4 of the most popular wedding ring styles
After the glitz, glamour and fanfare that comes with engagement rings, choosing wedding rings can feel somewhat underwhelming. The wedding ring is often seen as the understudy, the backup band, to the main engagement ring event. But that certainly doesn’t mean that it is any less important.
Walking into a jewellery store, you may be surprised at just how many options there are when it comes to wedding bands. The best jewellers in Sydney will offer a healthy range, which, for those looking for the perfect accompaniment to their engagement ring, is a very good thing. So, whether you want a band that will complement your existing rock, or one that makes a statement all of its own, the choice is yours.
Let’s look at the four most popular wedding ring styles, and what they bring to the table.
Metal Band
A classic metal band, with no gemstones, is the most common choice for newlyweds. They are generally crafted from a particularly rare or precious metal, such as platinum or 18k, white, yellow or rose gold, with titanium or stainless steel also being popular choices for men. Platinum is now perhaps the most popular, as it oxidises over time, developing a beautiful patina (a green or brown discolouration that I promise is more stunning than it sounds).
Who should buy it?: A metal band is great for hands-on or active brides who don’t want to worry about damaging gemstones.
Pavé Band
A pavé band is jewel encrusted, usually with diamonds. It is a general term to cover a wedding band made of any sort of metal, with the stones set into the band (no prongs), and arranged in any sort of pattern. It goes well with engagement rings that have a pavé band themselves, or a solitaire ring with a cushion cut.
Who should buy it?: Great for a bride that wants the look of gemstones, without the look or the worry of damaging prongs.
Anniversary Band
While its name may suggest otherwise, this ring is not the reserve of couples who are celebrating their anniversary. The ring features a set of identically cut diamonds that sit in either a channel or in prongs, creating a band around half of the circumference. Provided the diamond cut matches, this ring will go with almost any engagement ring. The beauty of the anniversary band is that it gives the impression of the stones going all the way around, but without the feel of diamonds between the fingers that can be uncomfortable to some.
Who should buy it?: Any bride that wants the perfect mix of looks and comfort.
Eternity Band
An eternity band is characterised by the same gemstone arrangement as the anniversary band, but the diamonds this time go all the way around the ring, symbolising eternity. Once again, the diamonds can either be prong or channel set, although it must be noted that prong set stones will give you a far greater sparkle, as they are hit with light from both the top and the sides. Any cut of diamond can be used in an eternity band, although it is wise to try the ring on before you commit, as having certain stones sitting in between your fingers may become uncomfortable.
Who should buy it?: The eternity band can be a particularly good choice for the bride who is looking to wear their wedding band alone, as it can make a statement without the accompaniment of their engagement ring. It is also great for the bride who enjoys the symbolism of eternal commitment that it brings.
