Wedding Bands
When choosing a wedding band, there are four key elements to take into account that will inform the kind of ring you end up with and how much it will cost. Everyone will have a different idea, so it's best to try on different styles, finishes, widths and weights for you to really understand what your preference is and which style is right for you.
Profile
The profile of a ring is not only what it looks like, but how it fits and feels for you. Some people find the Court profile the most comfortable and others the Halo, so it really is personal! What band profile you choose should, for ladies, take into account the style of the engagement ring too. Lastly, if you want a wedding band that is slightly different in design, the profile of the ring will be a factor too. Take a look at these familiar profiles to see which you like the look of.
Court
Said to be the most comfortable of the profiles, the Court is gently rounded on the exterior and with a curved interior. One of the most popular styles due to aesthetics and comfort, it's a timeless classic.
D Shape
When viewed in cross section the capital D shape becomes obvious! Flat on the inside and domed on the outside, this shape is especially good for stacking rings next to each other as you can clearly see the edges due to the curvature. It also can make bands appear narrower, so take that into consideration when thinking of the width.
Flat
A flat wedding ring profile features a band with a flat surface on the outside and typically a flat or slightly rounded inside. This design creates a modern and minimalist look, offering a sleek and contemporary aesthetic. It will appear true to its width in this profile.
Reverse D
This profile type is the exact opposite of a D! It has a flat exterior and a domed interior which allows for a comfortable fit with the sleek, contemporary look of the Flat profile.
Halo
This profile, when viewed in a cross secrion would look perfectly round and looks good in a wider width. It's comfortable to wear and stacks well with other rings as it has a clear definition between its neighbours, making it a great choice of band between engagement and eternity rings.
Widths & Weight
Two very important factors for your wedding rings, and actually for any ring, are the width and weight. Not ony do they play a part in comfort but also durability of the ring.
When considering the width, do take into account the profile of the ring as some styles will make a band appear narrower than it is versus others that will look true to width, like a flat profile. Most women's wedding rings are between 2mm and 3mm and most men's between 4mm and 8mm. A lot is down to personal preference! We don't recommend a band being too thin though, as it makes it easier to bend and misshape it.
When talking about the weight of the ring, this is the depth, or thickness of the band. Typically they come in light, medium and heavy weight. Light weight is usually about 1.3mm, medium weight 1.7mm and 2.1mm for heavy weight.
The wider the ring, and the heavier it is, means the more metal that is used to create it, which will increase the cost of it as well.
Ring Width
Ring Weights
Finishes
There are a number of different finishes you could choose for you wedding band, and within reason, anything is possible! Below are the four most common metal finishes.
Polished
The polished finish is arguably the most classic. With a beautiful, mirror finish, highly polished rings look stunning. Over time, they will pick up scratches and knocks whilst developing a worn patina, but this adds to their character. You can of course get your rings repolished to reinvigorate the shine if you aren't so keen on the worn finish over the years.
Brushed
A brushed finish adds texture to the ring and you will find there are multiple looks to a 'brushed' finish. Some will be directional horizontally and some vertically, and others will be more mottled. An image of exactly what brushed finish you like it helpful.
Matte
This non-refelctive, subdued finish is perfect for those that prefer an understated look. The soft focus of the metal diffuses light giving it a subtle finish.
Hammered
A hammered finish is perfect for those who want a texture that is a more organic and rustic. The final look can vary depending on the shape of the hammer used and the force of the jeweller with their hammer blows, meaning every ring will be unique in its overall finish. A low maintenance finish which will disguise any knocks!