One of the biggest questions (and misconceptions) of the wedding industry is if a wedding band needs to match the engagement ring. Once upon a time, the answer may have been a firm 'yes' but, today the answer is a definite "NO"! Your wedding set is a reflection of you. As such, your wedding band needs to be what every you envision it being: matched or not matched, simple or fancy, straight or curved, etc. So, instead of searching for what matches, search for what matters: design, function, sentimentality, etc. Here are five topics to narrow your search and help you find the right wedding band today!
Guide To The Perfect Wedding Band #1:
Straight or Curved Wedding Bands
[L Stackable Vintage Wedding Bands - R Vintage Curved Wedding Bands]
There are benefits to both straight and curved wedding bands. One of the best ways to decide is to weigh the pros and cons of each.
- Curved wedding bands will give you a seamless and well matched look. However, you are committing to wearing your wedding set everyday; as curved bands look less desirable when worn on their own.
- Straight wedding bands will not have as close a fit as curved wedding bands, but they look just as great when worn with our without the engagement ring.
For further discussion on the straight vs. curved wedding band
debate read this blog
Guide To The Perfect Wedding Band #2:
Mixing Metals
[ Eternity Bands in Yellow, White, and Rose Gold]Make sure you choose a wedding band you love and don't let feel pressured to match the metal color. If you want the coordinating band, that's fine. If you want a contrasting metal like bride Kimiko, that's great too!
Guide To The Perfect Wedding Band #3:
Ornate or Simple Wedding Rings
[L Engraved Eternity Bands - R Pink Gold Simple Wedding Rings]
Another decision you will need to make is if you want the motif of your wedding band to match your engagement ring? Or, would you prefer a wedding band that adds contrast?
Vintage Engagement Rings
- Vintage wedding bands will add consistency to our 'vintage' look.
- Simple wedding bands will add contrast giving you a bold and original look.
Classic Solitaires and Engagement Rings
- Vintage and ornate wedding bands will spice up your wedding set.
- Simple wedding bands will enhance the timelessness of your wedding set.
Guide To The Perfect Wedding Band #4:
New or Vintage Wedding Bands
[Left: Antique Wedding Bands From Three Graces,
Right: New Vintage Style Wedding Bands From Jabel]
The romance and allure of authentic antique wedding bands can be intoxicating for some brides. However, buyer be warned, you are buying used jewelry and that may pose some problems. Before you shop, read up on what to look for and develop a relationship with a trusted local jeweler who can lend his or her expertise in buying the right ring.
If it is strictly the styling you are interested in, you may want to look into reproduction vintage wedding bands. These rings have the look you want with a quality guarantee. Another benefit to buying new 'vintage' wedding bands is you can take advantage of Design Your Own Ring programs, where you can get exactly what you want.
Guide To The Perfect Wedding Band #5:
Diamond or Plain Gold Wedding Bands
[L Diamond Vintage Wedding Bands - R Stackable Wedding Bands]
While diamonds are always a good idea to add some flair to your bridal set, their are a number of other ways to jazz it up! Here are some ideas:
- Millgraining
This beaded edge mimics the light play of small diamonds and will surely add some sparkle.
- Hand Engraving
This lost art is truly magical. A skilled artisan hand applies the ornate embellishments; guided only by expert hand eye coordination and a sense of beauty and space.
- Mixed Metals
Adding in one or two contrasting metal colors can add complexity to the set without the need for diamonds. This is a great alternative for fans of stackable jewelry.
- Diamond Ring Guards
Another great way to achieve a mixed metal look, while adding protection to engagement ring settings is by using a ring guard set. They come in a variety of designs from plain gold bands to ornate vintage rims.
Email us to find a local Jabel jeweler at info@jabel.com