Here's how to match a wedding band to your engagement ring

Among the many items on your wedding checklist, the wedding band is often overlooked. While your engagement ring beautifully symbolises your intent to marry, the wedding band represents your enduring commitment to your partner. If your jeweller offers a matching wedding band, you’re in luck. If not, it’s time to start shopping for one that complements your engagement ring, especially if it features a centre stone, a unique cut, or a bold metal. No matter the style or design, selecting a wedding band requires careful consideration to ensure it pairs perfectly with your engagement ring.

Here is how to get started

Choose the metal: You might think that wedding bands and engagement rings need to be made of the same metal, but this isn’t a rule that’s set in stone. Think out of the box and try mixing different metals and shapes. It all comes down to personal choice. When it comes to mixing metals, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold are tried and tested choices that go on to create something that’s not only breathtaking, but one-of-a-kind. 

Do you want a flush or not: For those unfamiliar with the options, start by deciding whether you prefer a wedding band that sits flush with your engagement ring, creating a seamless look. This flush band aligns perfectly with the engagement ring’s height. If a straight band isn’t suitable, a curved band designed to fit around the engagement ring’s stone can also achieve a harmonious appearance. However, keep in mind that while these curved and open bands are visually appealing and comfortable, they can be challenging to resize if needed.

The types of wedding bands

Classic wedding bands: A classic wedding band is ideal if you prefer a seamless look with no gap between your rings. You have several excellent options, including a plain metal band, an eternity band with diamonds encircling the entire ring, a channel-set band featuring diamonds set within the band, or an infinity-style design. Each of these choices caters to those who appreciate minimalistic and traditional styles.

Contoured wedding bands: These bands are ideal for low-set engagement rings, where the centre stone is positioned close to the finger. Custom-designed to match your specific preferences, these bands are crafted by shaping the front to follow the contours of your engagement ring. This approach creates a seamless and elegant fit, enhancing the beauty of both rings.

Notched wedding bands: These bands feature a straight design with a notch at the front to accommodate the stone, creating a puzzle-piece effect. This design ensures that both rings fit together perfectly, aligning seamlessly for a cohesive look.

Types of pairings

Round-cut: These are a tried-and-true favourite for their versatility. They pair beautifully with any type of wedding band, whether you choose a simple metal band or a more elaborate pavé design.

Princess-cut: Princess-cut stones have a distinctive look due to their geometric cut, and they’re further enhanced by adding round-cut stones. To complement their unique style, consider pairing them with bands featuring small round diamonds, such as a pavé eternity band, to enhance their allure.

Cushion-cut: One can’t go wrong with cushion-cut centre stones that are loved for their sparkle. When it comes to their pairing, they go well with bands that also feature cushion cuts. Selecting a cushion-cut band creates a seamless and eye-catching look that highlights the exceptional brilliance of your centre stone. 

Emerald-cut: The emerald cut makes a bold statement with its striking clarity and elegant lines. To heighten its beauty, it’s best to choose a band that complements and enhances the stone. Pair it with bands featuring round-cut stones to highlight and elevate the overall look.

Marquise-cut: Finding a matching band for a marquise-cut stone can be challenging, especially if the stone is set low. In this case, a contoured band is ideal, as it curves around the marquise shape to create a visually appealing V-style or contoured fit.

Pear-cut: A pear-cut diamond ring pairs beautifully with contoured bands. This combination allows the wedding band to frame the stone elegantly, giving both the ring and the band their moment to shine. It’s especially striking if your pear-cut ring is paired with a band that features embellishments or a crown design.

Oval-cut: Match an oval-cut ring with a band adorned with oval stones to achieve an elegant look that enhances the entire set. 

Radiant-cut: Radiant-cut diamonds complement pavé bands for a chic mix of diamond styles, but they also look striking when paired with additional radiant cuts, enhancing the overall brilliance of the set.

Asscher-cut: An Asscher-cut diamond ring instantly captivates with its unique sparkle and presence. For an enhanced effect, pair it with milgrain-accented bands or step-cut stone bands, such as emerald cuts, to create a sophisticated and eye-catching combination.

Baguette-cut: Combine baguette-cut stones with a band that incorporates both baguette and round stones set in an East-West orientation. This pairing creates a balanced and visually striking design.

Trillion-Cut: With its distinctive and captivating shape, a trillion-cut diamond stands out on its own. To keep the focus on the stone, pair it with a simple plain gold band for a classic and elegant look.

Image: Pexels

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