Diamond Wedding Bands

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With so many styles of wedding bands to consider, at times you may think you will never be able to settle on any one particular ring. When choosing a wedding band there are quite a number of things to decide such as what metal type to choose, whether the wedding band should be a plain style or something fancier, and whether or not it should be inlaid with diamonds or other gemstones.

Platinum Princess-cut band by Blue Nile

When choosing a wedding band with gemstones, diamonds are by far the most popular choice. Diamond wedding bands will usually appeal to those who like a fancier and flashier style of ring. Wedding bands with diamonds are available in many styles and designs that range from simple, dainty styles to greatly ornate designs. With so many options, you should be able to find a style that captures your interest whether you prefer just a little sparkle or lots of brilliance.

When considering a diamond wedding band an important factor to take into account is your lifestyle. A diamond wedding band will require more care and careful handling than a style without a gemstone. If you are active or subject your hands to a lot of activity, a diamond wedding band may not be practical for you. While diamonds are a hard stone, they are not indestructible.

The type of setting for your diamonds may also be influenced by your lifestyle. Diamonds can be prong set or channel set, which can affect the level of protection that the metal gives to the diamonds. Generally, a channel setting better protects the gemstones from abrasions and gives a smoother feel to the ring. A channel setting describes the method which holds the diamonds in the setting, where multiple diamonds are set side by side between two bars of precious metal in a continuous line and no metal appears between the diamonds. Unlike the prong setting, it does not have the tendency to snag clothing or other delicate materials or scratch the skin. These are often reasons why a channel setting is chosen by active individuals or those who work with children or have a profession where they have to wear protective gloves.

Pearl in Sterling Silver by Mira Jewelry

On the other hand, a prong setting is the most commonly used diamond setting and is especially popular for solitaire engagement rings. The prong setting allows more light into the diamond which creates more fire and brilliance than if the same stone was channel set. The prong set is also an easier method of setting stones and results in a less expensive setting than the more labor intensive channel setting. In a diamond wedding band, the prongs reach above the main body of the ring and are bent over to hold the diamonds in place. The shape and size of the stones determine the length of the prongs and the number required to hold the stones in diamonds for maximum brilliance. Because prongs can snag clothing it is something that should be considered when choosing this type of setting for your wedding band. If you are active you should consider if a prong setting is a practical choice for your lifestyle. it is easier to damage a prong or prong tip than it is to damage a channel setting and it is also more likely that a diamond will chip in a prong setting than a channel setting.

Another consideration is the cost of a diamond wedding band. Wedding bands with diamonds will cost more than a wedding ring without them. The amount you are able to budget for a wedding band is a valid factor to consider. If at this time you just have other financial priorities, take heart, you can always wait and purchase a diamond anniversary band in celebration of a future wedding anniversary. A diamond anniversary ring will, of course, look great next to your precious metal wedding band.

The price of diamond wedding bands can vary greatly, depending on the size, color, clarity and cut of the diamonds as well as the style of the ring and how many diamonds are set in the band. While diamonds are graded based on their color (whiteness) and clarity (inclusions and flaws), the cut is also a very important factor that affects the overall look of the stone. Not to be confused with the shape of the stone, the cut refers to the diamonds proportions, such as its depth and width and the uniformity of its facets, as well as the polish on the facets. A diamond with a poor cut will appear dull even if it has perfect color and clarity.

When shopping for your diamond wedding band, you will also have to a make a decision as to where you want to buy the ring. When you shop at a local retail jewelry store, you will have the benefit of personalized service and a local contact for any future purchases or repairs. While some couples may want to work with a local jeweler, other couples may prefer to shop on the internet, where they are not pressured by salespeople and can do research on their own. Shopping on the internet for something so special may make some individuals hesitate, however, there are many online retailers that specialize in wedding rings with great products. Because you are buying from a picture, just check their return and exchange policy before committing to the purchase and make sure you are comfortable with their terms. Because of the greater competition and lower overhead costs, the online jewelers can often offer a fabulous diamond wedding band for less than a traditional retail store, which just might make it too tempting to refuse.