It's My Turn...Deciding on Men's Wedding Band

[rockysalamander]

I think you are right to assume a custom set of stones for a band would end up very expensive!

No reason a chap couldn't buy a ring for day-to-day now and work on a more expensive ring for 'leisure time'/nights out later on, though...

I agree. It would be pricey. But, I don't think there is any reason to imagine you can't wear a diamond band daily -- other than the same risks of any band (i.e., degloving). Maybe play with the proportions to narrow the band of diamonds and add a band of raised metal. Something like this. The two YG bands are higher than the center giving it some protection. This ring is about 9 mm wide, so that would make that center row of blue, changed to diamonds, about 4 mm. That is more affordable.

These would be even smaller.

 

[farrahlyn]

DH is a 12.5 ring size and hes currently sporting an 8mm wide band. Definitely wouldn't go thinner. looking forward to seeing what you've ordered and how you like them. Big fan of the Boone rings *swoon* and the Benchmark euroshank is SO nice. Can you give details on the custom Boone ring you mentioned earlier? Is that still in the running?

 

[sledge]

@sledge -

I think a single one of those french cuts in a ring would look great for a guy. A more masculine looking ring, far more 'easy wear' than a whole band of them, and way more cost effective. Would work in any metal.

Knowing DK's price and assuming he has 5 frenchies in the band he quoted (told him half way around), then I can assume the following formula is somewhat accurate:

x - y = z
z / 5 = f1
y + f1 = NB

where,
x = price of band w/ french baguettes
y = price of plain band
z = rough cost of 5 french baguettes
5 = quantity of expected french baguettes
f1 = cost per single french baguette
NB = estimated cost of new band w/ a single french baguette

I'm thinking this would put the cost somewhere in the $2k to $2.5k range for a single french baguette of the same size.

I agree. It would be pricey. But, I don't think there is any reason to imagine you can't wear a diamond band daily -- other than the same risks of any band (i.e., degloving). Maybe play with the proportions to narrow the band of diamonds and add a band of raised metal. Something like this. The two YG bands are higher than the center giving it some protection. This ring is about 9 mm wide, so that would make that center row of blue, changed to diamonds, about 4 mm. That is more affordable.

These would be even smaller.

As always Rocky, you amaze me with countless options you present. I could see either of those options working but like the aesthetics of the second band better.

I am curious, if I was to go with the Euroshank from IDJ, would it be possible to have it modified to accept a little diamond dust in the corner like I proposed on the Versace band a few posts upstream? The diamond was always about me seeing it, and not so much others. Might also be a possibility to get one of those grey spinels you pointed me to on a different thread. White metal and the grey might look great.

DH is a 12.5 ring size and hes currently sporting an 8mm wide band. Definitely wouldn't go thinner. looking forward to seeing what you've ordered and how you like them. Big fan of the Boone rings *swoon* and the Benchmark euroshank is SO nice. Can you give details on the custom Boone ring you mentioned earlier? Is that still in the running?

Absolutely I can give details. FYI, I was super impressed with Boone's customer service and would be perfectly happy to work with him.

Rather or not that becomes a reality really hinges on how the widths play out when I see them in person. Bruce quoted me a price to make a custom 7.5 or 8mm version of the Euroshank that I am getting from IDJ.

Price is very fair, especially for a custom one off piece (for him). While still very affordable and within my budget, it is about double what I paid for the 9mm Euroshank from IDJ. When I spoke with IDJ, Yuketiel advised Benchmark offers the Euroshank in 5, 7 and 9mm depending what metal types I would want.

So if I determine a 7.5 or 8mm Euroshank is the magical width, then I will return the other two rings and go with the custom ring by Boone.

 

[mrs-b]

Knowing DK's price and assuming he has 5 frenchies in the band he quoted (told him half way around)

No. 8 or 9. I don't know what your budget is, but there are a bunch more in a half round french cut band than 5, so scale for price accordingly.

 

[sledge]

No. 8 or 9. I don't know what your budget is, but there are a bunch more in a half round french cut band than 5, so scale for price accordingly.

I could be wrong in my assumptions. Just based on what was said earlier about using 1.5mm lips and 5mm stones, I assumed 5 stones was correct based on the following:

• 12.5mm inside diameter + 2mm each side for thickness of ring = 16.5mm total diameter of ring
• Circumference = pi x diameter = 3.14 x 16.5 = 51.81mm
• Assuming french baguettes are 5 x 5mm square and will cover HALF the ring, or half the circumference:
  • 51.81mm / 2 = 25.905mm for half coverage / 5mm = 5.181 stones

Also, looking back over the math, I figured the cost of the plain band wrong earlier. It's about $300 more expensive than I originally assumed. Assuming ONE stone + band, it has the following effects:

5 stones = approx $2,400 to $2,600
6 stones = approx $2,100 to $2,300
8 stones = approx $1,800 to $2,000

 

[mrs-b]

Sorry Sledge - it never occurred to me that you'd want to use stones that massive. Five stones that size is mafia don territory - at least 3 ctw.

 

[Gussie]

The French cuts (G- VS) I have in a band by CVB are 1.8mm x 3.5 mm and were $325 each if that helps.

Oh! Just saw you are looking at big ones! Yes, that will be expensive! I am always shocked at how high they are!

 

[sledge]

Sorry Sledge - it never occurred to me that you'd want to use stones that massive. Five stones that size is mafia don territory - at least 3 ctw.

Haha, go big or go home, right?

Nah, seriously I wasn't looking for that size and I need to confirm with DK what they are using but I think that is about right because I am looking at an 8mm wide band. Maybe 4mm if you utilize 2mm wide channels. But yes, definitely on the larger side.

The French cuts (G- VS) I have in a band by CVB are 1.8mm x 3.5 mm and were $325 each if that helps.

Oh! Just saw you are looking at big ones! Yes, that will be expensive! I am always shocked at how high they are!

Haha, yeah it wasn't broke down for the stones alone but they were quite a bit more than $325 each.

My fiancee was reading over my shoulder at the same time, so I kept my composure and said good, this is within budget since you didn't go with the 2 carat I suggested for your ring.

She didn't think I was funny at all.

 

[LinSF]

My fiancee was reading over my shoulder at the same time, so I kept my composure and said good, this is within budget since you didn't go with the 2 carat I suggested for your ring.

If you laugh now you might not cry later.

 

[Forgiven888]

Trying to decide between these two rings. Both size 10 and I listed the price.

https://www.e-weddingbands.com/store/product-platcf5linfo.html
$727.50

https://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-...htly-domed-comfort-fit-wedding-ring-item-1372
$607

Can anyone tell me the difference between these two rings?

Some people have been recommending e-wedding rings but it seems more expensive than the James Allen one. I heard James Allen gets their wedding bands made by benchmark. Anyone know the quality difference between JA and e-weddingbands? Which would you recommend.

 

[RockyFPV]

I know you’re looking at French cuts but I want to share this video of straight baguettes to show how a simple men’s band can look with diamonds down the middle.

 

[sledge]

Trying to decide between these two rings. Both size 10 and I listed the price.

https://www.e-weddingbands.com/store/product-platcf5linfo.html
$727.50

https://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-...htly-domed-comfort-fit-wedding-ring-item-1372
$607

Can anyone tell me the difference between these two rings?

Some people have been recommending e-wedding rings but it seems more expensive than the James Allen one. I heard James Allen gets their wedding bands made by benchmark. Anyone know the quality difference between JA and e-weddingbands? Which would you recommend.

Maybe the prices went up since you posted, but the e-weddingbands price shows starting @ $801 for me.

Aside from the money difference, the e-weddingbands ring appears to be more traditional and fully domed. Thickness is 1.7mm. You can get a brushed or stone finish for an extra $10 if you don't like polished. Also, if you prefer a heavy weight band (2mm thick) that is about a $220 option.

The JA band is only slightly domed giving it a little more modern look. Also, it's slightly thicker at 1.8mm.

If it were my choice, I'd go with the JA band. Thicker and heavier (which I prefer), cheaper and I prefer the aesthetics.

I know you’re looking at French cuts but I want to share this video of straight baguettes to show how a simple men’s band can look with diamonds down the middle.

Thank you for sharing. I actually know an older gentlemen that is very, very similar to that. His is YG and has round diamonds. He's got big fingers like me and wealthy, so his diamonds are good size.

 

[Forgiven888]

Maybe the prices went up since you posted, but the e-weddingbands price shows starting @ $801 for me.

Aside from the money difference, the e-weddingbands ring appears to be more traditional and fully domed. Thickness is 1.7mm. You can get a brushed or stone finish for an extra $10 if you don't like polished. Also, if you prefer a heavy weight band (2mm thick) that is about a $220 option.

The JA band is only slightly domed giving it a little more modern look. Also, it's slightly thicker at 1.8mm.

If it were my choice, I'd go with the JA band. Thicker and heavier (which I prefer), cheaper and I prefer the aesthetics.

Thanks, the E-weddingbands also has 25% off with the code PLATPARTY so the base price is $970 for size 10, then 25% off which gives you $727. Anyway I think I will go into a store and try some benchmark ones on and see the quality. Anyone know the quality of the e-weddingbands rings?

 

[Wewechew]

Thanks, the E-weddingbands also has 25% off with the code PLATPARTY so the base price is $970 for size 10, then 25% off which gives you $727. Anyway I think I will go into a store and try some benchmark ones on and see the quality. Anyone know the quality of the e-weddingbands rings?

I’ve purchased bands from eWeddingBands before and wouldn’t hesitate to again in the future.

 

[rockysalamander]

Thanks, the E-weddingbands also has 25% off with the code PLATPARTY so the base price is $970 for size 10, then 25% off which gives you $727. Anyway I think I will go into a store and try some benchmark ones on and see the quality. Anyone know the quality of the e-weddingbands rings?

Any price difference is likely due to weight of metal. I'd get the BN, but pay extra for Heavy Comfort Fit. I like the heft of mine.

 

[sledge]

Thanks, the E-weddingbands also has 25% off with the code PLATPARTY so the base price is $970 for size 10, then 25% off which gives you $727. Anyway I think I will go into a store and try some benchmark ones on and see the quality. Anyone know the quality of the e-weddingbands rings?

Only hear good stuff about e-weddingbands, but I haven't had any on my fingers. Prior to deciding to order online I did try several bands at various local jewelers. The last band I found that I really liked was a Benchmark (different style than the Euroshank I am ordering from IDJ) and I really liked it a lot. It had a good thickness and heft to it and the comfort fit was superior to other bands I tried while there. In fact, I kept it on my finger as a reference to how other bands felt in comparison. It just had a good quality feel many lacked.

In fairness I am kind of weird that way. I spend extra money on my tools and even eating utensils that are heavy and have a nice smooth quality feel to them. I particularly hate using cheap overseas made tools with sharp edges as it drives me nuts. Not to mention I normally destroy them after a few uses.

 

[sledge]

While I'm updating this thread, I just wanted to give some love to JA.

I chatted with an online rep about the brushed band I ordered on Friday evening, 1/25. I believe he was a new rep but tried hard and answered most my questions. Super friendly. One thing he could never clarify was the thickness of the band, which I didn't see listed on the website. Visually it appears to be approx 2mm and I hope I am right.

More importantly, after chatting with the rep I decided to go ahead and order the ring. For $135 it was a worthwhile gamble IMO. Anyhow, they have an easy order process and nice progress update screen to show where your order is at during various intervals (order processing, order accepted, QA, shipping, etc).

It had a 1/31 projected ship date. Very reasonable I thought. Then I received a text alert yesterday about a FedEx package delivery for today. It was the JA ring. Unfortunately the FedEx guy showed up in the 1.5 hour window no one was home today, so I will have to drop by a FedEx facility to pick it up on my way home, but that isn't JA's fault.

I am excited to see the ring and try it on. Obviously I will share some feedback.

But I really wanted to commend JA for not only meeting their 1/31 ship date but beating the snot out of it. Ordered 1/25 and delivered 1/30. I know it's not a high dollar, super important diamond but the experience was silky smooth. Good job.

 

[sledge]

Late night. Will post more later but wanted to say I was very impressed with the packaging on the JA ring. Although a small dollar purchase it came packed like a much more expensive item.

 

[Golden_bird]

Late night. Will post more later but wanted to say I was very impressed with the packaging on the JA ring. Although a small dollar purchase it came packed like a much more expensive item.

The best part if you still decide to retun the ring , you will get to keep all packaging ! Polishing cloth and so on ) I think it’s very generous of JA!

 

[SimoneDi]

Thanks, the E-weddingbands also has 25% off with the code PLATPARTY so the base price is $970 for size 10, then 25% off which gives you $727. Anyway I think I will go into a store and try some benchmark ones on and see the quality. Anyone know the quality of the e-weddingbands rings?

I would suggest that you start your own thread to get your questions answered, but to respond quickly - the quality of eweddingbands is awesome and they are a pleasure to work with. There is one major difference between eweddingbands and JA - EWB bands are die struck vs cast, which I personally much prefer. This is a helpful article I can find quickly, but if you search, there is quite a bit of information on the forum as well: https://www.whitehousebrothers.com/blog/post/metal-quality--die-striking-vs-casting
EWB would be my pick over JA, but you can simply order both and keep the one you like better.

@sledge congrats on the new band. Hope you like how it fits.

 

[OoohShiny]

I know you’re looking at French cuts but I want to share this video of straight baguettes to show how a simple men’s band can look with diamonds down the middle.

I like the idea of baguettes but, personally speaking, I find them a bit.... 'meh'.

They just seem to not really perform very well - I know they're quite a simple cut so will never set the world alight in terms of light return and fire, but Carré cuts are simple and look amazing, as are French cuts, but baguettes always just seem... boring and underwhelming lol

Don't hate me!!

 

[the_mother_thing]

I like the idea of baguettes but, personally speaking, I find them a bit.... 'meh'.

They just seem to not really perform very well - I know they're quite a simple cut so will never set the world alight in terms of light return and fire, but Carré cuts are simple and look amazing, as are French cuts, but baguettes always just seem... boring and underwhelming lol

Don't hate me!!

Agreed. There are only a couple of instances where I’ve seen them used in a ring that I found to be lovely, such as small accents to a larger central stone where that central stone is intended to be the focus. On their own in a ring/band, they’re sort of just ‘very quietly there’.

 

[sledge]

I would suggest that you start your own thread to get your questions answered, but to respond quickly - the quality of eweddingbands is awesome and they are a pleasure to work with. There is one major difference between eweddingbands and JA - EWB bands are die struck vs cast, which I personally much prefer. This is a helpful article I can find quickly, but if you search, there is quite a bit of information on the forum as well: https://www.whitehousebrothers.com/blog/post/metal-quality--die-striking-vs-casting
EWB would be my pick over JA, but you can simply order both and keep the one you like better.

@sledge congrats on the new band. Hope you like how it fits.

Thank you @SimoneDi.

First impressions was that I liked the band. Admittedly I don't wear much jewelry but I've never had any pieces in cobalt chrome. Additionally, not many jewelers where I live stock that metal so I haven't really seen it inside the stores I've visited either. I do enjoy alternate metals not only from a price point advantage but because I like the various strengths, colors and weights.

This particular ring has a very classic look and feel to it. It looks very similar to platinum and the weight isn't quite as much as tungsten but much heavier than titanium. Maybe comparable to WG or platinum.

Also, I was expecting the 7.5mm to look "skinny" on my fingers but IRL I don't think that is the case. From the (magnified) online pictures I was also expecting/hoping the ring to be thicker, around the 2mm mark but I don't think it's quite that thick. I have not verified with calipers or anything else at this point.

I am curious how the Euroshank band from Benchmark compares. I'd like to have a tad more thickness and heft/weight personally. I do like the color. Since the 7.5mm didn't look as skinny as I initially thought I am now more concerned the 9mm will be too large. But we shall see. I didn't get my order with IDJ placed until late Sunday afternoon, 1/27. He said it'd take about a week to get the ring so fingers crossed I have it soon to do a comparison.

Also, I wanted to thank you for sharing the die-struck information. I wasn't aware EWB used that method. I guess I can go look at their page, but do you know if that applies to their alternative metals as well? Would this be a reason why many like Boone as well?

@LaylaR also provided a nice explanation of die-striking as noted below. It might be useful to those reading along now (or in the future).

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-does-it-all-work.244700/#post-4442406

Finally we get to die striking:

Die-struck construction starts with the creation of the “hub”. A steel engraver(dying art) carves the desired design into a heat-resistant block of steel. Once the design is created, the hub is used to create a “master die” out of another steel blank. The master die now has the shape of the piece pressed into it, but is never actually used to make the piece.

Instead, a copy of it called the “working die” will be made and used to create the piece (the master die is put away for safe keeping). Now, you’re ready to craft. To do that, powerful drop-hammers or presses repeatedly strike the precious metal working in between the hub and working die creating “the workpiece”.

The extreme pressure put on the workpiece eliminates many of the flaws common in casting like porosity and results in a piece that is stronger, denser, and more durable. In a complicated ring, each individual component is individually die-struck and then assembled into one piece of jewelry using various methods, like welding, soldering, sawing (for some design elements), filing, and are then set with stones and polished into the finished piece of jewelry. One person can do it all, or it can be parceled out to specialized craftsmen (the 'bench').

The primary disadvantage with die striking is in making custom designed jewelry. Remember when I explained that die striking involves an engraved steel die? Well, these steel dies once created cannot be altered. This means every time a design change is made, for example if a customer likes the flowers from one design but wishes to substitute the leaves from another, a new steel die has to be made from scratch.

It may seem ridiculous but yes, this would involve carving a new hub and making new master and working dies. For jewelers, this limitation of die striking presents serious practical issues. A customer may absolutely love the design of a particular ring, but the jeweler’s die is carved for a 6.5mm round center stone while the customer wishes to have a 8mm center stone and then you have to make a new die for this. That's expensive and time consuming to say the least.

Which is why main drawback of die striking is the lack of easy customization. In today’s world where consumers are able to have literally any design they want (structurally sound or not) created by a CAD and a simple mold and casting, die striking cannot compare to the high speed and low cost of CAD-casting.

-- All three of the posts by me in this thread have portions edited and published by Vincent Chan of Prosumer Diamonds

 

[SimoneDi]

Also, I wanted to thank you for sharing the die-struck information. I wasn't aware EWB used that method. I guess I can go look at their page, but do you know if that applies to their alternative metals as well? Would this be a reason why many like Boone as well?

Sure, I believe all of their bands are machine made, but it will be best to reach out and inquire about a specific band(s). They have awesome customer service and returns with them are a breeze.

 

[RockyFPV]

I like the idea of baguettes but, personally speaking, I find them a bit.... 'meh'.

They just seem to not really perform very well - I know they're quite a simple cut so will never set the world alight in terms of light return and fire, but Carré cuts are simple and look amazing, as are French cuts, but baguettes always just seem... boring and underwhelming lol

Don't hate me!!

You call it boring, I call it understated elegance ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

There’s something about the simplicity of the cut that favors brilliance over scintillation. Like Steve Jobs wearing blue jeans for a presentation instead of a fancy suit. Idk

 

[OoohShiny]

You call it boring, I call it understated elegance ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

There’s something about the simplicity of the cut that favors brilliance over scintillation. Like Steve Jobs wearing blue jeans for a presentation instead of a fancy suit. Idk

The world would be a boring place without personal preferences that were different for everyone

I just wish they'd be a bit more 'active'!

 

[RockyFPV]

The world would be a boring place without personal preferences that were different for everyone

I just wish they'd be a bit more 'active'!

Agreed on personal preference. Without it, life would be drab.

If I could just add one more persuasion here I would tell you how I was able to try on this baguette ring before sending it off to DK to become an organ donor for my final wedding band.
In real life I could see bright flashes of blue and red inside the steps for sure. As well as very small scintillating facets in each corner pocket. But I’m not here to change your mind and it sounds like Sledge has decided on none diamond rings. Probably more practical for most of us

 

[sledge]

Sure, I believe all of their bands are machine made, but it will be best to reach out and inquire about a specific band(s). They have awesome customer service and returns with them are a breeze.

Thank you, I will do some research. Also, now I'm curious about Benchmark and their process. Due to the price I'm bound to think it's probably cast, but I could be wrong.

Agreed on personal preference. Without it, life would be drab.

If I could just add one more persuasion here I would tell you how I was able to try on this baguette ring before sending it off to DK to become an organ donor for my final wedding band.
In real life I could see bright flashes of blue and red inside the steps for sure. As well as very small scintillating facets in each corner pocket. But I’m not here to change your mind and it sounds like Sledge has decided on none diamond rings. Probably more practical for most of us

Wow @RockyFPV, that ring is pretty awesome. I haven't seen the milgraining on a man's band AND diamonds that i thought looked good, but that looks really nice. I don't think it'd be wide enough for my finger size but I can really appreciate the eloquence of it being there but not a "kapow in your face" ring.

Also, totally get the Steve Jobs reference. A little jealous of that guy. I'd totally be down for blue jeans & a black shirt everyday. Black is my favorite color.

 

[SimoneDi]

Thank you, I will do some research. Also, now I'm curious about Benchmark and their process. Due to the price I'm bound to think it's probably cast, but I could be wrong.

Benchmark I believe are cast, IDJ can confirm that for you. Nonetheless, their bands are some of the most comfortable on the market, which I think is super important for men especially, who are typically not used to wearing jewelry.

 

[Forgiven888]

Sorry for the threadjacking but thanks everyone for the answers. I just chatted with benchmark and their online chat informed me that "We do not cast any of our rings. Everything is die struck." Also James Allen informed me that the rings I was looking "This particular ring is created by die striking."

Is Die striking that much of a difference? Anyone know if James Allen ever has more than 25% off?