How Wide Should My Engagement Ring Band Be? 

So, you've chosen your diamond and you've chosen your ring metal. But have you considered how wide you want your engagement ring to be?

Just like diamond shape, size, and color and just like the type of metal, ring band width follows trends, varying from wide and bold to thin and dainty.  

Aside from trends, the diamond (or other stone) and even the metal you choose for your ring will have a direct effect on the width of the band. So will your partner's hands as well as their own personal taste. 

Here are some things to consider when choosing the band width for your engagement ring. 

What's the Average Ring Band Width for Engagement Rings?

Ring width is measured in millimeters (mm), so ring width goes up and down in very small increments. The average engagement ring width falls between 2 and 6 mm, with 3 and 4 mm being pretty standard. 

For reference a quarter is 1.75 mm thick, while a half dollar is 2.15 mm thick. Meanwhile, 6mm is almost ¼ inch thick. 

Popular Engagement Ring Widths Compared

Engagement ring widths demonstrated by The Clear Cut

Diamond Size and Shape

The size and weight of your diamond will almost certainly dictate the width of your band. While thin, dainty bands are pretty trendy right now, something below 3mm will have a hard time supporting a stone bigger than a carat. 

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On the flip side, if you're going for a smaller stone, a wider band will make your diamond looks smaller, while a thinner band will make it look bigger. 

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If you're choosing a fancy shape, like a heart or emerald cut, a thinner band will put all the emphasis on the cut of your stone. But if you want side diamonds to frame your stone, opt for a band that's 3 or 4mm. 

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In fact, a band between 3 and 4mm will give you the most flexibility in terms of stone size and shape. It's not too small and not too big, so it can support a wide range of diamonds and styles. 

Metal Choice

The type of metal you choose can have an effect on the width of your band, as well. Gold and silver, for instance, are softer metals. A thinner gold or silver band will wear more quickly and bend or break more easily. 

If you are going for a thinner band, a strong metal like platinum or palladium would be a better choice. 

Hand and Finger Size

If your partner has small hands or thin fingers, a wide band is going to look chunky and out of place. A thinner band, something around 2mm, will complement their fingers nicely. 

If your partner has larger hands or thicker fingers, you can definitely play with thicker bands above 4mm. In fact, a smaller band may get lost on a bigger hand. 

Your Partner's Lifestyle

If your partner has a very manual job, or has an active lifestyle, you're probably going to pick a stronger metal from the outset. But did you know you should pick a thicker band, too?

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The more wear and tear on your partner's hands, the more likely the ring is going to suffer damage, including scratches, dents, and breaks. A thicker band will keep the ring from wearing away and protect the diamond better. 

Your Partner's Personal Style

One of the most important considerations is your partner's own personal style. 

Do they want a band with a lot of detailed scroll work or additional stones? A thicker band around 4mm or above can support some really beautiful details. Even a simple channel setting needs a band no thinner than 2mm. 

Does your intended like to stack rings? A thinner band will allow that. 

If your partner likes jewelry that makes a bold statement, you can certainly go larger than 6mm. 

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the thickness of your engagement ring band. Let's summarize. 

What are the benefits of a thin engagement ring band?

A thinner band will make a smaller diamond look bigger. It will also put a fancy shape diamond or any solitaire front and center. It will complement a thin or small finger, as well. 

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Thin bands are trendy right now for their dainty look, so there are plenty out there to choose from. 

What metal should I choose for a thin ring  band ?

For a thinner band, one that is 2.5 mm or thinner, a strong metal like platinum or palladium is best. 

What are the benefits of a thick engagement ring band?

A thick band is more durable, so it's appropriate for people who use their hands often. It can support a larger stone, as well as accent stones and other decorative work, as well. 

Finally, a thicker band can make a bold statement on the wearer's finger. 

If you're still unsure how thin or thick you want to go, shop around. Go to a jeweler and try on bands with different thicknesses. Or go online to get an up-close view of a variety of rings.