width is to see how it looks on the hand. You may be able to imagine what a 2mm ring may look like, but it’s far easier to see what various sizes look and feel like when worn.
Unique Shapes
Interested in expanding the possibility of the ring’s shape? The perfect circle of a traditional wedding band is still a great choice, but these days, many couples are exploring other options for their forever rings.
Consider these unique design choices:
- Heart-shaped – A curved heart design creates a picturesque image of your love in a simple but bold way. A heart-shaped diamond ring offers a subtle romanticism to your band and can be detailed with diamonds or left bare and elegant.
- Woven Metal – There are options for rings that are interwoven with strands of metal. These twisting, braided designs can offer an ornate or even rustic dimension to your ring.
General Tips Choosing A Wedding Band
Before embarking on the next step of your journey toward your dream ring, there are a few general tips and pieces of information to keep in mind. If you find yourself with any lingering questions about wedding bands, you may find your answers here:
- Consider stacking or nesting bands for a perfect fit – To create a truly singular set of diamond rings, you can opt for stacking or nesting bands. These rings are designed to fit perfectly into one another, creating a singular, eye-catching image. Two rings in perfect harmony.
- Don’t worry about matching your partner – There’s no hard and fast rule about matching bands. If you and your partner have vastly different styles, you may find it best to choose different bands. That said, choosing matching bands for you and your partner can be a great way to symbolize your relationship’s balance and equality.
- Start starting early – So much goes into planning a wedding that many couples may wait to begin shopping for a wedding band. Unfortunately, this can put unnecessary stress on you and your partner as you race to find the perfect custom engagement rings before your special day. Try to get a headstart by shopping for your band as early as possible.
- Ensure proper care – Wedding bands are made to last. Gold, diamonds, and platinum are some of the most durable materials on the planet, and you can look forward to enjoying them for the rest of your life with proper care. It’s recommended that you take your band to your jeweler yearly for cleaning and any necessary repairs.
12FIFTEEN: Your Partner in Finding an Exquisite Band
There’s so much to consider when it comes to wedding bands, but this article should provide you with everything you need to get out there and find the band of your dreams. If you’re ready to start shopping, there’s no better way to begin than with 12FIFTEEN.
At 12FIFTEEN, our lab grown diamond bands are set and finished in the USA, and we offer a free 30-day return policy to ensure you’re over the moon about your ring. For a beautiful, sustainable, and remarkable wedding band, there’s no better choice than 12FIFTEEN.
Sources:
Britannica. Karat.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/karat
Hitched. Gold Rings: The Difference Between 10K, 14K, and 18K Gold.
https://tryhitched.com/blogs/hitched/10k-vs-14k-vs-18k-gold-wedding-bands
Brides. The Complete Guide to Wedding Bands.
https://www.brides.com/who-buys-wedding-bands-5070274
The Knot.
9 Ways to Pick the Perfect Wedding Ring.
https://www.theknot.com/content/rules-for-choosing-your-wedding-bands