When it’s time to add a little more sparkle to your ring finger, consider ring enhancers. Whether it’s to celebrate a special anniversary or selected as a wedding band, ring enhancers can really make solitaires shine.
These bands are specifically designed to accompany solitaire engagement rings. They typically support the diamond on one or both sides and elevate the overall look. Ring enhancers are designed to do accomplish what the name suggests by adding more stones and embellishment to the ring. In terms of budget, the total carat weight will be the main factor in determining the price point.
The great advantage of ring enhancers is that they can be added at any time. Many couples plan to add one from the moment that they pick out an engagement ring. In fact, some ring designs have a companion anniversary band that can be purchased separately. An enhancer is also a great way to upgrade your engagement ring without changing the original piece of jewelry. As your style and budget change through the years, ring enhancers may become an increasingly more attractive option.
Let’s take a closer look at this growing trend in bridal jewelry. To help you choose the best one for you, we’ve provided an overview everything you want to know about ring enhancers.
Finding the Right Enhancer for Your Ring
It can be overwhelming to choose the perfect enhancer to fit your style and boost the appearance of your current solitaire ring.
Style
The style and shape should complement your original engagement ring. There are three main types of ring enhancers to choose from:
Circle guard
These enhancers go around a solitaire diamond. Full and partial ring guards create a balanced look and can add a lot of shine to any type of center stone.
Side wrap
These separate bands sit on one side of the original ring and can be fixed to it.
Dual wrap
These enhancers, sometimes called a guard or insert, sit on either side of the engagement ring, giving the effect of having three bands. Some ring styles allow you to actually slip the engagement ring into the middle where it rests between the other two bands.
Circle guards are typically paired with cushion, round or brilliant cut diamonds. Side wraps and dual ring wraps with small round-shaped diamonds in channel settings look sleek and modern next to nearly any center stone. Baguette and tapered baguette diamonds or gemstones can add a modern, refined look to princess and emerald-cut center stones.
Balance
Consider the size of your center stone when deciding what you want the enhancer rings to look like. A diamond with more carats can support larger side stones or more elaborate ring enhancers. On the other hand, smaller center stones may look overwhelmed by large or highly embellished enhancers. For a well-balanced overall look, we recommend that ring enhancers have a total carat weight of less than 200% of the center diamond.
Color
Most ring enhancers are designed to jazz up a traditional solitaire engagement ring with more diamonds or complementary colored diamonds and gemstones. You can choose to combine diamonds and gemstones for more contrast.
Traditionally, enhancers are selected from designs available or custom created to match the engagement ring. Whether it was gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum, many brides opt for matching the metal and maintaining a cohesive look. Recent trends have shown the integration of other metals for a striking contrast. We suggest trying your engagement ring on with a variety of different enhancers to see what looks best to you. You might be surprised to find that adding a bit of color to the ring design really makes the center stone pop.
Size
We always recommend buying jewelry in person. Because ring enhancers are jewelry pieces that you will likely wear every day and which are meant to last a lifetime, you will want to be sure that it’s a good fit. Try on a few different sizes and move your fingers around. Assess how the ring feels with the enhancers. Here are some points to consider:
- Does the ring move or wiggle when it’s in position with the enhancer?
- How does the total weight of the rings feel?
- Can you bend your finger normally with the wider band?
- Does it feel too tight or too loose?
Discuss any fit issues with your trusted diamond jewelry specialist. Remember you can always have the ring or bands resized.
Beautiful Engagement Rings & Enhancers
The skilled staff at Janvier Jewelers is happy to show you our selection of engagement rings and ring enhancers. We can answer any questions you have and help you find the perfect piece of jewelry for you and your fiance. If you’re looking for something even more unique, ask about our custom jewelry design process.
Stop by the Janvier Jewelers store in Newark, Delaware or call (302) 366-7448 any time.
