Gold Wedding Bands

Eternity Band: Diamonds go all the way around. Maximum sparkle from every angle. Can be harder to resize. Best for those whose ring size is stable.

Half Eternity: Diamonds on the top half only. More comfortable, easier to resize. Still looks stunning from viewing angles.

Three-Quarter Eternity: Diamonds cover 3/4 of the band. Compromise between full eternity and half.

Anniversary/Fashion Band: Varied diamond arrangements. Can feature larger center stones with smaller accents.

Stackable: Thin bands designed to wear multiples. Build your collection over time.

Channel Set: Diamonds sit in a groove between two metal walls. Very secure, smooth profile. Won't snag on fabrics. Classic look.

Pavé: Small diamonds set with tiny beads of metal. Maximum sparkle, delicate appearance. Requires more careful wear.

Prong Set: Individual prongs hold each diamond. More light enters stones for better sparkle. Classic and elegant.

Bezel Set: Each diamond encircled by metal. Very secure and modern. Lower profile.

Bar Set: Metal bars separate each diamond. Contemporary look, secure setting.

Shared Prong/U-Prong: Diamonds share prongs for less metal visible. Maximum light and sparkle.

With multiple small diamonds, you can adjust your quality expectations:

Cut: Still important—all stones should sparkle together. Excellent or Very Good cut.

Color: G-H is excellent. All diamonds should match each other in color.

Clarity: SI1-SI2 works well. At smaller sizes, inclusions are invisible.

Carat: Total carat weight (TCW) matters more than individual stone size. Common ranges:
- 0.25-0.50 TCW: Delicate, subtle
- 0.50-1.00 TCW: Noticeable sparkle
- 1.00-2.00 TCW: Substantial presence
- 2.00+ TCW: Statement piece

Key: Matching is crucial. All diamonds should look uniform in color and quality.

Matching considerations:
- Metal should match or intentionally contrast
- Profile should sit flush with engagement ring
- Consider curved or notched bands for rings with protruding settings

Stacking options:
- Wear anniversary band alone for simple days
- Stack below engagement ring
- Wear on right hand as standalone piece
- Stack multiple anniversary bands over time

Height matching:
- Check that bands sit evenly next to each other
- Some engagement ring settings require low-profile bands
- Curved or shadow bands are designed to fit around center stones

Thin (1.5-2mm):
- Delicate and feminine
- Great for stacking multiple bands
- Allows engagement ring to remain the focus

Medium (2-3mm):
- Classic balance
- Works well alone or with wedding set
- Most popular choice

Wide (3.5mm+):
- Substantial presence
- Can be worn as statement piece
- May overpower delicate engagement rings

Consider your engagement ring: The anniversary band should complement, not compete. Generally, the band should be equal to or thinner than the engagement ring band.

Traditional milestones:
- 5th Anniversary: First diamond upgrade or band
- 10th Anniversary: Substantial diamond band
- 25th Anniversary (Silver): Major milestone celebration
- 50th Anniversary (Gold): Often upgraded or added eternity band

Modern approach:
- Any anniversary worth celebrating deserves recognition
- Stack bands for each major milestone
- Upgrade or add to collection as life permits

Practical timing:
- Choose when your ring size is stable
- Consider career/lifestyle changes
- Full eternity bands are harder to resize later