How To Pair a Unique Engagement Ring with a Wedding Band (2024)
Pairing a unique engagement ring with a wedding band may be hard, but it's not impossible.
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While your engagement ring is usually the star of the show, your wedding band plays a big supporting role; it has to complement your engagement ring but also stand alone on occasion. If you've opted for an engagement ring with a unique design, finding a complementary wedding band can become a complicated process. A solitaire setting with a round-cut center stone isn't difficult to match, but when you get into less expected stone shapes (emerald and marquise) and ring settings (halos and three-stone rings) things can get a bit tricky.
Ahead, we take a look at some unique engagement ring styles and offer a few ideas for the perfect wedding band pairing. From contoured wedding bands to chevron bands, there is no shortage of alternative wedding band options out there. And, keep in mind that if your engagement ring doesn't come with a matching band (also called a bridal set), your jeweler can always make a great suggestion.
In this article:
Solitaire Engagement Ring With Wedding Band
Halo Engagement Ring With Wedding Band
Three-Stone Engagement Ring With Wedding Band
Twisted Engagement Ring With Wedding Band
Oval Engagement Ring With a Wedding Band
Marquise Engagement Ring With Wedding Band
Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring With Wedding Band
Solitaire Engagement Ring With Wedding Band
Solitaires are one of the most versatile ring styles to pair with a band because of their simplicity. You can stick with a classic round band because solitaires tend to sit higher on their own bands, leaving ample room for a wedding ring. Looking to add more bling? Consider pairing a solitaire engagement ring with a pavé diamond-encrusted band or larger diamond eternity band. A curved wedding band is also great for a solitaire engagement ring, as the slight dip in the wedding ring creates a frame-like effect around the center stone.
Brilliant Earth Hazel Solitaire Wedding Ring Set
While this wedding ring set from Brilliant Earth keeps it simple, it's still pretty spectacular. This solitaire engagement ring is set atop a knife-edge band and secured by a sleek claw-prong that gives it the right amount of height. Cast in platinum, the coordinating wedding band completes the look for the perfect match.
Crafted in white gold, this bridal set features a princess-cut diamond solitaire secured with a traditional four-prong setting. The solitaire has just enough height so that the matching band sits flush next to it. This set is a part of Zales' line of custom engagement rings, so you have the option of choosing the diamond shape you like best (like the stunning Asscher cut option).
Fashioned in 14k gold, this bridal set features a bezel set round-cut moissanite paired with a classic gold band. The diamond sits high enough that the wedding band fits flush against it. The end result? A bridal set that's a sleek and modern take on the classic round solitaire.
When pairing a wedding band with a halo engagement ring, it's important to remember that your center stone already has a sparkly frame. Look for a band that complements your blinged out setting, but doesn't compete with it. One way to pull this off is to opt for a band that uses the same stone shapes as your halo setting (so, if your halo is made up of baguette diamonds, opt for a baguette diamond band). If you're going to a more understated look, you can't go wrong with a simple pavé diamond band that mimics the sparkle of a halo, but isn't overwhelming. Another thought: Curved or notched bands mirror the shape of a halo setting and will sit flush.
Macy's Diamond Halo Bridal Set
With enough sparkle to reach the back rows at your wedding ceremony, this diamond halo bridal set features a stunning halo engagement ring and matching diamond-encrusted band.
In this halo bridal set, a floating prong setting elevates a center stone framed by a floral-inspired diamond halo. The wedding band mimics the round diamond details of the engagement ring's shank for an intricate effect.
Brilliant Earth Black Rhodium Cadenza Halo Bridal Set
This vintage-inspired bridal set features an ornate diamond halo with milgrain details. Pavé diamonds nestled in marquise-shaped frames adorn both bands in the set, creating a beautiful contrast with the black rhodium color of the rings.
Three-stone settings are a popular engagement ring option because they symbolize your past, present and future. The one drawback of these sentimental styles? Their irregular shapes can be difficult to pair with wedding bands. But here's the good news: We've done the work for you. Contoured and chevron-style wedding rings work well with three-stone engagement rings because the dip or point of these band styles perfectly frames the center stone, while complementing the smaller accent stones. If your aesthetic is more classic, look for a three-stone ring where the center stones form a straight line across your finger. That way, you can opt for a more traditional wedding band that will sit flush.
Anna Sheffield Bea Suit No. 5
This wedding band doesn't sit flush—and that's the whole point. A curved, diamond-encrusted band aptly named the "tiara" band sits atop this three-stone ring. A huge plus of a band that doesn't have to sit flush? It can work with pretty much any engagement ring design.
Brilliant Earth Antique Scroll Three Stone Trellis Diamond Bridal Set
You don't have to forgo intricate details to have a cohesive-looking bridal set. This antique-inspired, three-stone stunner is engraved with delicate scrolls and features a three-stone trellis setting flanked by two brilliant round diamond side stones. The contoured wedding band frames the center stone and sits flush against the engagement ring.
Princess-Cut Lab-Created White Sapphire Three Stone Bridal Set in Sterling Silver
Shopping on a budget? This three-stone bridal set featuring a trio of princess-cut, lab-created white sapphires set in sterling silver won't break the bank but is totally timeless.
While pairing an engagement ring with a twisted shank with a wedding band might seem tricky, it's actually one of the easiest types of sparklers to match. Here's the secret: Opt for a wedding band that mimics the twisted design of your engagement ring. If that's too much detail for you, you could also go for a thin wedding ring to keep the focus on your engagement ring.
Pear-Shaped Diamond Frame Twist Split Shank Bridal Set
This stunning set features a pear-shaped in a halo setting with a diamond-encrusted twisted shank. A contoured diamond pavé band finishes the set. The final look? Sparkle on sparkle.
Calling all boho brides. This moissanite engagement ring is all about whimsy. Both the engagement ring and wedding band have identical twig-inspired motifs, embellished with round-cut moissanite.
Macy's Certified Diamond Cushion Halo Twist Bridal Set
If twisted wedding bands aren't for you, consider a classic pavé diamond band. Thanks to the high setting of this twisted engagement ring, the diamond-encrusted wedding band nests perfectly.
If you choose an oval engagement ring, you have plenty of options for your wedding band. Oval engagement rings pair best with contoured or chevron-style wedding bands that frame the elongated stone, allowing for a flush fit between the ring and band. Twisted wedding bands also work well with oval-shaped diamonds. If you want to keep the focus on the engagement ring, you can also opt for a thin wedding band that sits comfortably under the center stone. A standard round band will work as well, provided the center stone in your engagement ring has a prong setting and sits higher on its band.
FYM Jewelry Design Oval-Cut Moissanite And Rose Gold Marquise Cluster Wedding Ring Set
This two-piece wedding ring set pairs an oval-cut moissanite engagement ring with a contoured wedding band. Crafted in rose gold, the center stone is flanked by marquise-cut diamond accent stones, and the band is elegantly embellished with your choice of round-cut diamonds or moissanite gemstones.
Fashioned in platinum, this ring showcases a dazzling oval-cut diamond with smaller oval-shaped diamonds that line the shank. The wedding band is a standard round band, but it works well with this engagement ring's high prong setting.
Zales Oval Diamond Frame Collar Bridal Set in 14K White Gold
Sometimes more is more. This bridal set features an ornate halo setting plus a pavé diamond band that nests perfectly under the engagement ring for megawatt shine.
Contoured bands or chevron-style wedding bands are also the perfect partners for marquise-cut diamonds. The pointed V-shape of the band perfectly complements the point of the marquise, and the results are stunning. Even better, you can switch up how you wear the two from day to day. Wear them nested or turn the band around facing the V in the opposite direction. Similar to engagement rings with oval center stones, you can also opt for a pavé or plain band if you have a higher prong setting.
Jared Marquise Diamond Bridal Set Round in 14K White Gold
Not all contoured wedding bands have a dramatic look. This pavé one is only slightly contoured to fit snugly against this elaborate halo setting.
Dainty stacks aren't for everyone. The diamond-encrusted band in this glitzy bridal set sits so flush it gives the illusion of a ring with a double halo plus double bands for maximum sparkle.
This showstopper features a marquise-cut diamond surrounded by bypassing ribbons of 14K white gold. The contoured diamond-accented wedding band matches perfectly and sits comfortably under the engagement ring.
Emerald-cut stones are traditionally step cut, meaning their sparkle is more understated than round brilliant-cut diamonds. If you opted for an emerald-cut center stone but want to add more bling to your ring, consider a diamond eternity band with baguettes or pavé diamonds. This more opulent style will play up the sparkle of your center stone—but won't overpower it.
Zales Emerald-Cut Diamond Frame Bridal Set in 14K White Gold
This stunning set features an emerald-cut diamond sitting atop a white gold band. The coordinating wedding ring is diamond encrusted, but lets the elaborate halo setting really shine.
This gorgeous ring features an emerald-cut diamond framed by a double halo of sparkling round diamonds. More diamonds line the 14K white gold wedding band, which is slightly contoured for a perfect fit.
Zales Emerald-Cut Diamond Frame Scallop Shank Bridal Set in 14K Two-Tone Gold
Crafted in 14K two-toned gold, this vintage-inspired engagement ring set features an emerald-cut diamond surrounded by a milgrain border plus a diamond halo. The matching engagement ring shank and wedding band feature the same scalloped details for a perfect pair.
If a straight wedding ring does not sit flush with your engagement ring, yet you are not drawn to a contoured band, consider wearing your two rings on separate hands or adding additional stacking rings to your bridal set. Alternatively, stack the rings on the same ring finger, but wear them with a gap.
If a straight wedding ring does not sit flush with your engagement ring, yet you are not drawn to a contoured band, consider wearing your two rings on separate hands or adding additional stacking rings to your bridal set. Alternatively, stack the rings on the same ring finger, but wear them with a gap.
Traditionally, the wedding band is made using the same type of metal as the engagement ring (yellow gold engagement ring = yellow gold wedding band, platinum engagement ring = platinum wedding band, etc.), but there's nothing set in stone that says the metals have to match.
Increasing in popularity in recent years, many brides are choosing to get their engagement ring and wedding band soldered together to create a bridal set. Soldering your wedding bands together essentially is connecting the metals of both bands together.
There is nothing out there that says your wedding ring needs to match your engagement ring. There are many people who have unique engagement rings or vintage rings where it would be impossible to have a completely matching wedding ring.
Can I Wear My Wedding Ring and Engagement Ring on Different Hands? Absolutely! The choice often comes down to personal or cultural preference. Some opt to wear their wedding ring on the left ring finger and their engagement ring on the right ring finger.
Most commonly, people will match the width of their wedding band to that of the engagement ring, but mixing widths can create a unique look. Stylistically it tends to look best to either match the width or so that the wider band is at least twice the width as the narrower band to create a nice contrast.
What is ring stacking? Ring stacking (or layering) is a jewelry trend where you wear multiple rings on one or multiple fingers. Many ring stackers start off by adding anniversary rings to their engagement ring and wedding band. However, ring stacking doesn't have to include wedding rings.
Once you're married, tradition dictates that your engagement band be moved back to the third finger on your left hand. When you do so, your wedding ring should remain closest to your heart (where your spouse placed it on your wedding day) and your engagement ring is placed next to the wedding ring.
Tradition has it that each person pays for the other person's ring. So in a traditional wedding, the groom or his family would pay for the bride's ring, and the bride or her family would pay for the groom's ring.
While many couples believe you should always wear your ring, it really is up to personal preference, and you won't know how your partner feels about it until you ask.
In general, engagement rings are bigger and flashier than their wedding ring counterpart. They typically feature a larger center stone (often, a diamond), and are characterized, for many, by their bling factor. Thus, the engagement ring is generally the more expensive of the two rings.
What Does It Mean When a Man Wears a Ring On His Right Ring Finger? Wearing a wedding ring or engagement ring on the right ring finger is often done by men in certain cultures. Rings that are worn on the right ring finger are often associated with ideas of love and relationships, creativity, beauty, and romance.
After the wedding ceremony the engagement ring can be changed to the ring finger on the right hand and can then worn in front of the wedding ring. Of course, there are no rules for wearing engagement rings. Whatever hand the woman prefers to wear the engagement ring – as a symbol of love it is valid on both hands!
You can also mix and match your wedding ring with other rings from the same finger, but be careful about what you're wearing on either side of your ring. If you wear titanium rings around a gold ring, for instance, the malleable metal of the gold ring can get scratched and scraped.
The cushion-cut centre diamond of Meghan's engagement ring is estimated to be roughly three carats and was sourced from Botswana. The smaller side diamonds came from the personal collection of Princess Diana. The value of Meghan's engagement ring is estimated to be upwards of $200,000 USD.
Is a 2 carat diamond considered to be big? The average carat weight for a diamond engagement ring is about 0.9 carat, meaning a 2 carat diamond is definitely considered big.
General Rule: You should spend at least 2 months salary on the engagement ring. If, for example, you are making $60,000 per year, you should spend $10,000 on the engagement ring.
Halo settings, for example, feature a center stone surrounded by a halo of smaller pavé stones. Using a halo setting, you can increase your ring's carat size without increasing the price tag as much as you would to get a single diamond of the same total carat weight.
Remember, it's definitely better to size a ring up if you're unsure. A ring that's too large is easier to adjust than a ring that's too small. No ring will be perfect but strive for the best fitting ring that you can. The closer you can get to your accurate size, the better off you'll be.
Why does the fit feel tighter with both rings in place? If your engagement ring and wedding ring feel too tight when worn together, this is likely due to the combined width of both rings. For example, a 2.5mm wedding ring will feel looser than a 5mm wedding ring.
What's a nesting band? You've likely seen this trend—it's a band with curves that nestles against other rings to create a totally new style. They are versatile enough to be worn with an engagement ring or on their own. Best of all, each one is unique and bold, with style that packs a punch.
The engagement ring represents the promise to get married, the wedding band represents the actual union and the third ring represents another large milestone for couples. The third ring is given after one of two events: an anniversary or the birth of a couple's first child.
That said, if you're in favor of following traditional bridal etiquette, it is custom to wear your engagement ring when you walk down the aisle. Then, once you and your partner exchange vows, whomever is leading the ceremony will typically instruct you and your partner to exchange wedding rings.
Yes, but not anywhere! Traditional etiquette requires the bride to move her engagement ring to her other hand (if necessary) while walking down the aisle. This must be done if the wedding band is to be placed onto the finger currently "taken" by the engagement ring.
However, in general, it's best to avoid wearing your diamond ring overnight whenever possible. We recommend finding a safe spot to leave your ring each night, like a ring dish or jewelry case. It might feel strange to take off your ring, but doing so will help you protect its beauty.
That belief has been carried into modern times, and black wedding rings for men and women are worn to signify power, courage, and strength. Legend has it that wearing a black ring represents the power of love, making black wedding ring bands extremely popular.
The groom could decide to purchase his own ring, or the couple could divide the costs of both rings equally, even if one band is more expensive than the other. Who Buys the Bride's Wedding Ring? The groom usually buys the bride's wedding band, and the couple gives them to each other during the wedding ceremony.
Him not wearing it usually means something other than a lack of commitment. Some men have occupations and hobbies that would make the ring uncomfortable and possibly even dangerous. Add to this that most men are quite active and fear losing it.
"The ring is a symbol of what binds a couple — and the symbolic removal could indicate a few things such as, that they want out of the relationship at this point, to indicate that the other person has hurt them, the other person is not living up to their expectations.
It is necessary to give the skin a rest from the metal. The night time is ideal for such a holiday. If you sleep wearing your ring, you can catch them while sleeping and get injured. During sleep, wedding bands can put pressure on the skin and blood vessels, which impairs blood circulation.
According to a 2022 study from Credit Donkey, most couples reported wanting to spend between $1,000 and $5,000, though the average cost of an engagement ring was around $5,225.
Bottom Line Recommendation: Even with a budget of $1,000 or less, you will still be able to buy a beautiful and elegant diamond ring. By knowing where's best to allocate your budget, you can easily come away with a gorgeous engagement ring without spending too much.
Often times engagement ring appraisals or other types of diamond appraisals reflect a value that is inflated – sometimes as much as double the retail purchase price - which allows insurance companies to increase the premium you pay to have your ring covered.
At the ceremony, the wedding band is placed by on the bride's left hand.After the ceremony, the engagement ring is returned to the bride's left hand on top of the wedding band. Therefore, it is considered more appropriate to wear the engagement ring on “top” of the wedding band.
Traditionally, the wedding band goes first on the finger so it's closest to the heart. To ensure the proper position, some brides temporarily move their engagement ring to their right hand. Then, after the nuptials, they return the ring to their left hand over the wedding band.
By soldering your rings together at your local jewelry store (it typically costs as low as $45), you reduce the everyday wear and tear caused by the friction—and will ultimately find yourself spending less money on metal maintenance in the long run.
Traditionally, the wedding band is placed first on the left ring finger and then the engagement ring is placed on top of it. The wedding band symbolizes the bonded commitment between you and your partner, so wearing it first keeps the ring closest to the heart.
The third ring is given after one of two events: an anniversary or the birth of a couple's first child. Some men choose to give their wives another ring to mark an anniversary. This is usually an important one like the first, five-year or 10-year anniversary.
General Rule: You should spend at least 2 months salary on the engagement ring. If, for example, you are making $60,000 per year, you should spend $10,000 on the engagement ring.
Since divorce rings are still relatively rare, you can wear this on any finger, although many people put it on the ring finger of their left hand to take the place of the marriage band.
Yes, $2,000 is enough to spend on an engagement ring, especially if you select a diamond that's under 1 carat. You can find a beautiful diamond and high-quality setting that fits your style and budget, such as this split shank ring that costs $580, leaving you $1,420 to spend on your diamond.
But when it comes to splitting the cost of your engagement ring is the choice just as obvious? The resounding answer is yes. Currently trending among the newly engaged is the decision to split the cost of the engagement ring between both spouses-to-be.
Like much of the wedding world, choosing to wear your wedding ring on your right hand could have symbolic meaning. Before gay marriage was legalized throughout the United States, same-sex couples often would wear a ring on their right hand as a show of commitment to their partner.
In general it's perfectly safe to wear your engagement ring every day. However, if you are doing any kind of rough work such as cleaning or gardening, sports or the gym. It's not advised to wear your rings in bed as the diamonds may loosen or catch on bedclothes and remove before showering.
Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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