When you’re searching for the perfect wedding band to pair with your engagement ring, there are two ideas to keep in mind. The first is that there are no hard and fast rules for making your decision. Sure, there are some popular options, but there really is no right or wrong for making the perfect match. The second is the concept of “perfect” is in the eye of the beholder. That means if you like what you see, then go for it!While the choice is all yours, here are a few helpful aspects to consider.
Choose an appropriate setting.
A collection of blazing blue sapphires in the shape of a cougar may be lots of fun, but make sure you select a wedding ring that is as fun today as it will be several years down the line. Your engagement and wedding rings should both sport settings that remain timeless in their appeal, jewelry you’ll be proud to wear at any age.
If you intend to wear your engagement and wedding rings next to each other on the same hand, you also want to look for a wedding ring setting that compliments your engagement ring. Many women wear their rings next to each other on the left hand, while some switch the engagement ring to the right hand and wear the wedding band on the left. Either way is fine, but keep your decision in mind when you’re selecting your setting.
Choose a matching metal.
Clashing metals can look garish, even if worn on separate hands. Keep it classy with metals that match. If you have a two-tone engagement ring that mixes half yellow gold and half white gold, you have several options that can work wonderfully.
One is a half-and-half wedding band featuring the same mix of metals to keep up the symmetrical look. The other is to choose a wedding ring that features all of one metal or the other to add eye-catching contrast.
Opt for a coordinating shape.
If you plan on wearing the rings on the same hand, shape is a huge factor to consider. You want a wedding ring that is going to sit comfortably next to your engagement ring, sitting closely but not appearing fused together. A straight-band engagement ring offers no problems with pairing, although engagement rings with large prong settings, curves or bezels may require a little extra effort to find a wedding band that nestles next to it nicely.
The shape of your engagement ring’s stone is another aspect to keep in mind when choosing the general shape of the gems in your wedding ring. Engagement ring stones cut in ovals, cushions and other rounded shapes mesh well with rounded stones in the wedding bands. Likewise, square shapes like princess cuts and radiants tend to pair up neatly with square stones on the band.
Go for well-suited gemstones.
Matching the type and setting of gemstones can help you nab an attractive match. A classic solitaire engagement ring, for example, can look dashing with a simple wedding band. But if your idea of perfect means a wedding band with stones, you have several choices that can pair up well.
For more ideas on finding the perfect setting read our recent post: 9 Ring Settings to Know
The general tendency is to match up the same type of settings on both the engagement and wedding bands, such as a channel set engagement ring matched with a channel set engagement band.
Remember, however, that tendencies and rules are two different things. You’re free to choose whatever pairing catches your fancy as long as it makes you happy – both now and for years to come.