A wedding band or wedding ring is normally a finger ring which signifies that its wearer is presently married. It’s normally made from either silver or some other precious metal and is often forged with either a precious stone or gem set into it. Some rings are designed as groomsmen gifts, while others are given as tokens to the bride and groom during their reception. Traditionally, they are exchanged between the two wedding parties at the ceremony, but this can be changed according to the customs of your respective communities. There are many styles of wedding bands available today, including some which have been custom-designed. The most common styles include flat bands, three stone rings, or multiple stones set in a matching style.
The popular wedding ring style today is usually flat, with either two or three diamonds set into the band. This is followed by a matching band width to complement the flat setting. With the flat setting, diamonds sit flush against the flat band, rather than being spread out across the ring as they would be with a three-stone setting. There are also styles which include a cushion centre stone, which sits flush against two or three cushion diamonds. There are also numerous finishes available for the stones, such as patent, channel, bezel, prong, plain, etc. The main difference between these various finishes is the amount of sparkle, they will give off, and which style of band you prefer for your engagement ring.
Three stone engagement rings are also popular today, with couples choosing to get their engagement rings constructed in this style. They are set with one larger stone, which is generally round, or a combination of round and emerald cut stones, which can vary greatly in size and shape. Many couples choose to have the emerald cut stone set beneath a larger diamond in the wedding band, to maximise its visibility and sparkle. This is an especially popular option for large couples who are both slightly smaller than most.
The bezel setting, sometimes known as a ‘halo’ set around a diamond, can be designed in many different ways. Traditionally, bezels are made of clear glass to allow the sparkling diamond to show through. However, some rings now come ready made with an inside border cut into the glass, giving it the appearance of a solid bezel, whilst still allowing the light to shine through. Some rings have tiny cutouts in the glass, which represent the gemstone but are enclosed within the band to create a unique effect. Other bezels are made flush within the band, again, allowing the light to shine through and adding a touch of extra sparkle.
Solitaire engagement rings are also very popular for the modern wedding ceremony. This design is very similar to its wedding rings counterpart, with the exception that there are no traditional diamonds on the top side. Rather, the diamonds are set into the band by a set of smaller diamonds, usually around the centre of the band and a few just below the wedding rings at the end. Due to the small number of diamonds, this type of ring doesn’t need to be an intricately designed piece. It is often the smaller diamonds that add the most sparkle to the jewellery, creating a contemporary look which is very easy to achieve.
Engagement rings can also be worn on their own, without the wedding ring. These types of rings are often smaller than the traditional styles and can be made from a variety of precious metals. Platinum is the most common choice for couples looking for something a little more unusual, although gold and silver settings are also available. Alternatively, some couples may choose to use silver filigree to create something a little more romantic and unusual. If this option is chosen, it is advisable to choose the wedding rings first and then add on the engagement rings to create a more harmonised look.