What is a Bridal Set Ring?

A ‘Bridal Set’ consists of an engagement ring and wedding ring that are designed   together to create a perfect fit. The set can also include an eternity ring. Bridal set engagement rings are not as popular as they once were, but for those who know exactly what they are after, it can make a lot of sense to create the entire set at once.

There are no rules saying that you need to purchase the two or three rings at once.  It might just be that when you are custom designing an engagement ring, you may also design the wedding ring at the same time. This way when it comes closer to the big day and your list of things to do seems to be never ending, all you need to do is order your wedding ring.

Bridal sets are a great option, particularly if you have a uniquely shaped diamond or engagement ring design that won’t suit a straight wedding ring. Marquise, oval or any other diamonds that extend along the finger are a great example of designs that will require a custom wedding ring to sit perfectly with your engagement ring.

It is a common misunderstanding that if you choose a bridal set then your options are limited. This is not the case; especially if you are having your bridal set custom made. In actual fact it can be the perfect way to create a unique and original set. If your engagement ring is white gold you might choose to introduce a different coloured metal in your wedding and eternity rings. Rose gold looks fantastic beside white gold. Or if you have a simple solitaire engagement ring but and want to create a contrasting wedding ring then you may add hand engraved patterns, diamonds or different coloured gemstones.

There are a few styles of engagement and wedding ring combinations. The most popular is the flush wedding ring, where a straight wedding ring sits flush against the band of the engagement ring. For this to be possible, look for an engagement ring which has a raised setting. Many engagement rings already have this, so choosing a wedding ring will be easy for you.

A contoured wedding band is one of the two most popular fitted wedding ring styles. They provide a solution for when a straight wedding ring won’t sit flush. The contoured ring is designed with a curve that follows the profile of the engagement ring. The engagement ring will generally determine how exaggerated or subtle the curve will be.

This is the second most popular style of fitted wedding ring. It is when a “notch” is literally filed into the profile of the ring to allow the engagement ring to lock into place, creating a perfect fit.

If you are planning a surprise proposal and you have purchased a complete set, then you have the choice of proposing with the complete set and then placing only the engagement ring on her finger until the big day. If you decide to only present the engagement ring, then it is probably a good idea that you make her aware that you have already organised the wedding ring. It won’t take long for her to get excited about organising every detail of the wedding, including trawling the internet for the perfect wedding ring!

When is it not a good idea to purchase a complete bridal set?  This answer is mainly for the men out there. If you are planning a surprise proposal and you are not 100% sure that the ring you’ve choosing is perfect, then it is probably a good idea to purchase only the engagement ring and then together you can look for wedding rings. This does not mean that you can’t discuss design options with your jeweler to have ready to show her after the proposal. The other instance when a bridal set might not be the right choice is if you both have your heart set on matching wedding rings. This is a more traditional idea, not as popular as it once was, however many love the idea of wearing matching wedding rings that represent the commitment you have made to each other.