Ode to a Simple Wedding Band
In my recent interview with the amazing Wendy Brandes, she mentioned that she never wears jewelry around the house for reasons that she outlines in a blog post here. Which is funny, because I never wear jewelry around home either. So two people with jewelry as their passion and raison d’être both share a similar philosophy: jewelry is NOT, despite people’s persistent belief to the contrary, indestructible. It is made of precious metals that, while beautiful and lasting, are subjected to levels of force, stress, and even chemicals that can break them down.
But it’s not completely true that I don’t wear ANY jewelry around the house. The one thing I wear (mostly) constantly is a simple, narrow wedding band. It’s about 3mm wide in platinum, handmade by Charles Green. It is engraved with a vintage-y pattern that ties it in nicely with my platinum Art Deco 1930′s-era engagement ring and separate eternity band (also vintage) of sweet french cuts in a platinum channel. I have the three rings all stacked up on my finger, a look I personally love. (When I get a great manicure, I will post a photo). My rings, because of their age, are somewhat fragile, but frankly so are most diamond engagement rings. When I come home, off go all my rings, EXCEPT for the simple band.
Engraved and Milgrained Band from Tacori, Retail starting at $1560
If you’re married, I think there are some good reasons to get a simple, non-gem-encrusted band. It doesn’t have to go with your engagement ring. You don’t even have to wear them together. One ring-designing genius (and I do not use the term lightly), Leon Mege, advises strongly against wearing two or more rings together; he has written a treatise available here. I’m not sure you need to go that far, but having a simple band that you can don when you make dinner, or take the kids rock climbing, can extend or even save the life of your engagement ring.
18k Rose Gold Yvonne Twig Band, by Lila Boudreaux from E.E. Robbins, $695 Retail, actually $450, see comments below
Simple does not mean plain, dull or boring. It could have a nice shape, or be beautifully carved. It could have different precious metals combined or intertwined. I’ve shown some examples of lovely bands that also happen to be somewhat pragmatic. A ring like this can keep your gem-set rings intact, and keep your fingers from feeling completely naked.
Palladium Twist Band by Sholdt Design, from Greenwich Jewelers, $740 Retail
14k White Gold Delicate Leaf Wedding Band by Krikawa, $1580 Retail
In an era of over-the-top micro-pave on every surface of jewelry, I feel that the unsung simple wedding band deserves some accolades, too. It gives the eye a place to rest. Maybe I’m feeling particularly appreciative because my own simple band has spent 15 years graciously wrapped around my ring finger.
Sculptural 14K Yellow Gold Ring by Ji Hwang from Gemvara, $304 Retail
(sottovocerocks)
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August 27th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
I never even wear my wedding band around the house…btw, I wear my engagement ring on my left hand and my wedding band on my right!
August 31st, 2010 at 7:10 am
What lovely bands! I love the idea that bands don’t have to have diamonds – the gorgeous filigree and carving can be decoration enough!
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:51 am
Just wanted to let you all know that the price for the Lila Boudreaux band was incorrect on our site – it is $450 instead of $695! It is relly lovely as are her other pieces. Enjoy
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:04 am
Thanks for the info, I updated the caption to reflect that price. Still says $695 on your site, though. Thanks, Susan! I really like all of Lila Boudreaux’s bands on your site!
Monica
October 19th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
What a nice selection! I love everything Brian Sholdt designs. And thanks for including that lovely Ji Hwang band from Gemvara! I also have thin bands I love by Kamofie Design, Sarah Graham, and Brunini.
October 21st, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Thanks, Cheryl! It was hard to choose just one pretty band from all the gorgeous rings on Gemvara.com. Love the custom jewelry concept! I’m keeping my eye on you over there!
February 25th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
I recently fell in love with the look of a shared prong eternity band next to a completely plain white gold band, no engagement ring at all. it’s so simple and elegant.
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