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Top Wide Band Engagement Rings

So you know the basics of engagement ring shopping: You've set a budget. You're reading up on the 4 C's of diamonds. You're doing some subtle recon work to determine the diamond shape, setting and metal that will match her personal style. Well, we have one more thing for you to think about. (Sorry!) It's a factor that's often overlooked, yet can make all the difference in the look of an engagement ring: How wide would you like the band to be?

We tend to think of engagement ring bands as fairly svelte, but today they're available in a full spectrum of widths, and wide band engagement rings are having a bit of a moment right now. Here are some important things to think about when determining if a wide band engagement ring is the right choice for you.

How wide are wide band engagement rings anyway?

What qualifies as a wide band engagement ring? The standard width for an engagement ring band is 2.5 millimeters, with anything over 3 millimeters considered a wide band style. (Conversely, some bands are super-slim at 1.5 to 2 millimeters.)

wide band engagement rings band width comparison in coins

How popular are wide band engagement rings?

Engagement rings with wider bands become increasingly popular with women who have more active lifestyles, like physically intense jobs or hobbies in which their ring risks getting banged around a bit. (We recommend certain rings for doctors and nurses just for that reason.) Thicker bands can withstand more contact than thinner variations.

Wide band engagement rings are also trending among women who love statement jewelry and favor rings that have high impact and shine. And they’re not without representation in the ranks of celebrity engagement rings, either. Internally beloved model Emily Ratajkowski sports a wide band engagement ring, as does Hollywood staple Cameron Diaz.

Popular metals and diamond shapes for wide band engagement rings

Wide band engagement rings look great in any metal, from platinum to white gold or gold. (But if you're considering one for durability, you'll want to research platinum vs. white gold as well.)

wide band engagement rings side by side style comparison

Diamonds of larger sizes and shapes look beautiful in engagement rings with wide bands. Popular cuts include the larger princess cut, ovals, emerald cuts, and the large round cut. Wondering what those celebrities went for? Diaz’s ring shows off a single princess cut in a bezel setting, and Ratajkowski’s features two (yep!) main stones: one pear and one princess.

Things to remember when shopping for a wide band engagement ring

Here are some things to take into consideration when shopping for the perfect wide band engagement ring:

Metal weight. A wide band will require more metal, so you might want to choose a gold or white gold band instead of denser platinum to keep the weight down.

Metal durability. Is this a concern of yours? Yellow gold can look stunning on a wide band, but if you’re choosing this feature for its strength and not the look, you’ll want to opt for something sturdier.

Stone-to-metal ratio. You don't have to buy a Hope Diamond-sized rock to get the right look, but you might want to choose a certain carat weight or flatter, larger-seeming diamond cut to achieve the right balance of stone to metal. Some diamond shapes look larger face-up at the same carat weight, which might make them better choices for this type of band. Our expert on-staff gemologists can help you find the perfect-sized stone and setting for your style and budget.

Finger size. If your bride-to-be's fingers are particularly petite, will she be comfortable in a wide band? Our gemologists can help you gauge this. We also offer a free in-home try-on program to ensure you get the perfect fit, and all of our rings come with complimentary resizing for the first 30 days you have the ring in-hand because we know that sometimes mis-measurements happen.