Ladies' wedding rings

Most clients begin with one of three forms. A plain metal band is quiet and durable, and it ages well. A diamond-set band carries stones across part or all of its width, adding light without competing with the centre stone. A shaped or fitted band is cut to follow the engagement ring's profile so the two meet flush, with no gap between them.

Shaped bands matter most when the engagement ring has a low setting or a wide gallery. A wishbone band dips to clear a solitaire and frames it on both sides, which suits many solitaire rings. If you would prefer a full line of diamonds, an eternity ring can serve as the wedding band itself.

We work in platinum and in white, yellow and rose gold. The usual aim is to match the wedding ring to the engagement ring, since two different metals worn together will wear and reflect differently over time. Platinum is dense and holds a soft grey colour. White gold is plated with rhodium for brightness and is re-plated periodically as part of normal care. Our metals guide explains how each metal wears over time.

Finish should also agree across the pair, whether polished, brushed or matte. We can match an existing ring closely, and every piece we make above the legal exemption weight carries a UK hallmark.

The profile is the cross-section of the band. The three common choices each feel different on the hand.

• Court: rounded inside and out, the most comfortable for daily wear and the usual default.
• D-shape: flat inside, curved outside, a traditional and slightly more substantial feel.
• Flat: flat faces with squared edges, a cleaner, more modern line.

Width is chosen to balance the engagement ring; a narrow band suits a delicate setting, a wider one a bolder design. A comfort fit, with a gently domed inner surface, slides on more easily and is worth considering for a snug knuckle. We confirm size in the studio, and our ring size guide explains how sizing is taken.

Diamond-set wedding rings can be channel-set, claw-set or grain-set, each holding the stones a little differently. We offer both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, with a GIA or IGI grading report available on centre stones, so you can choose by budget and preference. Diamond is the hardest gemstone and well suited to daily wear, though any stone set near the finger's edge benefits from an occasional check of its setting.

To begin, book a consultation at our London studio, or read more about our bespoke engagement rings if you are designing both together. You can also begin the engagement ring in our ring builder.