Wedding and Anniversary Ring Styles
Classic wedding bands are plain metal rings with a polished, satin, or matte finish. They're the most traditional choice and they never go out of style. A simple gold band has been the universal symbol of marriage for centuries, and for a lot of our customers, that tradition matters. Diamond wedding bands add sparkle with stones set into the band—pavé, channel-set, or prong-set diamonds that catch light every time you move your hand. For a guaranteed perfect match, explore our matching bridal sets.
Eternity bands feature diamonds or gemstones set the entire way around the ring, symbolizing never-ending love. They're the most popular anniversary ring style, especially for milestone anniversaries. Half-eternity bands set stones across the top half, which costs less and allows for easy resizing. Anniversary bands with larger stones or multiple rows of diamonds mark significant milestones—5th, 10th, 25th—with a piece that stacks alongside the original wedding set. Stackable rings are thin bands designed to be worn in multiples, letting you add a new ring for each anniversary and build a collection over time.
Choosing a Wedding or Anniversary Ring
For wedding bands, the most important factor is how it pairs with the engagement ring. The band should sit flush against the engagement ring without gaps or tilting. If the engagement ring has a high-profile setting or a halo, you may need a contoured band that curves around the setting. We always recommend bringing the engagement ring along when shopping for a wedding band so you can see how the two look and fit together on your finger.
For anniversary rings, the decision is more personal. Some customers want a ring that matches their existing wedding set in metal and style. Others want something distinctly different that marks this milestone as its own moment. Both approaches work. Metal matching keeps things cohesive if you wear all your rings together. Diamond quality in anniversary bands should be consistent with the engagement ring so everything looks balanced. Width matters too—a thin stackable band adds subtlety, while a wider diamond band makes a statement. Consider how many rings you'll be wearing on the same finger and make sure they're comfortable together.
Wedding and Anniversary Rings by Metal
White gold is the most popular choice for both wedding and anniversary rings. It pairs seamlessly with white gold and platinum engagement rings, and the bright finish looks clean and modern. Yellow gold is the traditional choice that's making a strong comeback—warm, classic, and never needs replating. A yellow gold band next to a white gold engagement ring creates an intentional two-tone look that many of our customers love.
Rose gold adds a romantic, contemporary touch. Rose gold anniversary bands have become especially popular as a way to add something visually distinct to an existing ring stack. Platinum is the premium option—naturally white, hypoallergenic, and the most durable precious metal for a ring you'll wear every day for decades. For anniversary rings specifically, mixed metals are increasingly popular because they give the new ring its own identity while still looking intentional alongside the original set. Browse our matching gold wedding bands for couples shopping together, or find the perfect engagement ring to start your bridal set. Celebrate your anniversary with a meaningful upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a wedding band and an anniversary ring?
A wedding band is exchanged during the wedding ceremony and worn daily as a symbol of the marriage. It's typically chosen to complement the engagement ring and is often simpler in design. An anniversary ring celebrates a milestone in the marriage—usually a 5th, 10th, 25th, or 50th anniversary—and tends to be more ornate, often featuring diamonds or gemstones. Many customers wear their anniversary ring alongside their wedding set, adding to the stack over the years. Some replace their original wedding band with an anniversary upgrade. There's no wrong approach—it's about what the ring means to you.
Should my wedding band match my engagement ring exactly?
It doesn't have to, but the two should look intentional together. Matching the metal is the easiest way to create cohesion—white gold with white gold, yellow with yellow. But mixing metals on purpose is increasingly popular and looks great when done deliberately. The most important match is the profile: the wedding band needs to sit flush against the engagement ring without gaps. Beyond that, a plain band alongside a diamond engagement ring creates elegant contrast, while a diamond band adds more sparkle. We see customers go both ways, and both look beautiful.
What is an eternity band?
An eternity band has diamonds or gemstones set continuously around the entire circumference of the ring—no beginning and no end, which symbolizes eternal love. It's the most popular style for anniversary rings and can also serve as a wedding band. The one thing to know: full eternity bands can't be easily resized because the stones go all the way around. If your finger size might change over time, a half-eternity band—with stones across the top half and plain metal underneath—gives you the same look from the top while allowing for future resizing.
When should I give an anniversary ring?
The most common milestones are the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th anniversaries, but there's no rule. Some customers buy an anniversary ring for the 1st anniversary. Others wait for a big milestone like 25 or 50 years. We also see anniversary rings given after major life events—having a child, getting through a tough year together, or reaching a personal goal as a couple. The occasion doesn't have to be a round number. If it feels like the right time to celebrate the relationship with a meaningful piece of jewelry, it's the right time.
How do I stack multiple rings comfortably?
The key is total width and profile. Three thin rings stacked together should still feel comfortable—if the combined width starts to feel bulky or restricts finger movement, you're stacking too many or the individual rings are too wide. Keep the total stack width under about 10 to 12 mm for comfortable daily wear. Make sure all the rings in the stack are the same size; even a quarter-size difference between rings causes the stack to shift unevenly. Rings with flat or low-profile settings stack better than rings with raised stones. And if the rings tend to spin independently, a ring guard or having them soldered together keeps everything aligned.