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Thin band engagement rings are rings with bands that are…. well…thin. These are generally thinner than the average ring on the market. There is no compromise in quality in the making of thin band engagement rings, and engagement rings with thin bands can be an excellent option for a minimalist or understated style.
If you’re looking to buy a thin band engagement ring, here’s what you need to know about them.
What’s the Average Width of An Engagement Ring Band?
Engagement rings can vary in width from 1.00mm to upwards of 15.0mm. Most engagement ring bands have a width of 2.0mm or more but generally, if a ring has a width range of 1.0mm – 2.00mm they’re typically considered thin.
However, there are limits to how thin an engagement ring should be. If your ring has a large center stone, going lower than 1.5mm in width may not be structurally possible. The width of your ring band, therefore, depends on the type of ring you’re after, your individual preference and the recipient’s sense of style.
Pros and Cons of a Thin Band Engagement Ring
If you’re considering buying a thin band engagement ring, here are the benefits to consider.
Pros of Thin Band Engagement Rings
- They are smaller and daintier: Smaller bands are perfect for someone with smaller hands who doesn’t want their ring to overwhelm their hand.
- They are less expensive: Thin band engagement rings tend to cost less than thicker bands as they use up less metal. This typically translates to lower prices.
- They are easier to find in store: You can find thin band engagement rings easily in store than very wide bands. This means you’ll have a wider selection range or a variety of thin band engagement rings to choose from due to their higher availability.
- They give are more comfortable: Thin band rings can give you more comfort than a wider band ring particularly for someone that is always busy working with their hands.
- They enhance the center stone: Even a small center stone will look relatively large when set against a thin band. In this way, thin bands can make your center stone look much larger than it is.
Cons of Thin Band Engagement Rings
To every advantage, there are also disadvantages. Here are some reasons why you may not like thin band engagement rings.
- They are not too strong and can bend under pressure: Thin band rings are weaker than wider ones in terms of mechanical strength. They are also prone to bending under high mechanical pressure or stress as they may not be able to withstand it.
- They don’t tend to suit large hands: If you’ve got long wide fingers, a thin band can be unsuitable. They could look disproportionate on your fingers and might be difficult to see.
- Limited setting options: Not all settings can fit on a thin band. Channel and pave settings are more difficult to apply on a thin band as there’s less space to work with.
Best Settings for A Thin Band Engagement Ring
The best setting for a thin band is the classic solitaire setting, but there are others that work with it as well. Here are the best settings for a thin band ring.
Solitaire Setting
Solitaire engagement ring with a 1.5mm width band. Check price here.
This is the classic ring setting for any engagement ring band and especially thin band ones. Solitaire settings are versatile and easily draw attention to the beauty and brilliance of the center diamond. Solitaire settings are easy to maintain, and can also be less expensive compared to other settings. However, high prong settings may snag or catch onto things easily.
The Halo Ring Setting
Halo thin band engagement ring with 1.8mm width band. Check price here.
Your thin band engagement ring can also be absolutely dazzling with plenty of sparkle with a halo ring setting. Halo settings make the center diamond appear larger, surrounded by smaller diamonds in a concentric circle.
The Pavé Ring Setting
Paved thin band ring settings with a 1.6mm width band. Check it out here.
Pavé ring settings derive their name from the fact that the shanks are paved with many tiny diamonds set closely together with minimal spacing between them. The small diamonds on the band highlight the center diamond, drawing attention to it. This setting, therefore, offers your thin band engagement ring “more bling for less buck”. There is a limit to how thin a band can be for it to be pave set, but generally around 1.5mm would be fine.
The Channel Ring Setting
2.4mm wide channel set band. See it here.
As with the pavé ring setting, smaller diamonds are inserted into the band compared to those in the channel ring setting. The major difference between the channel ring setting and the pavé is that the stones are held in place within a groove or channel cut into the band. Because of the style of channel settings, it’s impossible to have them in a setting that’s very thin. Most thin channel set bands are around 2.3mm wide.
Best Metal and Color for A Thin Band Engagement Ring
The type of metal used, and the color also determines the overall appearance, sense of style and quality of the thin band engagement ring.
Platinum: Platinum is shiny and beautiful and a good choice for engagement rings but it’s rarer and more expensive than gold. Because platinum is a durable metal, it’s an excellent choice for thin bands.
Gold: Gold is not as durable as platinum but it’s an excellent versatile metal. Gold comes in a range of colors which each gives its own style and feel to the ring. Because of the copper content in rose gold, it tends to be somewhat harder than yellow or white gold, which makes it a good choice for thin bands.
Sterling Silver: Silver is the most affordable of the precious metals and when alloyed with other metals to create sterling silver it’s durable and lustrous. Sterling silver tends to corrode and tarnish, requiring more maintenance. You could consider Argentium silver which is quite possibly the best silver on the market.
Argentium Silver Ring by Femailler. Check price here.
The Verdict on Thin Bands
Thin band CZ ring by Tiger Gemstones. Check price here.
Thin band engagement rings are compact and understated and they also embrace the ‘less is more’ approach to style, brilliance and aesthetic value with no compromise on quality and beauty. With their simple, versatile and delicate ring designs, they make a suitable choice for anyone that desires simplicity and long-lasting elegance.
Choose a reputable retailer to purchase your engagement ring from, especially if you’re going for a thin band. Quality craftsmanship and materials are paramount if you want your ring to last through the ages.
We recommend starting your search on James Allen which has a range of stunning thin band engagement rings of excellent craftsmanship and style. Alternatively, if you’re after unique, artisan styles, check out Etsy’s wide range of thin band rings.
