Defined as any band larger than 2.5MM wide, wide-band engagement rings are ideal for those who lead an active lifestyle or do a lot of work with their hands, as they tend to be sturdier and more durable than their thinner counterparts. When choosing a wide band engagement ring, consider the size of the stone; a larger carat may be necessary to stand out against the wider band. The style also allows for more creative designs, including the addition of multiple stones or intricate detailing.
Budget-wise, wide band engagement rings can be more expensive due to the additional metal and potential for more gemstones. Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the materials and design complexity.
What is a Wide Band Engagement Ring?
A wide band engagement ring is a band with any width between 2.5mm and 7mm. The thicker band can be simple in design, or feature more intricate detailing and extra diamonds. Wide band diamond rings are especially popular amongst those who prefer a modern look or who have an active lifestyle. Thick band engagement rings tend to be more durable than other settings.
Wide Band Diamond Rings: Price and Value
Wide band diamond rings cost anywhere from $250 to $10,000 or more for the setting alone. But on average, people spend between $300 and $1,500 on a wide band engagement ring.
The type of precious metal, thickness, details, and extra diamonds impact the price of wide band engagement rings. In general, platinum costs more than gold, and more detailing and diamonds cost more than simple designs.
Wide Band Engagement Rings: Popular Metals and Diamond Shapes
Thick band engagement rings are beautiful in any precious metal, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. You might even choose a two-toned ring to accentuate the design, such as this Adorned double shank engagement ring setting from James Allen.
Any precious metal holds up well to everyday use and stays beautiful if you properly care for your ring. 14K gold is more durable than 18K, and platinum is the most durable of all but also the most expensive.
Larger-sized diamonds and shapes look best with wide bands so the center stone isn’t dwarfed by the band’s thickness. Some diamond shapes appear larger than others in the same carat weight, making them great for thicker bands. Emerald cuts, oval cuts, and princess cuts are examples of shapes that look large for their carat weight. Round brilliant cuts also look great in wide bands.
Ultimately, a variety of diamonds and ring styles can look good with a wide band. Compare lots of wide band rings before buying to see what combination catches your eye the most.
Wide Band Engagement Rings: Pros and Cons
Like any ring style, wide bands have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main benefits and drawbacks of thick band engagement rings.
Pros of a Wide Band Engagement Ring
- Modern style with a more bold or dramatic appearance
- Durable and able to support multiple diamonds
- Unlikely to lose its shape
- Offers more space to add diamonds and detailing
- Works well with stacking other bands
- Easier to resize due to more precious metal available
- Great for those with an active or hands-on lifestyle
Cons of a Wide Band Engagement Ring
- Can cause the center stone to look smaller
- May cost more due to more precious metal
- May feel too robust for certain wearers
Things to Consider While Buying Wide Band Engagement Rings
Due to the unique style of thick band diamond rings, focus on a ring that complements your finger, falls within your budget, and offers character.
Setting Style
Thick band engagement rings offer a lot of opportunities to add pizzazz to your ring. There’s more space and metal to work with, allowing you to embellish the ring with milgrain, filigree, extra diamonds, or twists. Or, you can stick with a simple, sleek design.
Some wide rings have a single shank, split shank, channel setting, or have a stacked look with pavé diamonds.
Budget
Like any type of ring, you need to decide how much you plan to spend on the ring and the center diamond. The more embellishments and pavé diamonds, the more expensive the ring tends to be. Determine your budget ahead of time so you can narrow in on the rings that fall within your wallet’s comfort.
Metal Weight
Because wide band rings have more metal, consider white, yellow, or rose gold for a lighter feel — instead of platinum which is a denser metal.
Finger Size and Shape
Wide band engagement rings tend to complement longer or thinner fingers and those with wider knuckles or larger hands. The thick band draws the eyes to the ring instead of your hand’s features.
If you have shorter or smaller fingers, a skinny band ring might be better as it can help make your fingers appear longer.
Size and Shape of the Gemstone
Because wide bands have more metal, you may consider a center stone that appears larger. In the end, you want a gemstone-to-metal ratio that looks appropriate for the ring. Diamond shapes like emerald cuts and oval cuts are elongated and can look larger than round diamonds in the same carat weight. Play around with the size and shape of your diamond to get the look and balance you want.
Related Article: Everything You Need To Know About Men’s Wedding Bands
Where to Buy Wide Band Engagement Rings
Your engagement ring should be well-crafted and durable, and it should be from a vendor you can trust. Throughout our years in the industry, we’ve vetted dozens of jewelers for their prices, customer service, and quality. We’ve found that a few online vendors perform far above the rest.
Here are our top recommendations of where to buy wide band engagement rings. You can also reach out to us with questions about a vendor or ring you’re considering, and we’ll give you personalized feedback.
James Allen
James Allen is a top-notch online vendor with a huge inventory of natural and lab-grown diamonds as well as ring settings to choose from. They have excellent prices and premier customer service.
Blue Nile
Here’s another favorite vendor with a large inventory of engagement rings and diamonds (both natural and lab-grown) at competitive prices. You can even narrow down your search by “Band Width” on the Blue Nile engagement ring site to search for wide band rings specifically.
Brian Gavin Diamonds
If you’re looking for a Super Ideal Cut diamond, Brian Gavin is where you want to look. They also offer plenty of custom engagement ring settings, allowing your ring to truly stand out.
Leibish & Co.
Leibish & Co. is the best vendor for fancy color diamonds and one-of-a-kind colored gemstones. Because they often sell sizeable gemstones, they offer plenty of thick band rings.
Best Wide Band Engagement Rings: (Our Picks)
To help you in your search for the right wide band engagement ring, we’re highlighting a few of our favorites. With plenty of styles and designs, here’s what to pick from high-quality vendors.
Pavé Split Shank Contour Diamond Engagement Ring
Two rows of diamonds encase the center stone, giving the ring a luxurious feel with a modern vibe. This amazingly looking ring from James Allen could easily eliminate the need to have a wedding band, as the split shank offers that look already.
Round Tanzanite and Diamond Side Stone Ring
Looking for a thick band engagement ring that’ll stand out from the crowd? This beautiful tanzanite and diamond side stone ring from Leibish offers color and character.
Intertwined Bypass Tension Setting Engagement Ring
Featuring a cross-over design, this wide band diamond ring is the epitome of modern flair. The tension setting showcases the center stone while adding eye-catching features that make it hard to look away.
Triple Row Diamond Shank
Showcasing over one hundred and twenty pavé diamonds, this magnificent ring from Blue Nile radiates with brilliance and charm. The halo of diamonds surrounding the center stone enhances the main diamond and makes this ring feel like royalty.
Wide Band Solitaire Engagement Ring
If you’re looking for wide band engagement rings that are simple and modern, this solitaire from Blue Nile fits the bill perfectly. Pair it with a diamond of any shape to add your own personal touch.
Related Article: Choosing an Engagement Ring to Suit Your Hand
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a wide band ring?
A wide band engagement ring is a ring that’s thicker than 2.5mm wide. The width of these rings can go up to 7mm or more. Thick band rings can be sleek and simple or unique and intricate.
How to care for a wide band of engagement rings?
You should care for a wide band engagement ring by cleaning it four times a year, getting inspected twice a year, and ensuring you store it in a safe place when you’re not wearing it. Proper care increases the longevity and beauty of your ring.
What stones pair best with this type of ring?
Emerald cut, cushion cut, princess cut, and oval diamonds pair very nicely with wide band engagement rings. Round brilliant diamonds are also a favorite if the carat weight and size is right.
How much do wide band engagement rings cost?
Wide band engagement rings cost between $300 and $1,500 on average, although prices can reach as high as $10,000 or more. The cost depends on a few details, namely the ring setting, precious metal, diamond quality, and carat weight.
Final Thoughts on Wide Band Diamond Rings
Wide band engagement rings offer a modern, durable feel — and give you the chance to pick extra details. They’re especially great for those with an active lifestyle or those who want something a little more unique than a standard ring.
For help selecting a beautiful wide band, reach out to us. We’ll provide honest feedback on styles you’re considering or send you a few of our favorites to choose from.
Before finalizing your engagement ring selection, learn more about ring setting styles such as halo rings and three-stone rings.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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