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Assortment of gold diamond wedding rings.Assortment of gold diamond wedding rings.

Types of Wedding Rings

With countless designs, metals, and styles available, this guide explores the different types of wedding rings for both women and men. Consider this your go-to resource on all things wedding rings—from the variety of style options to how to choose your perfect wedding band.

Expertise you can trust: Brilliant Earth is known for its award-winning jewelry designs and seamless, innovative shopping experience. This Brilliant Earth wedding ring guide explores the different types of wedding rings for both women and men and provides helpful tips on choosing your perfect wedding band. All Brilliant Earth guides are meticulously researched and reviewed by our certified gemologists, content, editorial, and brand teams before publication to ensure industry-leading excellence and accuracy. 

What Is a Wedding Band?

A wedding band, often called a wedding ring, is the ring exchanged between partners during the wedding ceremony. Unlike engagement rings, which usually feature a center gemstone, wedding bands tend to be simpler in design and are worn daily as a symbol of marriage. Wedding bands can range from traditional plain metal rings to more intricate styles featuring diamonds, gemstones, or custom engravings. 

Stack of women's diamond wedding rings.

Different Types of Wedding Rings

There are many different types of wedding rings to choose from, so every couple can be sure they’ll find a design that reflects their style, lifestyle and personal preferences. Here are some of the most popular categories: 

  • Classic Wedding Rings: Simple, polished bands in gold or platinum remain timeless choices. Their clean lines and understated design make them versatile and enduring. 
  • Modern Wedding Rings: Characterized by sleek silhouettes, contemporary shapes, and minimal detailing, modern bands often incorporate platinum, white gold, or alternative metals for a fresh look. 
  • Luxe Wedding Rings: Designed for maximum impact, luxe wedding bands showcase diamonds or gemstones in pavé, channel, or eternity styles. These bands deliver brilliance and sophistication. 
  • Nature-Inspired Wedding Rings: Featuring motifs like leaves, vines, or floral patterns, these bands often include intricate engraving or organic bezels. They appeal to couples who appreciate natural beauty and artistry. 
  • Unique Wedding Rings: These are distinctive designs that stand apart from traditional bands by including mixed metals, asymmetrical styles, or personalized details like custom engravings. 
  • Vintage-Inspired Wedding Rings: Drawing inspiration from past eras, these rings feature details such as milgrain, filigree, and hand engraving. They capture the romance and craftsmanship of antique designs. 
  • Stackable Bands: These slim bands are designed to be layered, allowing couples to build a personalized look over time. 

Women’s Wedding Ring Styles

Women’s wedding ring styles range from delicate and subtle to bold and expressive. Each design offers a unique way to symbolize love and complement an engagement ring

  • Thin Wedding Rings: These slim, delicate bands create a refined and understated look that’s ideal for stacking or for those who prefer minimalist jewelry. 
  • Curved or Contoured Wedding Rings: This style is designed with a slight curve or dip, so the band sits flush against an engagement ring — especially around larger or uniquely shaped center stones. 
  • Diamond Wedding Rings: Ranging from pavé bands to channel-set styles, diamond wedding rings add brilliance and highlight the engagement ring. 
  • Engraved Wedding Rings: These bands feature hand or machine engraving with patterns, messages, or intricate designs and add a personalized, vintage-inspired touch. 
  • Eternity Wedding Rings: Featuring diamonds or gemstones encircling the entire band, eternity rings symbolize everlasting love and commitment. 
  • Open Wedding Rings: This modern style of band has a small gap in the front rather than a continuous circle, creating a unique, contemporary silhouette. 
  • Chunky Wedding Rings: Bold, thicker bands make a statement, stand out on their own, and can balance larger engagement rings. 
  • Gemstone Wedding Rings: These rings incorporate sapphires, emeralds, rubies, or other gems for added color, meaning, and individuality. 
  • Plain Metal Wedding Rings: Simple, timeless, and versatile, classic polished bands in gold, platinum, or other metals are always elegant. 
Assortment of diamond women's wedding rings.

Men’s Wedding Band Styles

Men’s wedding band styles have expanded far beyond the traditional plain gold ring, offering a wide variety of designs that reflect individual taste, lifestyle, and comfort. Below are some of the most popular types of men’s wedding bands: 

  • Thin Wedding Bands: This style has a narrow profile that offers a lightweight, understated look, and is ideal for men who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. 
  • Wide Wedding Bands: Bold, substantial bands make a strong statement, while wider styles also allow for more surface area for textures, engravings, or gemstones. 
  • Alternative Metal Bands: Crafted from tungsten, titanium, cobalt, or other contemporary materials, these bands are known for their durability, affordability, and modern appeal. 
  • Beveled Wedding Bands: Featuring angled or sloped edges, beveled bands add a touch of dimension and sophistication to a simple design. 
  • Diamond Wedding Bands: These bands incorporate subtle diamond accents or rows of stones for a refined, luxe look. 
  • Eternity Wedding Bands: For this style, diamonds or gemstones encircle the entire band, offering continuous sparkle — less common for men but increasingly popular for a bold, modern choice. 
  • Gemstone Wedding Bands: These bands incorporate sapphires, rubies, or other stones for a distinctive and colorful look. 
  • Comfort Fit Bands: Designed with a rounded interior, comfort fit styles sit more easily on the finger and are especially comfortable for long-term daily wear. 
  • Engraved Wedding Bands: Personalized bands feature patterns, inscriptions, or custom messages etched into the surface. 
  • Hammered Wedding Bands: These bands are textured with small indentations for a handcrafted, rugged finish. 
  • High Polish Wedding Bands: With highly reflective surfaces, this style makes for a sleek, classic, and formal appearance. 
  • Matte Wedding Bands: Subdued finishes create a softer, more modern look compared to polished styles. 
  • Mixed Metal Wedding Bands: Featuring two or more metals — such as white and yellow gold — can help create contrast and ensure individuality comes through. 
  • Plain Metal Wedding Bands: Simple polished rings, without added detail, offer timeless appeal and versatility. 
Assortment of men's wedding bands in different metal types.

How to Choose a Wedding Band

Choosing a wedding band is an important decision since it is something you will wear daily. The right choice balances comfort, personal style, durability, and symbolism. Here are the key steps to guide your decision: 

  1. Consider Your Lifestyle: Your daily routine plays a big role in which band is best for you. If you work with your hands, exercise often, or live an active lifestyle, you may want a durable metal and a lower-profile design that won’t catch on clothing or equipment. A more delicate or ornate ring may be better suited for someone with a less hands-on lifestyle. 
  2. Set a Budget: Prices for wedding bands vary widely depending on the metal, width, gemstones, and craftsmanship. Having a budget in mind helps narrow down options and ensures you find a band you love without overspending. Keep in mind that you and your partner may choose rings at different price points, and that’s perfectly normal. 
  3. Choose the Metal: Traditional options like yellow gold, white gold, and platinum remain the most popular, but alternative metals such as tungsten, titanium, and cobalt are durable and more affordable. Each metal has unique qualities — platinum is strong and naturally white, while gold offers warmth and variety in color. The choice should reflect both your lifestyle and your style preferences. 
  4. Decide on the Width: Band width greatly affects both comfort and appearance. Narrow bands (around 2 mm) create a subtle, delicate look while wider bands (6 mm or more) feel bold and substantial. Consider your hand size and whether you want the band to stand out on its own or complement an engagement ring. 
  5. Select the Style: From plain metal to diamond eternity bands, engraved designs, or matte finishes, wedding band styles are highly personal. Think about whether you want a timeless band that blends seamlessly into your daily look, or something distinctive that makes a statement. The right style should feel like an authentic expression of your personality. 
  6. Choose the Finish: The finish of a wedding band refers to the surface texture, which greatly influences its overall look and feel. High-polish finishes are sleek and reflective, creating a classic, formal appearance. Matte, brushed, or satin finishes offer a softer, more understated look while hammered or sandblasted textures add dimension and uniqueness. Choosing the right finish depends on whether you want your ring to appear bold and eye-catching or subtle and contemporary, as well as how much maintenance you’re comfortable with over time. 
  7. Consider Personalization: Beyond style and finish, many couples choose to add engravings, custom designs, or symbolic details. This step emphasizes how personalization can make a wedding band truly unique and meaningful. 
  8. Think About Comfort and Fit: Since you’ll wear this ring every day, comfort is crucial. A comfort fit band, with its rounded interior, glides on more easily and is often the most comfortable for long-term wear. Make sure the band fits snugly enough to stay secure but loose enough to slide over your knuckle without struggle. 
  9. Coordinate with Your Partner: Couples may choose identical bands, but many select complementary designs that reflect their individual preferences. Even if you don’t match metals or styles, you can still share a meaningful detail, like engraving an important phrase or date inside each band. This allows for individuality while maintaining a symbolic connection. 
  10. Check Engagement Ring Compatibility: For women, ensuring the band works well with the engagement ring is essential. Curved or contoured bands are designed to fit flush against larger or uniquely shaped center stones. Trying on bands alongside the engagement ring ensures a comfortable and cohesive look. 
  11. Plan for Longevity: A wedding band should remain beautiful for decades, so think about how it will wear over time. High-polish rings may show scratches more easily, while textured or matte finishes are better at disguising daily wear. Choosing a well-crafted band in a durable metal ensures your ring lasts for generations. 
  12. Sizing and Timing: Wedding bands often need resizing, and fingers can change in size depending on temperature, time of day, or even life changes. We advise couples to size their rings at the right time (midday, at a normal body temperature) and to allow for resizing before the wedding to ensure a better fit. 

Types of Wedding Rings FAQ

What does a wedding ring symbolize?

The circular shape of a wedding ring represents eternity, unity, and an unbroken bond. Across cultures, wedding rings symbolize commitment, fidelity, and everlasting love. Wearing the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand — also known as the “ring finger” — is rooted in the ancient belief that a vein in this finger, the “vena amoris,” connected directly to the heart. Today, couples continue this tradition as a visible and lasting sign of their union.

What type of wedding band should I get?

The best type of wedding band depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal style. Classic gold bands are timeless, while diamond or eternity bands add sparkle. Men may prefer durable alternative metals, like tungsten or titanium. 

Do men wear wedding rings?

Yes, men traditionally wear wedding bands to symbolize their commitment. Today, men’s wedding band styles range from classic gold to modern alternative metals. You can read more about the best metals for men’s wedding bands on our Best Metals for Men's Wedding Bands Guide

Are wedding bands supposed to match?

Couples can choose matching wedding bands, but it is not required. Many opt for complementary designs that reflect individual tastes while maintaining a unified look. Explore our selection of Couples Rings

How tight should a wedding ring be?

A wedding ring should fit snugly enough that it doesn’t slip off but loose enough to slide over the knuckle with slight resistance. Learn all about how to measure your ring size at home on How to Measure Ring Size at Home Guide.

Do couples pick wedding rings together?

Many couples shop for wedding rings together, though some prefer to surprise each other. Joint selection ensures both partners choose styles they will enjoy wearing daily. 

What karat gold is best for wedding rings?

Most wedding bands are made from 14K or 18K gold. 14K gold is more durable, while 18K gold has a richer color and higher purity. You can learn more about these distinctions on our Gold Karat Guide

How many wedding bands should you have?

Traditionally, each partner wears one wedding band. Some choose to add anniversary or stackable bands over time for a layered look. For comprehensive tips on styling your stack, visit our Ring Stacking Guide

What is a comfort fit wedding band?

A comfort fit wedding band has a rounded interior, making it easier and more comfortable to wear for extended periods, especially for those unaccustomed to jewelry. Explore our expertly crafted selection of Comfort Fit Men’s Wedding Bands