Choosing Diamond Bands

Should I have diamonds in my wedding band or not?

It’s always best to consider whether you wish to add an eternity ring to your engagement and wedding set in the future. Only you can decide how much sparkle is the right amount for you. Solitaires or cluster engagement rings can suit a range of diamond set wedding bands. With shoulder set engagement rings you either choose the contrast of a plain polished wedding band or match the setting style in the engagement band with the wedding ring.

There are lots of setting options that will contrast with and compliment your engagement ring. Understanding the differences in styles can help you decide.

What setting styles are possible?

CLAW SET

This is the best choice for maximum sparkle with little visible metal. Claw or prong settings allow the diamonds to catch the most light. The number of claws can vary. Fewer claws mean more of the diamond edge is visible and cleaning the diamonds is easier but they need to be slightly heavier to give enough support and security. Larger diamonds can require taller settings. This style is most popular as eternity rings, especially if finger length is limited.

GRAIN SET

Small grains or beads of metal are pushed over the edge of the diamonds to hold them securely in place. The band can have very thin, barely visible edges or a wider edge similar to a channel set ring. Wider edges allow for a softer rounded profile. Grain setting is very popular in both diamond wedding and eternity rings as it is less catchy than claw settings but allows more of the diamonds to be visible than with channel, flush, or rim setting. If an engagement ring obscures the rings beside it, an offset diamond band is a great choice.

RIM SET

As a rim of metal is pushed over the edge of each stone this setting style offers maximum security to the diamond. A rim set won’t snag on clothing and in platinum can make the diamonds look bigger. This style works really well as an eternity combined with a rim set solitaire engagement ring and plain wedding ring. It suits those with an active lifestyle.

FLUSH SET

Flush set diamonds are set flush with the surface of the band. The metal is first cut out to accommodate the stone and then the rim of the hole is pushed over the edge of each stone. These can be placed across the top half of the band or equally spaced around the whole ring. The effect is perfect for occasional diamonds in a wedding band. Diamonds are well protected due to the metal surrounding the stone. This style suits round or princess cut diamonds. Illusion-square flush settings have four grains securing the diamond in a square frame, achieving the look of a princess cut with the greater sparkle of a brilliant cut diamond.

CHANNEL SET

The row of diamonds are held between two walls of metal. The sides of the metal walls are pushed over the edges of the stones to secure them in place. As the diamonds are flush with the surface of the ring this is a very practical style that won’t snag.

Princess cuts are particularly effective with this design since there are no gaps between the diamond. Off-set rings with diamonds close to one side of the band also work well with this setting style. The band edges can be narrow or wide, curved or flat depending on preference.

Channel set diamond wedding rings tend to suit a longer row of small diamonds and eternity rings are usually higher with fewer, larger diamonds.

How do you wear an eternity ring?

Eternity rings were traditionally worn between the engagement ring and wedding ring on the left hand but fashions have changed. When a plain wedding ring is chosen, it is usually worn in the middle acting as a buffer between the eternity ring and the engagement ring. This maximises the view of both diamond rings. If a diamond set wedding ring is chosen normally the eternity ring is made in a matching style and they are worn on either side of the engagement ring.

As diamond wedding rings have become more fashionable, wearing your anniversary ring alone on the fourth finger on your right hand is now a growing trend. Some find three diamond rings on the one finger too much bling or just that the three rings don’t fit on a short finger. Right-hand rings open up a world of choice as you are not limited to matching your other rings. Larger diamond options or wider rings which would detract from your engagement ring can look perfect on the other hand.

When should I get an eternity ring?

Traditionally, eternity rings are given to celebrate the first wedding anniversary or the birth of the couple’s first child. Today the celebration could just as easily be a 40th birthday or a 10th wedding anniversary. It’s up to you which milestone is most appropriate.

Should I choose a half or full eternity ring?

The original style of an unbroken band of diamonds to symbolise unending love has given way in popularity to diamonds halfway around the band which is more economical and practical to wear. As finger sizes quite often change over time, full eternity rings that require sizing are more complex as they usually need a diamond added or removed and may require a blank section to replace half a diamond.

At Faller, we can make eternity rings to order with more or fewer diamonds depending on your preference. While the most popular option a just over halfway around the band, shorter options and 3/4 way around the band are also possible.

What about gems?

Gem eternity rings are a desirable alternative to the all-diamond version and are a great way to introduce colour. These usually feature alternating diamonds with ruby, sapphire, emerald or tsavorite garnet. Claw and channel settings are the most effective setting styles with gemstone eternity rings. They are usually worn on the right hand.

View Our Gemstone Eternity Rings

Gemstone dress rings in any style are also becoming a popular alternative to the traditional eternity ring.