A wedding band may look good in a jewellery display, but it has to be comfortable for the everyday working life. Width, metal, placement and shape of the ring can all make a difference to its ability to sit well on the finger.
For couples looking to buy in Singapore, a lab grown diamond wedding band offers the look and lasting power of diamond jewellery with the choice of subtle or more detailed designs. Some people prefer a slim band of diamonds next to their engagement ring, while others prefer a larger ring that can stand alone.
It is important to understand how settings move during the regular working day before deciding which design to choose.
What Makes Lab Grown Diamonds Suitable for Wedding Bands?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds that are created in controlled laboratory environments.
These stones have the same general chemical make-up, crystal formation and hardness as naturally-formed diamonds.
The only difference is the process used to grow stones. Natural diamonds generally form underground and lab diamonds are created using methods such as Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT).
Both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds can be cut into rounds, ovals, princess cuts and other cuts that are popular in wedding bands.
This means that lab-grown diamonds can be used to make everything from slim bands with pavé settings to wider rings with larger stones. The fact that diamonds are a hard material does not mean that they cannot be damaged. The choice of metal in the ring and the way that this secures the stones play a part in the process.
Small Diamonds or Larger Stones – The Difference on Your Hand
A line of small diamonds gives a different effect to a band with fewer, larger stones.
Diamonds that have been cut into smaller rounds create a fine row of sparkle, without the risk that a larger band may appear bulky. Smaller stones are ideal if the engagement ring has a prominent centre diamond.
Bands with larger individual stones are more prominent. They may also suit a person who intends to wear a wedding band on its own.
The overall carat weight is worth bearing in mind. A band with ‘one carat of diamonds’ can have many small stones rather than one large diamond, for example.
People should look at how many diamonds there are, their approximate size and how far they stretch to either side before comparing different settings.
How the Setting Changes a Lab Grown Diamond Wedding Band
The way that a ring is set influences more than the appearance of the diamonds.
It affects how likely it is to snag on clothes, how protected the stones are and how much care is required.
Pavé Settings for a Fine Line of Sparkle
Pavé bands use small diamonds that are set close to one another, usually with tiny metal beads or prongs to hold them in place.
While these can give a dainty appearance alongside a solitaire engagement ring, the setting requires regular inspection, especially if the ring is likely to come into contact with hard surfaces.
Channel Settings for a Neater Profile
Channel settings place diamonds in between two walls of metal.
Not only do these offer some protection by covering the sides of the stones, but they also have a neater overall shape than some other kinds of settings.
Half-Eternity and Full-Eternity Bands
Diamonds that run across part of the ring, generally the top section, form a half-eternity band.
A full-eternity ring has diamonds that continue right around the band.
Although this is not visible from any single viewpoint, a full-eternity ring may be difficult to resize without affecting the setting. A half-eternity ring with a section of unbroken metal may offer more flexibility, depending on the exact construction.
Choosing Between Platinum and 18K Gold in Singapore
The choice of metal has a visible impact on the feel and general appearance of a ring.
Platinum has a naturally white colour and does not need to be rhodium-plated to preserve this effect. However, it is slightly heavy and can develop fine lines where it has been worn.
18K white gold offers a similar appearance, though the rhodium plating may need to be renewed. Yellow gold looks noticeably different to white diamonds and rose gold adds a pinkish tint to the overall colour.
When considering options from Novita Diamonds Singapore, a difference in the appearance of metals can be an important starting point for discussing what kind of jewellery will accompany the engagement ring.
Metals also have an impact on how sensitive the skin may be, the weight of the ring and any possibility of resizing.
A Wedding Band That Sits Properly Beside the Engagement Ring
An attractive engagement ring does not always mean that it will go well with another ring.
A low-set centre diamond on the engagement ring may not leave enough room for a straight wedding band to go directly against it. A band with a curved or contoured shape may be the better option.
The width of rings also plays a part. A wide band may be positioned next to a slim engagement ring, changing the appearance of the pair.
It is worth assessing both rings together rather than choosing the wedding band from photographs alone.
Couples who are considering bands from Novita Diamonds Singapore also have the option of a bridal set with an engagement ring and wedding band, or a ring that has enough character to stand on its own.
Ring Size Matters More Than It First Appears
Singapore’s warm climate, regular activity and variations in finger width can combine to make a ring feel uncomfortable during the course of a single day.
The ring should be able to go over the knuckle with a slight pull, rather than gripping the finger in painful closeness.
Wider bands can be trickier than narrower bands, as their overall size is not always immediately apparent. Testing a ring of a similar width is more useful than relying on an old ring size.
When buying online, confirm which sizing system applies and ask for the internal measurement or diameter in millimetres.
Resizing is especially important for rings that have diamonds running around much of the band.
What to Check Before Paying for a Diamond Wedding Band
Examination of the setting reveals some important differences that are not visible in photographs.
Confirm whether the diamonds all sit at the same level and whether the metal edges are smooth before deciding whether this ring offers the comfort and security that is needed. The ring should have sufficient thickness to support the diamonds in place.
Diamond colour and clarity are also worth bearing in mind. For larger individual stones, the quality of each one is important. For smaller accent diamonds, the uniformity of appearance across the band may be more important than the highest levels of clarity and colour.
Ask whether independent diamond documentation is provided. Each small accent stone may not have a separate grading report, but the description should indicate the quality of the stones and their overall weight.
Novita Diamonds Singapore is one of the brands that people considering lab-grown diamond jewellery may like to investigate when looking at different wedding band designs. However, it is worth checking the final cost in Singapore dollars, whether the price includes GST, manufacturing time, warranty and aftercare service before making a decision.
Keeping a Lab Grown Diamond Wedding Band in Good Condition
Diamonds tend to accumulate soap, hand cream and natural oils from the skin, which makes them look duller than usual.
Warm water, a little dish soap and a soft brush are generally enough to clean an intact diamond ring. Gently work the mixture around the band before rinsing the ring and drying it on a soft cloth.
Avoid cleaning agents that are abrasive and remove the ring before undertaking any activity where it could be damaged by pressure.
Professional inspections are particularly important for pavé or shared-prong settings, which use small metal parts to hold the diamonds in place.
It should be possible to wear a well-constructed ring comfortably without any stones becoming loose or the metal catching on everyday objects. Before wearing any new wedding band regularly, take a moment to consider how it fits and how secure it is, as well as whether this will be practical for everyday use.