When it comes to engagement rings, the stone becomes the key focus of attention. What stone to choose, how large, how expensive, or maybe to choose a halo setting, or go for a solitaire, you get it. The band becomes a secondary consideration, and that's not the approach we recommend. 

If you pay attention to the band when you choose a stone, you can add to the beauty of the ring (while also reducing its cost). Yes, that's possible, if you approach the ring selection equipped with a bit of knowledge. And we don’t mean adding pave stones or complex details to a band. What we mean is that the width of the band can impact the ring in a right (or not that right) way.

That's why we offer you a guide to thick and thin engagement ring bands and tips on how to pick the band style that will be perfect for you or your loved one.

What Engagement Ring Band Is Considered Thick?

Thick and thin are relative terms, so what do they mean in terms of jewelry? Let’s start with ‘thick.’ For a cocktail ring or a decorative ring, it can be anything, just think about trendy massive rings covering half of a finger or even a whole finger.

Yet we are talking about engagement rings that have some conditions of wearing. In this case, a thick band is between 2 and 3 mm. This band is visible and complements the ring design. It also provides good support for a stone.

Is There a Standard Thickness Recommended for an Engagement Ring?

Theoretically, engagement band thickness can be anything you want it to be (within reasonable brackets, for sure), but practically, there is a point to consider. Namely, this ring will be worn together with a wedding band after the wedding day. It’s not an obligation, but more and more brides plan to do so, and we strongly approve of this step. Moreover, an engagement ring and a wedding band can be soldered together to form one big bling of a ring. 

If these two rings are worn together, an engagement band should leave enough space on a finger to accommodate the wedding ring comfortably. So if you are considering thick wedding bands for her, an engagement band should not be very thick. They would compete with each other on a finger and probably not be very comfortable for daily wear. 

Yet if you plan for a slim wedding band while the spotlight will be on an engagement ring, you can choose the really thick engagement ring band and enjoy the bold look of your ring. The thicker bands are also perfect for larger, stronger hands, as the ring does not get ‘lost’ visually when worn.

Pros & Cons of A Thick Engagement Ring Band

Thick bands have a range of strong and weak sides, so it’s important to know them in advance.

Pros:

• Style and visibility: bigger bolder rings always attract attention and make a fashion statement. If you or your loved one does not wear lots of jewelry, a thick band is a good idea because an engagement ring also becomes a great accessory. If the preferred jewelry style is all things bold and chunky, then engagement ring thickness should also be sufficient.
• Ease of wear: for some people, a wider band is more comfortable to wear, and it’s also an important consideration. 
• Durability: thick massive bands do not wear away easily and do not take damage easily. They are reliable pieces that are perfect for daily wear.
• Stone support: the bigger the stone, the thicker the band, because a big stone needs sufficient support.

Cons:

• Cost: thicker bands made of gold tend to cost more due to the sheer weight of gold used.
• Suitability: not all hands look great when decorated with a massive band. So keep the hand size and finger length in mind. Plus, if you like thick women's wedding bands, then an engagement band cannot be very wide, because of styling and comfort issues. 
• Weight on a hand: although 2-3mm thick bands don’t weigh too much, for some people, only very lightweight rings are suitable for comfortable wear. So preferred jewelry styles and the weight of frequently worn pieces also play a role.

What Engagement Ring Band is Considered Thin?

Now we move to thin band varieties. Thin bands are less than 2mm in width, so they appear almost invisible from a distance. In such a way, stones seem to float freely on a finger, which ensures an ethereal look. When looked at closely, a gold thin ring band resembles golden threads wrapped around a finger. Such bands are perfect for thin fingers and petite hands. 

How to Decide on Thinness of an Engagement Ring Band

Again, it’s a matter of taste, and slim and dainty rings are all the rage now. Yet before opting for an almost invisible band, look carefully at the stone you want. 

If you choose a small to medium-sized stone or a sprinkle of stones evenly distributed along the band, you can opt for a very thin, almost wire-like band. The ring will look ethereal and delicate. Yet if you want a stone to pop and choose a bigger gem, a very thin band won’t do because it is not fit for securing and carrying bigger stones. So the overall style of the ring impacts the thinness of the band, in a nutshell. 

Pros & Cons of Thin Engagement Ring Band

Just as thick bands, thin bands come with their benefits and imitations. Here are the key points to remember.

Pros:

• Styling and delicate feel: if thick bands immediately catch your eye, thin bands are more laid-back and refined. They add lightness to the overall look of your hand and let the stone take the stage, so to speak.
• Comfortable to wear: smaller bands may be more comfortable for daily wear and for stacking with other rings.
• Works well in ring design: thin bands can be paired with a solitaire and with a sprinkle or cluster of smaller stones. The stones will still be the main feature of the ring, as a fine gold band won’t overshadow them. 
• Cost: since they are lightweight by default, thin bands will be kind to your wallet.

Cons:

• Durability and reliability: alongside design considerations, a band has one more important role - to support the stone and keep it safely set on a finger. Thin bands may be more prone to bending or wearing out, plus they may not be suitable for supporting larger stones.
• Limitations in the selection of stones and certain designs: as said, thin bands are not good for large stones and complex details on the setting. If you want a vintagy or an Art Deco style ring that is architectural and rich in small details, a thicker band will be a better option.
• Relative invisibility: thin bands usually ‘step back’ and let the stone shine, so they are often practically invisible. They are OK for slim hands but will disappear on a larger hand. If you want a bolder look or a more balanced design, consider wider bands.

Tips on How To Choose A Ring Band Of The Right Width

So how are you supposed to choose? Choose based on your overall idea of design and on whether you (or your loved one) want a bolder look or a very delicate ring. The rest can be discussed and settled with an assistant or a jeweler who will craft your ring. 

Here is one more tip to consider: as the modern lore goes, thick and thin ring meaning can be actually different. Thicker bands stand for substantial strong bonds, for always being present for each other, for better or worse, as the nuptial vows go. Thin bands stand for more emotionally sensitive and spiritual connection, gentleness, and the ability to let each other breathe while still being together. 

So only you as a couple can decide what you want - or give the rings you choose special significance and a unique message that only you two will know. And if you need a trusted and collaborative jeweler to make your ring vision come true, start with YourAsteria jewelry shop. You can either choose a ring to your taste from the latest collections or order a custom band that will embody your idea of perfection.

Summary 

We outlined the essential points on how thick should engagement ring band be and all you have to do is match your ideas with our recommendations. Then you’ll pick a ring that will be flawless from all viewpoints and will please a wearer for the years to come. An engagement ring is already a very important and emotionally charged piece of jewelry. And when it matches the wearer’s aesthetic perfectly, the joy of wearing it grows manyfold!