"matching" wedding band questions

[about2Bengaged]

Hello, everyone.

I''m getting closer to making an e-ring purchase and something else came into play that I hadn''t considered seriously earlier:

How do you know, especially when purchasing online, whether or not you can find a matching wedding band for a particular setting? By matching wedding band, I suppose I mean "can properly fit next to the engagement ring setting" and "aesthetically ''goes with'' the engagement ring setting." And how important is this aspect?

The online stores that I''ve contacted recently can probably figure out who I am, but that''s OK. I''m looking for a setting (and "matching" band) similar to this one, only more reasonably priced for 3/4 carat center stone and 6 prongs. I haven''t found either the exact setting or a matching band yet.
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Pear-Shape-Side-Stones-by-Vatche_697.htm


So, I''ve been considering this one as an alternative, but I''m not sure I can find an affordable matching band (total budget around $5300, including $3500 diamond, setting, wedding band and appraisal)
http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Diamond-.50cts-Channel-Set_620.htm

Any thoughts -- particularly on my general quesiton on "matching"? Thanks for your help. I always enjoy reading everyone''s opinions.

 

[Jennifer5973]

Oh boy--I tortured myself with this. my husband surprised me with an anniversary ering upgrade and he picked out the setting on his own...I loved it but had a devil of a time deciding what band to get with it. i tried on literally dozens before deciding that an exact match to the setting via an eternity band was the best way to go. I toyed with changing the setting at one point but it has sentimental value and I liked it--I just had to persevere.

Can you go somewhere and try on a bunch with an approximation of your ering? I really think this is helpful....It is what really helped me know what felt right to me. Good luck!

 

[about2Bengaged]

Thanks, Jennifer. But, actually, I''m a guy, looking to completely surprise my long-term girlfriend in a few weeks. So is matching that important (the looking and fitting right)? Thanks.

 

[about2Bengaged]

anyone?

 

[Hest88]

Matching is very important to me and fitting flush is very important to many women. If you don''t know your GF''s preferences perhaps you can place the stone in an inexpensive temporary setting and choose the wedding set together?

 

[Buster_DL]

I bought my Fiance a vatche x prong, which has a low enough setting that most wedding bands don''t natrually ''fit'' with the ring. My girl tried on many kinds of bands, those made by vatche to specifcally fit the x prong, and others that were regular bands that didn''t have the ''bump out'' to fit the ring. At first she thought she wanted one to fit, but after trying them on, she really didn''t mind the gap/space in between the band and e-ring at all. We ended up getting a beautiful eternity band from Facets. She loves it and wouldn''t trade it for anything. I think you could hold off on the band and shop for that together once you are engaged. Just my .02.

Buster

 

[srn5977]

Buster has a great idea. My dh purchase completely surprised my with my e-ring and did all the shopping himself. So it was kind of fun to get a chance to go shopping to look for a wedding band after. He seemed a bit nervous telling me he didn''t have a band already, but I didn''t mind - it gave me an excuse to look at sparklies.

 

[Bikergirl]

My husband did something completely different - he proposed to me with a "placeholder" ring. It was sterling silver and had some carvings in it. Total cost to him: $35.

A couple of reasons for this....he is very artistic and creative, and he had been working with a jeweler to create something totally unique for my engagement ring. They had finalized the design and she was about to start working on the wax, when they both had a blinding glimpse of the obvious - I may not like something that unique!

For a "normal" gift, that''s not such a huge deal. But for something I will wear everyday for the rest of my life....well....kind of important that I be happy with the ring.

The other reason, we actually got engaged while on vacation in St. Lucia. He didn''t want to risk losing a custom (expensive) engagement ring while on the trip. If he lost the silver ring, it could easily be replaced by a souvineer purchased there. No so much with the "real" thing.

When we started seriously shopping for rings, I had SO MUCH fun looking at all the sparklies!!! I was really glad he waited and let me be part of the process. We ended up getting something that he never thought I would like, but that we both LOVE!

So maybe that''s an option you might consider?

 

[michela002]

Some people are really picky that the wedding ring and engagement ring match up perfectly, others don''t care. It will all be her personal preference. I personally just want them to look nice together. If they look nice together even with a gap, that''s cool, I''ll deal. I''ve seen some very pretty rings that don''t sit flush.

To be on the safe side, your best bet is probably to buy an engagement ring that easily (or even with a little work or some custom designing) matches a wedding band, just in case she cares a lot about that. (But that may rule out some very pretty rings where a perfect match just isn''t possible, unfortunately.) You may be able to get a wedding band that matches, but can''t be worn on its own, which may or may not be okay by her.

Have you visited the Precision Set website? http://www.precisionset.com/ They make engagement rings and wedding bands that match up perfectly.

Good luck!

 

[Jennifer5973]

Date: 11/22/2004 1

0:49 AM
Author: about2Bengaged
Thanks, Jennifer. But, actually, I''m a guy, looking to completely surprise my long-term girlfriend in a few weeks. So is matching that important (the looking and fitting right)? Thanks.

oops. sorry!

Well, it depends on the girl. To some, an exact match and/or flush fit is important... To others, it''s not a big deal.

Think about your fiance-to-be and what your gut says about her preferences/level of "roll with it." Some girls are thrilled to be surprised with an ering and the wedding band will work itself out. Others, have very specific ideas and it''s best to either shop for the ring together and/or the band--and you''ve gotten some really good ideas from the other posters about alternatives.

As with many diamond questions, a lot of it comes down to your GF and her style/tatses/need to be involved--or not.

 

[laney]

I second the above poster.

Focus on the e-ring - and shop with her for the band. You don''t need both rings right this very second.

I recieved my beautiful diamond in a plain solitaire band. I then was able to choose a setting and band that was a matched set (which was important to me) and sat flush. It was a long decision, I tried on many styles and considered lots of things. It was important, because I was wearing this jewelery for the rest of my life.

Just MHO, but, why stress? Get a simple white gold or gold setting for the stone, and let her choose. Yes, you could be out 100-200 for the intial setting - but it''s a small price to pay for happiness!

 

[about2Bengaged]

Thanks, everyone. It''s just what I was expecting -- different points of view I can consider before making an actual decision.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

 

[sxn675]

Something else to consider is that you can propose with the e-ring now and then you''ll have some time to save up for a band. Maybe then you could put a little bit more money into the engagement ring (since you''ll have some more time to save for a band). I don''t think most women expect to also receive the band when they receive the e-ring. Plus, it''s fun to go into stores and shop for bands

. Good luck to you!