Everything you need to know about shaped wedding bands

This is a simple guide to Shaped wedding bands, also known as crown rings or curved wedding rings. Why you might choose them, their pros and cons and some examples of how they can pair with engagement rings

Why choose a curved band?

Often engagement rings are designed with the gemstones set high above the band, so that a straight wedding ring can slide underneath the setting. These type of engagement rings on my site are described as wed fit.

But for many vintage and unusually shaped engagement rings with a lower stone setting, straight wedding bands don’t sit perfectly next to them leaving visible gaps between the two rings. A wedding ring that hugs the contours of the engagement ring, leaving no gaps solves this problem. Spaces between the two rings are not a problem, it’s simply a question of whether the aesthetics bother you. Plus,  the combination of two or more rings stacked together working in harmony can create a unique statement

Pros and cons

The one point I always ask clients to consider is what the wedding band will look like when worn on its own.  This is particularly important for professions such as nurses, where wearing an engagement ring. Isn’t practical.

An irregular shape is not usually a big deal, as a ring with a curve, or gentle wave will look great when worn without its partner ring. However for more unusual shapes it is worth weighing up the pros and cons, and how much small gaps between the two rings will bother you, compared to an unusual shaped wedding band when worn on its own.

Also keep I mind that if the ring should ever need to be resized, a shaped band will always be a little more tricky to adjust than a simple straight ring.

Common styles

The Wish bone shape is very popular, and very adaptable. It suits all styles of engagement ring. And looks very elegant when worn alone.

Curved

A gentle wave is often all that’s needed. A Subtle curve follows the line of the engagement ring.

Shaped

Following the shape of the engagement ring more closely than the curved option. This is the style if you want the wedding band to follow the contours of the engagement ring exactly.

Gap ring

Technically a straight band, this style offers an alternative solution. The gap allowing the engagement rings central gemstone space. This style often uses a gem at each end, which can frame the centre stone nicely. But a word of caution, these rings can loose their shape, opening wider, so keep in mind the ring will need a thicker width, for strength.

How are they made

A shaped ring is usually a completely bespoke creation. When making them I will ask to borrow the engagement ring, so i can use it as a guide, often carving the shape from wax, or bending the metal wire by hand. The wedding band is constantly being held up to the engagement ring to ensure a perfect fit.