You've found the perfect engagement ring, said yes to the proposal, and now it's time to choose your wedding band. But there's a problem - every band you try leaves an awkward gap against your engagement ring. Sound familiar?
Here's the reality: not all engagement rings are designed for flush-fitting wedding bands, and that's completely normal. Let's sort out your options so you can get a wedding set that looks intentional, feels comfortable, and suits your lifestyle.
Why Your Wedding Band Doesn't Sit Flush
Low-Set Engagement Rings
If your engagement ring has a low-set centre stone or a setting that extends beyond the band width, a standard straight wedding band simply won't fit underneath. This is especially common with:
- Halo settings that extend past the band
- East-west set stones (compass orientation)
- Vintage-inspired settings with intricate details
- Three-stone rings with side stones
- Any setting where the basket sits below the band level
Band Width Mismatch
Your wedding band would need to be the same height or shorter than the engagement ring setting in order to sit flush. If your chosen wedding band is thicker or sits higher than your engagement ring's setting, you'll get a gap regardless of the design.
Stone Shape Impact
Larger center stones inherently sit higher on an engagement ring setting because they are larger and therefore deeper than smaller stones. Round, princess and square cushion cut diamonds are deeper than other shapes with the same carat weight. Deeper stones create more clearance issues for wedding bands.
Your Flush-Fitting Solutions
Option 1: Curved/Contour Wedding Bands
Curved or contour wedding bands are particularly beneficial for several reasons, especially when paired with low-set engagement rings. Low-set engagement rings are designed to sit closer to the finger, which can make it difficult for a standard straight band to sit flush against the ring.
Pros:
- Perfect fit with no gaps
- Creates a cohesive, unified look
- Can be customised to match your exact ring shape
- Highlights your engagement ring's unique features
Cons:
- Looks odd when worn alone
- Less versatile for mixing and matching
- Usually requires custom work (more expensive)
- Can't easily swap between different bands
Option 2: Embrace the Gap
Many couples choose straight wedding bands despite the gap, and here's why it works:
Gap girl here too – I think it allows both rings to stand out rather than blending into a look of one. Some people actually prefer the separation because it clearly distinguishes between the engagement ring and wedding band.
When a gap works well:
- You like wearing your wedding band alone sometimes
- You prefer the flexibility of separate rings
- The gap is small and symmetrical
- You're not bothered by slight movement
When to avoid gaps:
- The space is large enough to catch clothing/hair
- Your rings spin constantly and drive you crazy
- You work with your hands and the gap causes pinching
- Metal-on-metal wear is damaging your rings
Option 3: Ring Modifications
Raising Your Engagement Ring Setting
Many contemporary jewellers boast raised setting engagement rings in their collections. The defining characteristic of these rings is the height of the central gemstone, elevated upwards and away from the band.
Adding a Spacer Ring
A thin spacer ring can fill small gaps and create visual balance whilst allowing you to keep your original bands.
Option 4: Ring Soldering
Ring soldering is the process of joining multiple rings together. This is done by melting down and adding a filler metal into the joints between the rings.
Pros:
- No more spinning or sliding
- Reduced wear between rings
- Looks like one cohesive piece
- More comfortable daily wear
Cons:
- Permanently joined (difficult to separate)
- No flexibility to wear rings individually
- May affect resale value if separated poorly
Choosing Based on Your Lifestyle
Active Lifestyle? Consider These Factors
If you do a lot of work with your hands, choose a non-flush-fit engagement ring. The non-flush fit will give you a lower height, making you less likely to damage your ring while working.
For healthcare workers, teachers, chefs, or anyone who uses their hands extensively:
- Straight bands offer more versatility
- Lower profiles reduce snagging risk
- Option to wear just the wedding band during work
Office Worker or Less Hands-On Job?
You have more flexibility to choose based purely on aesthetics:
- Curved bands create polished, intentional looks
- Higher settings showcase your stone beautifully
- Soldered rings eliminate daily maintenance
The Real Costs in Australia
Wedding Band Budget Reality
In Australia, the average cost of wedding rings varies based on factors like style, material, and brand. Many Australian couples budget between $1,500 and $2,500 for wedding bands alone.
Plain Wedding Band Costs:
- 9ct gold (2-3mm): $600-1,200
- 18ct gold (2-3mm): $800-1,800
- Platinum (2-3mm): $950-2,200
Custom Work Pricing
On Average, Custom-made jewellery in Australia can cost anywhere from $500 to $5000.
What affects custom pricing:
- Design complexity
- Metal choice and quantity
- Timeline requirements
- Jeweller reputation
- Number of revisions needed
Modification Services
Simple resizing for plain bands: $50–$150. Intricate designs: $150–$300.
Common modification costs:
- Ring raising: $200-600
- Adding spacer bars: $100-300
- Prong adjustments: $80-200
- Setting modifications: $300-800
Red Flags: When Professional Help is Essential
Don't Ignore These Warning Signs
- Rings are damaging each other from rubbing
- Painful pinching between bands
- Stones becoming loose from metal wear
- Deep scratches developing on either ring
- Settings showing signs of stress or cracking
Professional inspection is crucial if you notice any damage - small problems become expensive repairs when ignored.
Making Your Decision: A Practical Framework
Ask Yourself These Questions
Lifestyle Questions:
- Do I want the option to wear just my wedding band?
- Will I wear both rings together 95% of the time?
- Do I work with my hands regularly?
- Am I bothered by rings that move or spin?
Budget Questions:
- What's my total budget for the wedding band?
- Can I afford custom work if needed?
- Would I rather spend more on the band or save for modifications later?
Aesthetic Questions:
- Do I prefer the unified look of flush-fitting rings?
- Does the gap look intentional or awkward?
- Will this style age well over decades of wear?
Our Recommendation: Start Simple, Then Decide
Phase 1: Try a quality straight wedding band first. Wear it with your engagement ring for a few weeks during your engagement.
Phase 2: Notice what bothers you:
- Excessive spinning?
- Uncomfortable gaps?
- Visible wear between rings?
- Difficulty putting rings on/off?
Phase 3: Make modifications based on real-world experience, not assumptions.
This approach saves money and ensures your final decision is based on how the rings actually feel in your daily life.
Ready to find the perfect engagement ring that works with your wedding band vision? Browse our engagement ring collection to see flush-fit and low-set options side by side.
The Bottom Line: There's No Wrong Choice
Whether you choose a curved band that fits perfectly, embrace a gap with straight bands, or modify your rings for the ideal fit, what matters most is that your wedding set works for your real life.
Some couples love the seamless look of perfectly matched sets. Others prefer the flexibility and character of slightly separated rings. Both approaches are completely valid.
The "perfect" wedding band is the one you'll love wearing every day for decades. Focus on comfort, practicality, and personal preference rather than arbitrary rules about how rings "should" look.
Your wedding rings represent your unique love story - they should reflect what works for you, not what looks good on someone else.
Thanks for reading!
Jared & Brie
