A wedding band is something that you can potentially wear every day for the rest of your life which means that comfort, durability and design are just as important as the aesthetics. A diamond wedding offers the potential for sparkle but retains the traditional feel of a wedding band. However, with so many options available how does a buyer know what to look for? Some preparation can ensure that you get a diamond band that you will enjoy every day instead of one that looks nice in the shop but is uncomfortable to the touch.
Benefits and Drawbacks of a Diamond Wedding
Diamond bands offer lots of style flexibility with a choice to pick one that has a few accent stones scattered across the front or that has diamonds circling around the entire piece.
The key benefit of a diamond wedding band is its versatility as you could choose to get a simple band that would complement an engagement ring or that is more detailed and meant to be worn alone. Another benefit is the variety, both in the shape of the diamonds and the metals, which means that you can find a band that fits your style.
However, there are also some drawbacks associated to the diamond band.
It requires more cleaning due to the gaps where soap, lotions and other oils can get trapped. It also may snag on clothing if there are any protruding diamonds or prongs. Resizing could also be an issue, especially if you get one with diamonds circling the entire band. It also has to complement any other rings that you wear as having two rings that are significantly different in height will cause them to rub together.
For example, if you have a job that requires you to do manual labour throughout the day a simple band with smaller set diamonds will likely suit you better than one with larger diamonds that stick out from the band as the latter could cause snagging issues with your gloves or clothing.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Band
First off, think about how you’re going to wear the band. If you’re going to wear it in conjunction with an engagement ring, bring the two rings together in the shop to see how they look together. See if there are any problem areas where the two rings may snag on each other or where the stones can press against the other ring. It is also a good idea to think about the width of the band and how it feels on your finger. A band that is wider may feel bulkier and can also be tight even if it is not a heavy band, so it is important to test it out by moving your fingers around and flexing your hand. Comfort is more important than how good the ring looks.
Think About the Diamond Setting
Next, think about the type of setting for the diamonds. There are a number of different settings prong, channel, bezel and pavé and each dictate how much of the diamond is on display. A prong setting means that there are metal points that hold the diamond in place, which makes the sparkle more visible. Channel and bezel settings tend to have a larger portion of the diamond that is covered but provides a sleeker look.
Consider Your Lifestyle and Occupation
Think about your lifestyle and occupation to determine what type of setting would be good for you. If you lead a very active lifestyle and/or have a job that involves manual labour, exercise or healthcare, it is probably best to stick to a lower setting.
Choose the Type of Diamond
It is also important to think about the type of diamond that you want. If you are trying to decide between a mined diamond and a lab created diamond it might be a good idea to give the staff at the jewellery store a call to learn more about explain what lab diamonds NZ are have to offer. Mined and lab created diamonds have the same crystalline structure they just come from different sources.
Choose the Right Metal
Finally, think about the metal. Platinum is a great choice if you want something durable and that has a white hue but gold (yellow, rose and white) is also a good option if you want something that is slightly less expensive. However, keep in mind that the higher the percentage of gold in the metal the less hard it will be. Ask the staff about how much wear and tear the metal can take.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
Before you buy a diamond keep in mind the following questions:
- Is it comfortable on my finger?
- Do the diamonds look secure in their settings?
- Can it be resized if needed?
- Will it complement other rings that I have?
- What kind of upkeep and cleaning does it require?
Avoid buying a ring based on how good it looks as a heavily detailed band will look fantastic in the store but it will also feel uncomfortable on a day to day basis.
Key Takeaways
When looking for a wedding band opt for one that is comfortable to the touch. Think about your occupation and personal style to help narrow down the settings and metals that you can go with. Test out how the band feels alongside an engagement ring before buying it. Ask questions about resizing the band before you invest in a full diamond band. Compare the durability of the metal, the security of the stones and upkeep.
Conclusion
The best diamond bands are ones that strike a happy medium between looking good and feeling comfortable on a day to day basis. You can’t go wrong by looking at the height of the setting, the width of the band, the metal and the way it feels on your finger. Testing out a few different styles will show you all of the subtle differences that you might not have noticed otherwise. A good band should let you enjoy the style without sacrificing everyday comfort and practicality.
