Wedding band - channel setting...?

[Qistina]

Hello, it’s me again with my search for the perfect wedding band.

If you’ve seen my previous thread, I said I am leaning towards a channel setting. But I’m reading around here and talking to people in IRL (ie. my mom) and a lot are saying that channel set bands look kinda dated and chunky.

I’ve been to B&M stores and every time I gravitate towards channel set bands for the clean, sleek look. However I could also see that they’re less blingy compared to shared prong/bead settings. And I do love a bit of bling.

Should I go for something that I love the look of, or something that has more bling? I feel they’re both equally important to me.

 

[Matthews1127]

Hello, it’s me again with my search for the perfect wedding band.

If you’ve seen my previous thread, I said I am leaning towards a channel setting. But I’m reading around here and talking to people in IRL (ie. my mom) and a lot are saying that channel set bands look kinda dated and chunky.

I’ve been to B&M stores and every time I gravitate towards channel set bands for the clean, sleek look. However I could also see that they’re less blingy compared to shared prong/bead settings. And I do love a bit of bling.

Should I go for something that I love the look of, or something that has more bling? I feel they’re both equally important to me.

Some channel set rings are chunky, bulky, and create shadow over diamonds, as they really don’t allow a lot of light in to maximize sparkle & flash. SOME. Not all.

This is my channel set Anniversary Band my DH gave me for my birthday:


It’s not chunky (outside of it’s width), and it sparkles like crazy. This is the only channel set band I own, and I LOVE it.
It all depends on the style & design of the ring, IMHO. I am a more open profile kind of gal, but I love this ring.
If your diamonds are round brilliants, you shouldn’t have difficulty seeing plenty of sparkle, as long as you keep your ring clean, regularly.

 

[missy]

Gorgeous band @Matthews1127 And proof that all channel bands are *not* chunky. It's beautiful.

I gravitate towards channel set bands for the clean, sleek look. However I could also see that they’re less blingy compared to shared prong/bead settings. And I do love a bit of bling.

Should I go for something that I love the look of, or something that has more bling? I feel they’re both equally important to me.

Get both! That way you can mix and match and not feel you had to compromise. If you cannot swing both right now get one now and the other at a later date when you can. I think they are 2 lovely looks that are very different and if you love both why not? And as Matthews's ring clearly demonstrates channel settings can be sleek and gorgeous and not dated at all.

 

[rockysalamander]

I think you can find the best of both worlds in a bead-set pave in channel band. You get the outer rim of solid metal with a clean lines, but with the better light return from the pave.
https://www.whiteflash.com/wedding-rings/tiffany-style-bead-set-diamond-wedding-band-1371.htm

All channel-type setting can look chunky at there is a minimum about of metal necessary for the channel to be stable. So, the smaller the stones in that channel, the more metal you see by proportions even if made with the most delicate hand. So, make sure to look at a variety of stone sizes (in mm) don't look just at total carat weight.

Also, it is well worth any incremental cost increase to get melee that are precision cut. So, I'd stick with WF, HPD, VC, or David Klass. WF is likely the most affordable.

 

[Qistina]

That is one beautiful ring, Matthews1127! I love how the engravings (?) on the sides add an extra oomph.

missy, how I wish I could get both. Alas, our funds have limitations. But buying either one in the future is definitely in the plans.

I notice the channel bands I love are the ones with thin channel walls, as to maximize diamond exposure I guess. So I could still get a bit of bling?

 

[Qistina]

I think you can find the best of both worlds in a bead-set pave in channel band. You get the outer rim of solid metal with a clean lines, but with the better light return from the pave.
https://www.whiteflash.com/wedding-rings/tiffany-style-bead-set-diamond-wedding-band-1371.htm

All channel-type setting can look chunky at there is a minimum about of metal necessary for the channel to be stable. So, the smaller the stones in that channel, the more metal you see by proportions even if made with the most delicate hand. So, make sure to look at a variety of stone sizes (in mm) don't look just at total carat weight.

Also, it is well worth any incremental cost increase to get melee that are precision cut. So, I'd stick with WF, HPD, VC, or David Klass. WF is likely the most affordable.

Apologies for my ignorance, but what do WPD and VC stand for?

I've actually contacted David Klass through his Etsy shop, but so far no response. I'm also in email communications with ID Jewelry, as they're always recommended around here. I look forward to see what they can offer me.

 

[missy]

what do WPD and VC stand for?

WF=Whiteflash
HPD=High Performance Diamonds
VC=Victor Canera

 

[rockysalamander]

WPD was meant to be HPD = High Performance Diamonds
VC = Victor Canera

IDJ is great and they have good melee...just specify PS quality. That seems to be the trick with others. I will say that the other vendors mentioned are likley sourcing melee a step up from IDJ, but that may make no difference unless you are total cut nut.

David Klass is great if you want to go custom, but for a band like this it may be unnecessary.

 

[Gussie]

WF whiteflash
HPD high performance diamonds
VC Victor Canera

I just got a quote for the exact band that @rockysalamander linked except in a full eternity. The price is very reasonable and the ACA (a cut above) melee sparkle like crazy. This is a gorgeous band, a timeless classic.

 

[Qistina]

Thanks for the vendor recommendations!

The White Flash band really is beautiful. I didn't know they custom make, I'll get in touch with them.

 

[Matthews1127]

Gorgeous band @Matthews1127 And proof that all channel bands are *not* chunky. It's beautiful.




Get both! That way you can mix and match and not feel you had to compromise. If you cannot swing both right now get one now and the other at a later date when you can. I think they are 2 lovely looks that are very different and if you love both why not? And as Matthews's ring clearly demonstrates channel settings can be sleek and gorgeous and not dated at all.

Thank you, @missy!!! It’s durable and beautiful, to my eyes. I get daily compliments on my rings, and this one is included, every time! I love the design, and the contrast between the rounds & the baguettes. It compliments my wedding rings.

That is one beautiful ring, Matthews1127! I love how the engravings (?) on the sides add an extra oomph.

missy, how I wish I could get both. Alas, our funds have limitations. But buying either one in the future is definitely in the plans.

I notice the channel bands I love are the ones with thin channel walls, as to maximize diamond exposure I guess. So I could still get a bit of bling?

Thank you, @Qistina! It’s light-weight, in spite of it’s width; very durable, but not heavy. I love the design, the millgrain & scroll detail on this ring, as well. It’s feminine & vintage-inspired; Art-Deco. It matches my wedding set.
I think if you are drawn to channel set rings, you should follow your heart. They can be made delicately, and beautifully. The vendors you intend to reach out to are marvelous, and I know you’ll find something that makes your heart sing; even if that means starting from scratch & creating your very own piece!
Please keep us posted!! This is so exciting!!!

 

[the_mother_thing]

@Qistina - I think you should go with whatever makes your heart sing, and not worry about what others think or say is ‘dated’. For a long time, everyone said yellow gold looked dated, yet it’s again gaining popularity. Some channel set bands might *look* chunky to some, but some people prefer that look/heft, and others prefer thinner/daintier styles. That’s why we have so many flavors available; it’s all a matter of personal opinion/preference, so just get what YOU love. I have a simple one that’s about 100 yrs old that is thinner/daintier for my alt-wedding band and I love it because it’s secure yet thin enough that I can stack it if/when I choose.


@Matthews1127 Your band is deliciously decadent!

 

[Matthews1127]

@Qistina - I think you should go with whatever makes your heart sing, and not worry about what others think or say is ‘dated’. For a long time, everyone said yellow gold looked dated, yet it’s again gaining popularity. Some channel set bands might *look* chunky to some, but some people prefer that look/heft, and others prefer thinner/daintier styles. That’s why we have so many flavors available; it’s all a matter of personal opinion/preference, so just get what YOU love. I have a simple one that’s about 100 yrs old that is thinner/daintier for my alt-wedding band and I love it because it’s secure yet thin enough that I can stack it if/when I choose.


@Matthews1127 Your band is deliciously decadent!

Thank you, @the_mother_thing!! I am also a stacker, which is why my wider (5.5mm) channel set ring is my RHR.
Your channel set band is exquisite, and proves that the style stands the test of time!! It’s perfect for stacking, and looks delicious on your finger!! Thank you for sharing. Just goes to show that you can’t generalize a style, one way or another; each is unique, and made a little differently.
@Qistina, as @the_mother_thing pointed out, this is why there are so many “flavors” available, and why designers are bringing unpopular metals back into fashion; everyone likes something different. You have to follow your own path, and choose what you like. I believe WF will follow your every direction, and present you with a piece that will make your heart skip a beat.

 

[doberman]

As far as looking dated, if you stick around long enough it may come back in style. Hello marquise. And today's flavor of the year is going to look dated in 10 years. Micro pave, I'm looking at you. It's best to just get what you like and to hell with trying to stay current.

 

[Gussie]

I am in the camp of wear what you like! My mother has a few big chunky yellow gold 80s style rings that are really quite beautiful. She hesitates to wear them because she thinks they are dated. I told her last week to be confident in the choice and rock those beauties. If YOU like it wear it. Don't let the WOPTs kill your spirit!