When planning an engagement, many people focus primarily on engagement rings and often overlook the significance of selecting wedding bands. However, the wedding band is equally important as it too symbolizes your love and is something you will wear every day.

Choosing the perfect ring can be a bit overwhelming with all the different settings, metals, and styles available. To make the best decision, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with the various types of settings, band styles, and materials.

By getting acquainted, you'll feel more confident in finding the one that truly resonates with you. Join us as we explore different wedding bands to pair with your engagement ring, helping you find one that is comfortable, cohesive, and uniquely yours.

Understanding Engagement Ring Settings: High-Set vs. Low-Set

When choosing the setting for your engagement ring, you have two options in terms of height: high-set and low-set. Which you choose has a direct influence on which wedding bands pair with your engagement ring setting, as they determine how the center stone will sit above the band. Understanding the height and style of your engagement ring can guide your wedding band selection, ensuring they complement each other.

High-Set (Elevated) Engagement Rings

For high-set or elevated rings, the center stone is mounted on prongs or a basket that raises it noticeably above the band. With this type of setting, the gems' sparkle is maximized as more light is able to pass through the stone from all angles.

Not only does the elevated setting enhance the gem's sparkle, but it also creates a classic or vintage appeal while making it easier to clean, as the underside of the stone is accessible. However, high-set engagement rings are more prone to snag on fabrics or hair, are less stable for active hands, and may sit too high under gloves or long sleeves.

Low-Set (Flush or Tension) Engagement Rings

For low-set rings, also known as flush or tension set, the center stone is nestled close to the shank. It is either held in place by a bezel that “hugs” it, or it is held still by tension mounts that grip its stone firmly.

This type of setting is often seen as sleeker and more modern-looking. It is also highly secure and sits comfortably against the finger without catching. However, there is slightly less light exposure (especially with bezel), meaning a reduced brilliance, and it offers fewer cleaning access points.

Straight vs. Curved Wedding Bands: Which Style Fits You?

Once you’ve identified your engagement ring setting, the next decision is the band silhouette: Straight or Curved (Contoured)?

Straight Wedding Bands

Straight wedding bands are classic, unbroken circles with a uniform width and no contours. They are elegant in design, pair well with other styles, and stack well with multiple rings. Straight bands are also known to be more budget-friendly than curved wedding bands.

If you opt for a straight band, flush bezel-set, or low-profile tension rings, or solitaire settings with side detailing work best. These bands are also ideal for brides who prefer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

Curved (Contoured) Wedding Bands

A curved or contoured wedding band incorporates a subtle curve, notch, or V-shape that complements the engagement ring’s profile. The curve or contour creates a seamless fit against a high-set or halo engagement ring and prevents rocking or shifting, offering a tailored and secure look.

These bands are best for prong-set solitaires, halos, three-stone engagement rings, or any setting where a straight band would leave uneven gaps.

Tips for Choosing Between Straight and Curved

In some cases, it can be difficult to decide if a straight or curved band would better complement your engagement ring, especially when either could really work. When considering your options, also consider these additional tips:

• Get a 3D Design of the Ring: Some jewelers will provide a template of your engagement ring’s profile, typically with the use of 3D printing. These illustrations can help you visualize your ring and how it pairs with each band option.

• Try Before You Buy: Visiting a showroom to try on different rings or receiving sample rings at home can be very helpful.

• Stacking Possibilities: If you’re thinking about wearing several bands, like an anniversary or eternity ring, think about how they’ll fit together. A straight band between two curved ones can create a nice balance and a comfortable fit.

With these extra considerations, you can ensure you select the ideal wedding band to match your engagement ring.

Other Key Wedding Band Features

You’ve chosen your engagement ring’s height and the silhouette of your wedding band, but there’s more to consider than shape alone. From metal and finish to setting style, gemstone cut, and decorative details, each choice affects comfort and harmony. Below are six popular women’s wedding bands. Take a look and see which suits you best.

Plain Metal Bands

A plain metal band is a timeless choice that can be made from any metal you prefer, such as platinum, white gold, yellow gold, or even alternative metals like palladium. Its minimalist design ensures that it doesn’t take away from the beauty of your engagement ring, allowing the stone or gem to be the focal point. Additionally, it pairs beautifully with any engagement ring style.

Aside from its simple and elegant appearance, plain metal bands offer comfort and affordability. This makes them an excellent wedding band option for those seeking a lighter ring or those who prefer to invest more in the engagement ring itself rather than the band.

Pavé Bands

Pavé bands are a beautiful choice to complement engagement rings. These striking bands add a touch of extra sparkle by incorporating tiny diamonds or colored stones set closely all around the band. This design allows for minimal metal to show, creating a stunning, continuous shimmer that enhances the ring's overall appearance without drawing attention away from the main stone.

Another great read: What Does a Pave Black Diamond Wedding Band Mean?

Channel-Set Bands

Channel-set bands have a groove carved into the metal where diamonds or colored gemstones are securely placed. This design allows the stones to sit flush with the surface of the band, resulting in a sleek and modern look that also protects the gems.

These bands pair beautifully with both high-set and low-set engagement rings. A contoured channel can follow the shape of the ring for added elegance, while a straight channel provides a clean, architectural contrast to the height of the center stone.

Full Eternity Bands

A full eternity band is an unbroken circle of identically cut gemstones, typically diamonds, but not necessarily. With a full eternity wedding band, these stones circle the entirety of the ring. This continuous line symbolizes the everlasting love and unbreakable bond between partners. Additionally, because gemstones wrap all the way around, they deliver dazzling brilliance from every angle and sparkle in any light.

For the most seamless alignment and uniform gem presentation, full eternity bands, like this 1 Carat Lab Diamond Eternity Band, are best suited with straight designs. Curving or contoured styles can disrupt the pattern of the stones. It’s important to note, however, that full eternity rings are more challenging to resize, so accurate sizing is crucial.

Half-Eternity Bands

Half-eternity bands have gemstones or diamonds covering the top half of the band, leaving the striking plain metal section on the underside. Take, for example, this stunning 14K Yellow Gold Infinity Wedding Band. This style provides the gleam of a full eternity band but with added practicality as resizing is simpler, costs are lower, and the band may feel lighter on the finger.

Because of their practicality, half-eternity wedding bands are perfect for brides with a tighter budget or anyone looking for a beautiful balance of sparkle and comfort. These bands offer a luxurious appearance while avoiding the commitment of fully encircled gems.

Criss Cross and Infinity Bands

Last on our list are Criss Cross bands and Infinity wedding bands. These band styles offer metal strands that coil or intertwine around each other, with or without pavé diamonds or gemstones. This design symbolizes the way marriage weaves the lives of two individuals in love together.

The intertwined metal gives a modern-romantic flair, adding visual intrigue without overwhelming the engagement ring. Criss Cross and Infinity bands are ideal for brides seeking a distinctive yet timeless design that exudes elegance.

Each of these 6 unique wedding band styles offers something different. That said, the right wedding band is about finding a piece that feels like an extension of you and complements your engagement ring. By exploring different styles and thinking about what truly resonates with you, you’ll discover a band that symbolizes your unique love story perfectly.

Also read: 10k Gold vs 14k Gold: Find the Best Gold for Your Style & Budget

Purchasing Women’s Wedding Bands, Shop Barkev’s

Finding the perfect women’s wedding band is a meaningful journey, and at Barkev’s, you’ll discover a collection that feels both personal and special. Each ring is crafted with love and attention to detail, reflecting the unique style of the woman who will wear it.

Whether you prefer classic elegance or a modern twist, Barkev’s has a beautiful piece to celebrate a love story. Begin your shopping journey today to discover the perfect piece that reflects your unique romance.