Wedding Bands for Oval Engagement Rings: 8 Tips To Find the Perfect Band for You
While shopping for an engagement ring is a fun and exciting activity, it's not without its stresses. Oval engagement rings are an elegant and gorgeous choice that your soon to be fiance is sure to love, but there are a few things to consider before making your purchase. Below are nine tips that will help you find the perfect band for you and your partner:
Consider what you’re envisioning
Before shopping around for a ring, consider what you would like to see on your loved one’s hand or if they had expressed interest in a specific style of engagement ring. For example, oval engagement rings look gorgeous in a variety of settings like prong, channel or bezel. You can also choose a solitaire (single stone) or toi et moi (double stone) style. If you’re looking for a more personalized, unique or one-of-a-kind ring, many independent jewelry stores will have a designer happy to work with you to develop the ring of your dreams. It might cost a little more for the design work, but it will be so worth it in the end if you’re envisioning a unique ring.
Engagement [photo: Taylor Brandon]
Into mixed metals?
Platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold are the most popular metals for engagement rings. Who's to say you need to stick to just one color? Mixing metals is incredibly chic and any trendy recipient would be sure to love the ring. If you choose to mix platinum with yellow or rose gold, keep in mind that it will be slightly more difficult to care for as platinum will not fade or tarnish, but the gold will and requires special upkeep. If you think that the recipient would like a ring that is more low maintenance, platinum or a single metal is likely to be your best choice.
To pavé or not to pavé…
Pavé bands, or bands lined with diamonds, add a beautiful amount of shine and sparkle to any ring. If your loved one is all about sparkle and bling this is a wonderful option that they are sure to love. If your partner is more traditional, but still wants a beautiful oval stone, consider a plain band with no frills to keep the attention on the beautiful oval diamond you pick out.
One stone or many?
As mentioned earlier, engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes and it is up to you to decide what you want. If you’re looking for a classic, solitaire style ring – the ring shopping process will be a little bit simpler as these rings are timeless, classic and easy to come by. If you’re considering a multi stone or specially designed ring, it’s a good idea to consult with a jewelry designer to try to bring to life the ring of your dreams.
Beautiful Engagement Ring [photo: Daniel Gutko]
Double check the sizing is correct
Did you know that different jewelry companies follow different sizing charts? A ring sized 7.5 for one company could be a size 6 in another, so be sure that the ring you choose is the right size that is going to fit your loved one.
Consider the size of the stones
A big diamond is always desirable, but ensure the size of the stones don’t overpower the other aspects to the engagement ring. If you’re interested in a larger stone, consider a solitaire style so the big diamond is the focal point of the ring. Multiple smaller stones in a unique pattern are the way to go if you’re interested in a ring with smaller stones. Another route for smaller stones is to set one small oval stone on a pavé band studded with delicate diamonds.
Think ahead to the wedding band
Remember that you’ll also need to go shopping for a wedding band that compliments the engagement ring you choose. If your partner has a certain idea of what she wants, be sure to work with a jeweler that will help set you up for success. You don’t want to be in the situation where the wedding band your fiance wants isn’t a good fit for the ring you chose for them. If you’re not sure what they would like, take some hints with the other jewelry they wear. Is it simple? Trendy? Timeless? Even the smallest clues will help you when choosing an engagement ring and discussing these hints with a jeweler will ensure you make a great choice.
Beautiful Couple [photo: Taylor Heery]
Only purchase what you love
If you’re on the fence about a certain ring or diamond, it’s simply not the one for you. You will know when you’ve found the ring that you want your soon to be fiance to wear for the rest of their life as a symbol of your love. This is a profound piece of jewelry that they will need to wear everyday, so it’s highly encouraged to continue looking until you’ve found a ring that takes your breath away.
