With a range of design options to consider, it can be difficult to find the perfect wedding band to complement your engagement ring. Here, Bhria Vellnagel enlists the knowledge of Stephen Dibb, the owner of Stephen Dibb Jewellery, to help take the guesswork out of this pairing.

There is no jewellery duo more renowned in society than the engagement and wedding ring. When deciding on your wedding band, it should reflect your personality and style, while also complementing your engagement ring. “This is a ring that you’ll wear for the rest of your life,” says Dibb.“[Make sure you] take the time [to choose] what you really want.”

It’s A Match!

To avoid any hassles on your big day, your wedding band should be chosen at least two months before the nuptials. Deciding on the perfect ring can often be overwhelming, which is why narrowing down your favourite metal, gem and style is a good place to start. “Traditionally, the wedding and engagement rings match [by] metal colour, diamond clarity, colour, stone setting, band width, or profile,” says Dibb.

Whether you’re a fan of rose gold, vintage-style engraving or show-stopping diamonds, you’ll need to find a band that will coincide with your beautiful engagement ring. By choosing a wedding band that mirrors some of the same elements of your engagement ring, such as its gem shape and cut, you’re sure to find a cohesive coupling.

A Trend To Remember

Trending engagement rings current feature classic elements with a modern design, much like Meghan Markle’s luxurious three-stone ring and Kate Middleton’s sapphire ring. “Our most popular wedding set is antique-inspired,” says Dibb. “[This style] combines a [traditional] white-gold [band] with either rose-gold or yellow-gold highlights.” As many brides move further away from traditional wedding rings, creatively styled bands are becoming increasingly popular. “Crossover wedding rings, where there is a twist in the band that fits into the engagement ring, [are currently in vogue],” says Dibb.

In contrast with the traditional two-ring pair, brides are now opting for a three-ring set, which features one ring sitting below and one above the engagement ring. “Spilt wedding rings are great if you like symmetry,” says Dibb. “Some couples [put] the second ring on layby and use it to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.” With brides-to-be veering further away from traditional diamond wedding rings, coloured stones such as sapphires and rubies have become a sought-after alternative. Coloured diamonds, such as Australian pink Argyle diamonds, have also become increasingly popular in recent years due to their rarity.

Prior to heading in store, Dibb suggests finding your favourite styles online. If you aren’t a fan of any current trends, then browse through band styles and stone settings to get a feel of what you like. “When choosing your wedding rings, consider your style,” says Dibb. “If you want something different, go for it!”

If you’re overwhelmed by the options available, you can enlist the help of a custom jeweller. With years of professional experience in ring pairing, the jeweller will inspect your engagement ring and provide you with a number of options to select from, or offer a bespoke design.

The Perfect Fit

When shopping for the perfect wedding ring, it’s important to note that your favourite style may not suit your engagement ring. “A properly fitted wedding ring that doesn’t damage the engagement ring over time is essential,” says Dibb. If an engagement ring has a large stone, pairing it with a standard straight band can cause damage to both rings and can even pinch your finger.

To accommodate the large engagement stone, curved or angled wedding bands are ideal. “As long as the rings are professionally fitted by a jeweller, and backed by workmanship and satisfaction guarantees, there [won’t be any] problems,” says Dibb.

When investing in this long-lasting piece of jewellery, it’s paramount to find a ring that fits correctly. By going to a professional jeweller and being properly fitted, you won’t need to go back to have your ring adjusted or fixed. “We recommend ‘comfort fitting’ on all our rings, which makes the inside of the band convex so that it’s a truly comfortable fit,” says Dibb.

Diamond In The Rough

As the protruding stones of engagement rings can be easily damaged, it’s commonplace for married women to revert to wearing only their wedding band. However, even wedding rings with small gems or thick bands can become worn over time. “Your lifestyle should be taken into account when designing your wedding ring, [as it] may change your choice of metal, setting or stone,” Dibb says.

Dibb says low-set stones and a robust band will best suit a hands-on lifestyle. By choosing a strong metal, such as platinum or ruthenium, you’re sure to have a long-lasting piece that won’t scratch or warp. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the ruling royals, then a simple gold band set in 18 carats or under is a wise choice. Not only is this precious metal easy to care for, but it also has a lower chance of becoming damaged.

Similarly, instead of opting for valuable gems that require regular maintenance, Dibb suggests having your ring inscribed. Popular inscriptions can include almost anything, from a special phrase to romantic poetry. If words aren’t your style, consider having your ring engraved with vintage spirals or a timeless floral pattern.

With a vast range of wedding ring styles to choose from, finding the perfect one can be difficult. However, whether your engagement ring features coloured gems or a statement diamond, by adhering to the aforementioned advice, you’re sure to find your perfect match.

Image Credit: We are Twine