Once your engagement ring is on your finger, your journey to the aisle begins. Amidst the many tasks to complete before saying “I do”—such as selecting a gown, venue, and stationery—one important priority is finding a wedding band that perfectly commemorates this beautiful chapter of your life.
While some online jewelry stores offer matching wedding bands for engagement rings, many do not, which can make shopping for this accessory a challenge. Finding a band that complements the style of your existing ring can be difficult, especially if your ring features an unusual center stone, a unique cut, or a bold metal. Nonetheless, investing time and effort into this search is crucial to finding a perfect pairing that you’ll be proud to wear forever.
Selecting a Metal
Many people believe that wedding bands and engagement rings must be made of the same metal, but this is not true. “Be creative!” Montague recommends experimenting with different metals and shapes. “Mixed metals can give a wedding set a modern look.” However, if you like to pair your platinum ring with a platinum band, go ahead! When it comes to metal pairings, there are no hard and fast rules, and your final pick should represent your particular style.
Montague inspires people considering mixed metals. “The most common mix is a white and yellow gold set, but don’t feel restricted by convention,” this expert suggests. “Combining white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold can create a stunning effect.” She also points out that adding yellow gold to a white gold engagement ring can improve
Types of Wedding Bands
After choosing a ring metal, the next step is to select a style of wedding band that appeals to you. Consider whether you prefer a band that sits flush against your engagement ring or if you’re comfortable with a small gap between the two. This decision often depends on your engagement ring setting; high-set rings typically result in no gap when paired with a band, while low-set rings, with a center stone that sits closer to the finger, may create a gap depending on the band style.
Classic Wedding Bands
If you prefer a seamless fit between your two rings, consider a classic wedding band style. Within this category, there are several options to choose from. You can opt for a simple, plain metal band for a timeless look, an eternity wedding band with pavé diamonds encircling the band, or a channel-set band for a unique way to showcase diamonds. Additionally, infinity-style designs, featuring the infinity symbol throughout, are also popular. However, due to their structural layout, they may not sit completely flush against your engagement ring.
Contoured Wedding Bands
If you have a low-set engagement ring and want your band to sit flush against your sparkler, contoured styles are the way to go. Contoured mens designer wedding bands are designed to suit the curvature of your engagement ring and are oftentimes custom-made to fit your specifications exactly. The ring is shaped from the front to create a contoured look and is completely seamless, creating a smooth pairing that looks entirely natural.
Notched Wedding Bands
Another option for a seamless look is a notched wedding band. While a contoured band appears custom-made for your ring (which it often is!), a notched wedding band resembles a puzzle piece. It remains straight until the front, where a notch allows the stone to fit perfectly in place.
Pairing Suggestions
Now that you’ve covered the fundamentals, here are some engagement ring and wedding band combinations that may inspire you.
Round Cut
Round center stones are a common choice in engagement rings. Furthermore, they are incredibly versatile and will complement any sort of band. “The possibilities with round-cut stones are endless,” Montague explains. “They complement all other shapes of stones, and can easily be paired with any other band stone shape.”
Princess Cut
Montague proposes looking for a band with little round diamonds, such as a pavé eternity band. “We like to use round-cut stones with princess-cut diamonds,” she informs me. “Princess cuts have a different brilliance because of the cut pattern, and adding round-cut stones ups the sparkle.”
Cushion Cut
While opposites attract in terms of princess and round shapes, Montague claims that cushion-cut center stones complement other cushion cuts. “Cushion cuts have a great sparkle, so a simple cushion French set band looks great,” she tells me.
Emerald Cut
An emerald cut is a standout item, and the band should highlight it even more. Montague suggests a band with round-cut stones, stating, “Emeralds have a step-cut pattern that is not as reflective and brilliant as a traditional round cut.” A simple round-cut band provides the pizzazz required to compliment this classic shape.”
Marquise Cut
If your marquise stone is not set high, finding a flush-fitting ring can be challenging. Montague suggests a curved band that will “gracefully move around the elongated stone.” She gives the following advice: “Combining round and pear cuts can create a pleasing contoured or V-style band for this cut.”
Oval Cut
Montague recommends combining an oval-cut diamond ring with a band that also has oval stones for maximum dazzle. “Consider a single prong oval band, set in an East-West style design,” according to her suggestion. The end product is a stunning matching band that adds interest to the entire set.
Radiant Cut
Radiant-cut diamond rings go well with pavé bands if you want to mix up the diamond cuts, but they also look fantastic with other radiant cuts. “Small cut radiant stones are unique and sparkly,” Montague says. “We love using these in a full eternity style to match your design.”
Trillion Cut
Montague recommends keeping the band simple to highlight the trillion cut diamond. “We love to showcase this stone,” she tells me. She suggests wearing this style with a plain gold band, and says, “Feel free to add etching or milgrain to it for an extra touch.”
