Whether you are already engaged or seriously considering marriage, one step in your journey to matrimony is choosing a wedding ring to symbolize your lifelong commitment to one another. This can feel like a daunting task — deciding on a band that will signify your love and one that you’ll wear for the rest of your life. But if you are armed with some knowledge of wedding ring types and styles, you can confidently navigate this big decision of picking rings that you will wear for years to come.
You may ultimately choose a classic gold band or opt for a sparkling diamond ring, but we are here to walk you through the popular styles and settings for wedding rings so that you can find your perfect forever ring.
Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring
First of all, let’s discuss the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring. An engagement ring is normally given as part of a marriage proposal or early on in an engagement. The ring (most popularly, a diamond ring) usually consists of a dominant stone that stands alone or is flanked by smaller stones.
A wedding band is traditionally plain metal or diamond-paved. Wedding rings are exchanged between the bride and groom during the vows of the wedding ceremony and are worn from that point on. Because wedding rings usually contain smaller gemstones than engagement rings, there is typically a sizeable price difference between the two.
How to Wear Engagement and Wedding Rings
Traditionally, the engagement ring and wedding ring are worn together on the fourth finger of the bride’s left hand. Grooms also typically wear their wedding bands on the same hand and finger. According to tradition, women should wear their wedding bands inside their engagement ring, so it is closer to their hearts.
However, some women decide to wear their engagement ring and wedding band on different hands, as this displays their rings better, or their rings do not stack easily because of the stone or diamond setting type. Ultimately, how you wear your rings depends on your wedding ring setting and personal preference.
Do You Need Both an Engagement and Wedding Ring?
This decision is completely up to you. On one hand, an engagement ring paired with a wedding ring is a beautiful, classic combination that will never go out of style. However, some women prefer to only wear one ring because it is more comfortable, it’s one less ring to keep track of, they can choose a larger stone or diamond setting, or they can invest more in a single ring.
Choose whatever option best fits your life and personal style — after all, you are the one who will be wearing this diamond ring for many years!
Wedding Band Considerations
Before you start seriously shopping for wedding bands and exploring the many settings for wedding rings, there are a few helpful considerations to keep in mind. If you would like to dive in even further, our Fink’s wedding jewelry experts have put together an all-inclusive guide to choosing your perfect wedding band.
For now, let’s start with a few basic considerations in choosing your band:
- Make sure it complements your engagement ring
- Find the ring style that best fits your overall aesthetic
- Decide on your wedding band budget
- Try on rings to test for fit and comfort
- Choose a band that meets your durability needs
Popular Wedding Band Styles and Diamond Settings
When you start shopping, you will be confronted with a vast array of metals, styles, stone options, and settings for wedding rings. For both men and women, there are so many beautiful possibilities to consider that it may be overwhelming. We’ll go over some popular styles of wedding bands, along with examples of some of our favorite Fink’s Jewelers pieces that will inspire and delight you.
Popular Women’s Wedding Band Styles:
- Classic
- Eternity
- Pavé
- Channel
- Ring jackets
- Multi-stone
Classic Wedding Rings
These are classics for a reason — simple, comfortable metal bands have stood the test of time. You can choose your favorite metal, whether that’s yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum. We love the striking simplicity of The Studio Collection Matching Wedding Band in 14K white gold.
Eternity Diamond Rings
One of the most popular types of setting for wedding rings is the eternity band. These diamond rings feature all-surrounding stones in a variety of cuts. While some feature diamonds all the way around the band, others feature diamonds halfway around.
These bands also have a variety in their diamond settings, including channel, prong, and pavé. Our Fink’s Prong Set 23 Round Cut Diamond Eternity Band would make a gorgeous complement to many styles of engagement rings.
Pavé Wedding Bands
Another beloved setting for wedding rings is pavé. This setting is also widely used in engagement rings. The pavé diamond setting, which comes from the French word for “paved,” features rows of tiny gemstones that fit into holes level with the ring’s surface. The surrounding metal is raised into beads in order to secure the gems.
These diamond rings can provide brilliant sparkle even with small gems. We adore this Fink’s Ladies’ 18K White Gold Engraved Diamond Pavé Band.
Channel Wedding Ring Setting
A beautiful and durable setting for wedding rings is the channel setting, in which stones on the shank of the ring are set against each other between two walls of metal. These diamond rings are typically set in a full- or half-eternity style and often display princess cut diamonds. With this sturdy diamond setting, you don’t need to fret about snagging prongs or bumping stones loose.
We think our Fink’s Platinum Channel Set Princess Cut Diamond Wedding Band is particularly show-stopping.
Ring Jackets for Your Engagement Ring
If you’re looking for extra drama in your wedding ring setting, consider a ring jacket band. These stunning diamond rings feature rows of stones above and below your engagement ring to frame and enhance its beauty. Ring jackets come in a variety of diamond settings.
The Fink’s 14K White Gold Round Diamond Ring Jacket will certainly add extra sparkle and drama to your finger.
Colorful Multi-Stone Rings
If you love a non-traditional look and need a splash of color in your life, then consider our multi-stone wedding bands. These gorgeous diamond rings feature your choice of diamond setting and an additional stone type, such as rubies and sapphires. They look similar to a half-eternity wedding band but usually feature larger stones.
Our Fink’s Platinum Round Ruby and Diamond Prong Set Wedding Band offers just the right amount of romance and style in a beautiful prong diamond setting.
Pick the Perfect Wedding Ring Setting for You
Whether you lean toward a simple gold band, a dramatic ring jacket with a pavé diamond setting, or an elegant eternity diamond ring, your wedding band is sure to bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart for many happy years to come. After all, it isn’t just a ring — it is an enduring symbol of your love and devotion. No matter which ring style you choose, we wish you a long and loving marriage!
If you need more help in choosing your perfect wedding band, visit a Fink’s Jewelers location for expert and friendly assistance.
