How to Choose a Combined Engagement and Wedding Ring

Co-authored by Cory Schifter

Last Updated: February 5, 2023 References

When picking an engagement and wedding ring set, it comes down to what you and your future spouse want. You have to decide on a metal, and then determine how much you want your wedding and engagement set to match. Budget will of course be a factor in what you choose.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Cory Schifter
Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.} You also need to decide what you want to do with settings and stones.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing the Metal

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Try yellow gold for sensitive skin. While rose gold is renowned for its durability, some people have allergic reactions to the copper in the metal. Therefore, if the bride has sensitive skin, it's best to shy away from rose gold and go for yellow gold.^{[2]
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Pick rose gold for durability. Of the traditional wedding and engagement ring metals, rose gold is the most durable. It's durable because of the addition of copper to the gold. Copper is a tough metal, making rose gold more durable overall.^{[3]
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- Another durable metal is platinum, which is much harder and stronger than any gold. However, because it is so rare, it is more expensive than other metals.^{[4]
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- Rose gold is also a great choice for a vintage look.
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Choose silver for affordability. Silver is one of the more affordable metals when it comes to wedding sets. However, it's not as common as gold or platinum. Like gold, it is fairly soft, so it is mixed with other metals for durability.^{[5]
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- White gold, while more expensive than silver, gives you the look of platinum at a more affordable price.
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Mix and match. While many combination engagement and wedding rings are in the same metal, they don't have to be. In fact, with the layering trend, mismatched metals on your wedding and engagement bands is trendy.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Picking the Design

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Decide how it will be worn. Some brides prefer to wear just the wedding band after they're married, while others wear both the engagement band and the wedding band. If the bride wants to wear them together, consider getting bands that lock into one another. They will be easier to wear, and they will coordinate well.^{[7]
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2
Balance the set. Having a big flashy engagement ring and a big flashy wedding band can be a little too much together. Consider showing off one or the other, and letting the other ring be a bit simpler.^{[8]
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- For instance, you might have an engagement ring set with a series of diamonds and then have a plain wedding band.
- In addition, not getting stones on both bands will save you money.
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Customize the set. While some sets come ready-made, you also have the option of customizing some sets.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Cory Schifter
Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.} For example, you may get to choose what stone goes in the engagement ring, which is a way of adding a personal touch to the process.^{[10]
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- For example, you may want a certain cut of diamond, or you may decide that you don't want diamonds at all.
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Choose smaller bands to let the diamonds shine. A small band, particularly on the engagement ring, will make the diamond or other stone look bigger. Similarly, a small wedding band will help keep the attention on the large stone of the engagement ring.
- In addition, using smaller bands means less metal, making them cheaper.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Deciding on Stones and Settings

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Pick a solitary setting to make it shine. If you want a simple design, pick a set that only has one stone, the diamond on the engagement ring. Doing so will allow that stone to shine. A prongs setting (small metal pieces holding the stone in place) are a good option for this type of setup, as they let light through the stone.
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Choose a bezel setting for wear and tear. If the bride plans to wear the set regularly (as opposed to just the wedding band), a bezel setting may be best. It protects the stone better than many other settings, make it ideal for everyday wear.^{[11]
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- In a bezel, the stone sits down in the metal, and it is kept in place by a metal rim around the top.
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Consider a pave or channel setting for extra sparkle. If the bride is all about the sparkle, then these settings are ideal. They allow small diamonds or other stones to be set around the ring, creating a very sparkly effect.
- In a channel setting, the stones float in a small groove, held in place by the top rim. In the pave setting, the stones are set in small holes with prongs, and the stones are set right next to one another.
- However, to make it easier to resize later, consider only going halfway around the ring.
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Try a tension ring setting for security. If you are worried about losing the stone, one of the most secure settings is actually the tension setting. As the ring comes around to the front, it splits around the diamond. Each side of the ring holds an edge of the diamond, and the tension of the ring keeps in place. In addition, this setting allows for most of the diamond to be seen.
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Go simple for active lifestyles. You may want to choose a simple wedding band for everyday wear, particularly if your work demands it. For instance, if you need to wear latex gloves because you're a nurse, doctor, or vet, you may want just a simple band. Similarly, if you have your hands in food all the time (such as a baker), you may also want something simple to wear everyday. Stones can catch on gloves, and if you have your hands in food, it can become embedded in the setting.
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Pick a stone that fits your style.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Cory Schifter
Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.} Of course, diamonds are the obvious choice for wedding and engagement rings. However, you don't need to stick with diamonds if that's not your style. You can try any stone you'd like, or even just pick a colorful diamond rather than the standard. It all comes down to what you love.
- You can also mix stones. You can have a diamond in the center of the engagement ring, flanked by two other stones of your choice, such as sapphires.
- Also, you may find that other stones are cheaper than diamonds.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you pick the right diamond wedding ring?

Cory Schifter
Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser
Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation.

Cory Schifter

Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser

Expert Answer

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When you're looking for the perfect diamond, it's important to look at the complete picture. Rather than being a matter of going online and finding the cheapest one that matches what you want, it's more a matter of sitting down and looking to find a diamond that has something special to it. A jeweler can work with you to find the perfect ring that matches exactly what you want.