We’re all for non-conventional, however, most women choose to wear both an engagement ring AND wedding band. This is known as a “bridal set” in the jewelry industry.

Some jewelry stores sell complete, coordinating bridal sets. But, you can always choose to build your own ring set with a traditional women’s wedding band OR go bold with an alternative women’s wedding band inlaid with a unique material, such as meteorite or an exotic hardwood.  

Read on to learn more about design options, common ring elements and to get some women’s wedding band design inspiration.

WOMEN'S WEDDING BAND STYLES

The options for women's wedding bands are endless and no matter what your style, you can find or custom create your perfect band. Generally speaking bands are either straight or curved, but the features beyond that can vary from all-metal to multi-stone and inlaid.

STRAIGHT BANDS

Straight bands are aptly named for their symmetrical, circular shapes and are commonly worn alone or paired with an engagement ring, depending on the engagement ring design.

In some cases, the shape of the engagement ring or its stone setting will prevent the two rings from being worn closely side-by-side and this “gapping” is illustrated below.

If you prefer a cleaner look, opt for a shadow band, which we explain right below.


Shadow Wedding Bands (aka Contour or Curved Band)

Rarely worn alone, shadow bands are named for the way that they perfectly curve and contour the shape of the engagement ring that they’re worn tightly beside. Some are designed with multiple curves and points while others have a subtle, small curve that results in a perfect fit against the engagement ring. They run the gamut in style from simple, all-metal bands to multi-material and gemstone rings.


ETERNITY BANDS

Eternity wedding bands, sometimes referred to as infinity bands, get their names from the endless circle of stones or a pattern on the ring. Some believe this is representative of your endless love. Eternity bands can be crafted with a contour or straight shape and are worn alone or paired with an engagement ring.

Yellow Gold Eternity Band with Black Diamonds (DJ1000) with Vintage Style Princess Cut Engagement Ring


HALF ETERNITY BANDS

If you want the same look of an eternity band with a lower cost you can opt for a half-eternity set ring. As the name suggests, stones are featured on only one half of the band while the other half is either metal or it can be inlaid with a unique material.


Women’s Wedding Band Stone Cuts and Settings

Stone shapes and their settings greatly impact the look of a wedding band. Here are some examples of styles to help you identify those that you love and hate!

Marquise cut stones have a unique, pointed oval shape. In this white gold eternity band (ST123681) they are bezel set; the stone is secured in surrounding metal.

Baguette cut stones have a rectangular shape as illustrated in this unique eternity band.

Pave’ is a version of a prong setting that features multiple lines of tiny stones, typically round cut, as featured in this multi-stone eternity band (ST68368).

A channel set is just that, the stones are secured within a channel of metal. This round cut stone eternity ring (ST122755) has milgrain edges, which resemble tiny balls of metal.


What Is The Wedding Ring Profile?

Ring profile, most commonly “round” or “flat”, refers to the overall shape of the ring’s exterior, which is a very important design element. In most cases, you want to choose a band and engagement ring with the same profile so you get a complementary, uniform look to your bridal set. Nearly our entire collection of women’s wedding band designs can be crafted in both round or flat profile.


Do You Wear The Wedding Band On The Inside Or Outside?

Inside! Tradition suggests that the wedding band should be worn inside of the engagement ring, so it’s closest to your heart. But really, it's your choice and you should wear it however it feels most comfortable.

Bridal Set with Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring And Matching Band


Is It A Good Idea To Solder Your Wedding Rings Together?

If you choose, you can have your engagement ring and wedding band safely and permanently joined together through the soldering process that uses a filler metal to bond the two rings. A potential con, it leaves you with just one vs. two heirlooms to pass down through generations. On the plus side, it does not decrease the value of the rings and it reduces damage caused by rubbing together during daily wear. Most jewelry stores offer this service for an average of $150.


We hope you have a better understanding of your wedding band options after reading this blog. If you’re still unsure of the perfect band style for you, please contact our design consultants and we can assist you in finding it! Or, we can create a custom wedding band just for you!

Tagged: wedding bands