When it comes to spending the rest of your lives together, you and your fiancée aren’t the only perfect match you need to think about. As you shop for wedding jewelry, you’ll need to find a band that perfectly complements your engagement ring.
If you’re searching for a design that will fit comfortably and showcase your dazzling diamond to the fullest, you’ll love a curved wedding band. With countless styles to choose from, it’s just a matter of finding one that suits your style.
What is a Curved Wedding Band?
Curved wedding bands are designed to sit snuggly against an engagement ring band and feature a curve or dip designed to accommodate the center stone. These uniquely shaped bands are also referred to as contour or shadow bands and can be worn alone or styled above or below the engagement ring in a wedding ring stack.
Curved Wedding Bands: Blending Tradition with Current Trends
Curved wedding bands, though first seen in the Victorian era, have had multiple resurgences of popularity ever since. In the Art Deco movement, when fine jewelry designers transformed more romantic, gentle styles from years past into bold works of art, the curved band caught on once more. With a versatile shape, elegant look, and flattering fit, it’s no wonder that diamond curved wedding bands are trending once more with the modern-day bride!
What Are the Best Diamond Shapes for a Curved Wedding Band?
Whether you’re buying the engagement ring and band at the same time or shopping alongside your bride-to-be after the proposal, you’ll be happy to know that curved wedding bands complement almost any ring shape. If you have one of these center stone shapes, consider pairing it with a curved wedding band to enhance the beauty:
- Pear
- Marquise
- Oval
- Cushion
- Round
How to Shop for the Best Curved Wedding Band for Your Engagement Ring
As far as curved wedding bands go, there are no hard and fast rules on which design is “right” for you. Every couple is unique—and their jewelry should be, too. Keep these tips in mind as you shop for your perfect wedding band:
Consider the Shape and Setting of Your Engagement Ring
Before you browse different curved wedding bands, it’s important to consider the piece of jewelry that started this whole journey to matrimony: the engagement ring. Does your stone sit low and close to your finger? If so, you’ll want a curved band that flows around it. If the diamond sits high, you may prefer a band with a smaller dip to accommodate the style. In the event a design is not compatible with your ring, don’t worry—there are countless shadow band styles to choose from.
Pro tip: Bring your engagement ring into your local jewelry store for a little extra guidance. When they look at the exact cut and shape of your center diamond and examine the setting, they’ll be able to help narrow down which curved wedding bands suit the style best.
Debate Different Curve Styles
Curved bands can be found in a wide variety of shapes, each with its own distinctive style. Though they can vary from subtle to dramatic, the three most popular designs are often referred to as:
- Classic curve: a classic curved band features a subtle bend that flatters almost every ring shape and allows for a gapless fit and smooth, understated style.
- V-shape: also known as chevron, a V-shape contour band offers a more contemporary style, with a pronounced, sharper downturn along the band designed to draw attention to the prominent center stone while preventing any gaps.
- Lunette: Lunette bands refer to rings designed with a dramatic, crescent-like curve, often embellished with accent gemstones, that rest right up against your center diamond.
Choose a Complementary Metal
In order to create a cohesive look, you’ll want to invest in a curved wedding band crafted from the same metal as your engagement ring. Sporting a curved white gold wedding band with your white gold engagement ring is the epitome of luxury! If, however, your bride is a life-long fan of mixing metals, then choosing a different precious metal is worth discussing.
Decide Between Width Options
Width is often forgotten about when discussing wedding jewelry—yet it’s one of the most important factors there is. Do you want to match the thickness of your curved yellow gold wedding band to your engagement ring’s band? Would you prefer a daintier, thinner look? Are you searching for more of a statement style? Try on curved bands with varying widths before deciding what feels right for your unique bridal set.
Go For Glitter and Shine or Subdued and Subtle
When considering different women’s wedding bands, you’ll notice a wide variety of both all-metal options and gemstone-studded designs. If you want your engagement ring to stand out or are working on a budget, consider the all-metal options, like a timeless curved yellow gold wedding band. If you want to enhance the overall sparkle on your ring finger, accentuate your center stone, and make a statement with a diamond curved wedding band.
Custom Design Your Own Curved Wedding Band
If you can’t find an existing design you love or that fits just right against your custom engagement ring, but have your heart set on a curved wedding band style, consider working with a jeweler to create your own. At professional jewelry stores, their highly trained experts will be able to create a custom contour band for any engagement ring style. Consider what you’re looking for in all the above design elements, bring your ideas to the table, and watch as they bring your dreams to life.
What’s the Correct Way to Wear a Curved Wedding Band?
Curved wedding bands are made to fit seamlessly along your engagement ring, but whether you sport the band on top of or underneath is up to you. Traditionally, your wedding band is worn closest to your heart to remind you of your love. If you’re given an anniversary band or diamond curved wedding ring jacket down the line, that can be stacked on top!
Curved bands offer a sophisticated and stylish option for traditional and contemporary brides alike. As your big day approaches, assess your wants, needs, and dreams and shop around for the perfect curved wedding band!
