Choose a wedding band by deciding metal, width, profile and whether you want plain metal, diamonds or a shaped match to an engagement ring. Compare styles on our wedding bands page, then use this guide for fit and pairing before you commission.
Wedding band styles at a glance
Comparing plain, diamond-set and shaped styles is a useful place to start. You can narrow the choices by the look you prefer, whether it will sit beside an engagement ring and how the band feels to wear.
| Choice | What you are deciding | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Plain metal band | Metal, width and profile only | No stones to maintain; pairs with most settings. See metals. |
| Half diamond band | Diamonds across the visible arc, with plain metal underneath | Plain metal on the underside leaves more scope for later adjustment. See eternity rings |
| Full diamond band | Stones around the full circumference | Size carefully before making; continuous coverage leaves little plain shank. See eternity rings. |
| Shaped / fitted band | A curve or notch to suit a specific engagement ring | Designed against that ring’s outline. Useful with flush engagement rings. |
| Width examples | 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm | Wider bands contact more finger surface and can feel snugger at the same marked size. |
| Profile | Flat, court, flat court or D shape | Court is gently curved outside and inside. Flat court is flat outside with a curved inside. D shape has a curved outside and flat inside. Flat is flat on both faces. For an illustrated explanation, see Titan Jewellery’s profile guide. |
Plain metal wedding bands
A plain band is metal only: alloy, millimetre width and profile. Yellow, white and rose gold and platinum are common UK choices; compare them on our metals page rather than treating one alloy as universally correct.
Narrow examples such as 2 mm, 2.5 mm and 3 mm sit lightly beside many engagement rings. Wider examples such as 4 mm to 6 mm have a stronger visual presence. As the fitting guidance below explains, try a gauge of similar width rather than relying on a narrow gauge alone.
Profile names are often mixed up. A traditional court band is gently curved on the outside and the inside. A flat court keeps a flat outer face with a curved inner face. A flat band is rectangular in cross-section. A D shape is rounded outside and flat inside. Try the profile you prefer in a similar width before you approve a CAD.
Plain vs half or full diamond bands
A plain band keeps the surface uninterrupted. A half diamond band sets stones across the outward-facing arc and leaves plain metal underneath. A full diamond band sets stones around the whole circumference.
Claw-set stones sit higher on the band, while channel and flush-style settings seat stones lower. Fine pavé places small stones closely together. Compare the appearance and care requirements with your jeweller before choosing. See eternity rings and flush engagement rings
Continuous stone coverage leaves little plain shank for a traditional size change, so full diamond bands are usually sized carefully before production. Half-set bands leave more plain metal for later adjustment. Confirm the plan with your jeweller for the specific design.
Matching a wedding band to an engagement ring
The wedding band worn with an engagement ring can be plain, diamond-set or shaped. Same-metal pairs look continuous. Mixed metals are a design choice, not a right or wrong rule: decide whether you want match or contrast, then keep both pieces deliberate.
A shaped band follows the engagement ring’s outline so the two sit closer together. That usually means designing against the actual engagement ring or an accurate CAD of it. Start from wedding bands.
Fit and width
GIA’s measuring guidance recommends a finger gauge close in width to the finished ring. It should pass over the finger joint without force, then settle where the ring will be worn. Use narrow gauges for bands up to about 4 mm and wide-finger gauges for bands over 4 mm. Wider rings cover more skin and can feel tighter. Read the GIA finger and ring sizing guide for the full method.
For charts and full method, use ring sizing. If discussing a band for an existing engagement ring, share photographs and the setting measurements with us as well as your finger size.
Engraving
Inside engraving is private in daily wear. Font height and length depend on band width and whether the interior is flat or curved. See the wedding ring engraving guide.
Commissioning with À Vie Diamonds
Wedding bands start from £600. We make plain, diamond-set and shaped wedding bands around your brief. You can refine the CAD before approving production, once the 70% payment is received. UK hallmarking applies before dispatch. Share your wedding date with us so we can confirm whether the requested timing is achievable.
See wedding band styles, or contact us with metal, width, profile and whether the band must sit beside an engagement ring.
Frequently asked questions
What should I decide first when choosing a wedding band?
Decide metal, width and profile, then whether the band is plain, half or full diamond-set, and whether it must be shaped to an engagement ring. Compare finished styles on the wedding bands page before you lock a CAD.
What is the difference between court, flat court, flat and D shape profiles?
Court is gently curved outside and inside. Flat court is flat outside with a curved inside. Flat is flat on both faces. D shape is curved outside with a flat inside. Try a similar width before you approve the design.
Do wedding band and engagement ring metals have to match?
No. Matching metals look continuous; mixed metals are a deliberate contrast. There is no universal right or wrong choice.
How should a wedding band be sized if it is wider than 4 mm?
GIA advises using a wide-finger sizing gauge for rings over 4 mm, choosing a gauge similar in width to the finished band, and never forcing the gauge over the knuckle.