A contoured wedding band curves to follow the shape of your engagement ring, and a notched band has a small cut out where the setting sits, so both let the two rings sit flush. They are the usual answer when a low set, halo or bezel engagement ring leaves a gap beside a straight band.
If your band will not sit snugly beside your engagement ring, our guide to why a wedding band will not sit flush explains the causes. This post looks at the two shaped band styles that solve it.
What is a contoured wedding band?
A contoured band, also called a curved or shaped band, bends around the setting of the engagement ring. The curve can be gentle, following a halo or oval, or more pronounced, like a V or wishbone shape that frames the stone. Worn together, the two rings look like a single design.
Contoured bands can be plain or set with diamonds. A set contoured band traces the outline of the engagement ring with sparkle, which works beautifully with halos and pear or marquise stones.
What is a notched wedding band?
A notched band is straight for most of its length, with a small cut out where the engagement ring setting sits. The setting slots into the notch so the bands touch along their length. From most angles a notched band looks like a straight band, so it suits people who want a classic look but need a flush fit.
Contoured vs notched
| Contoured | Notched | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Curves around the setting | Straight with a small cut out |
| Look | Decorative, frames the stone | Classic, almost straight |
| Best for | Halos, pears, marquise, vintage designs | Low set solitaires and bezels |
| Wear alone | Distinctive on its own | The notch shows when worn alone |
Things to consider
- They are made for one ring. A shaped band is designed around a specific engagement ring, so it will fit that ring best.
- Wearing it alone. A notched band can look a little unusual on its own. A contoured band often looks like a deliberate design by itself.
- Order of wearing. Most people wear the band closest to the hand, but you can choose either order. Tell us which you prefer so the shape suits it.
Do you need a shaped band?
Not necessarily. High set engagement rings and some cathedral settings leave enough room for a straight band to slide underneath. Our comparison of low set vs high set engagement rings explains how setting height affects this. Some people also like a small gap between the rings.
How we design a shaped band
For an existing engagement ring, we work from photos and measurements of the ring so the band follows its outline. If you are commissioning both, we design them together in CAD so they fit from the start. For more ideas, see our guide to choosing a wedding band to match your engagement ring.
Designing yours with us
Every piece is designed with you in CAD first, and you can have as many revisions as you need, within reason. Once you are happy, a 70% deposit starts the making. Your piece is crafted by specialist goldsmiths, UK hallmarked and sent by insured tracked courier. Bespoke rings start from £600.
Browse our lab grown diamonds or read about the bespoke journey to see how a commission works from first chat to delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What is a contoured wedding band?
A band that curves around the setting of an engagement ring so the two sit flush together.
What is a notched wedding band?
A mostly straight band with a small cut out where the engagement ring setting sits.
Which is better, contoured or notched?
Contoured suits halos and fancy shapes and looks decorative. Notched keeps a classic look and suits low set solitaires and bezels.
Do I need a shaped wedding band?
Only if a straight band leaves a gap you do not like. High set rings often leave room for a straight band.