Why stop at one wedding ring when you can wear an entire stack of them? That's right - one of the current jewelry trends is to wear multiple rings, adding extra sparkle to your big day. The idea of stacking rings isn't new and many brides are looking to it as a way to shake up the traditional choice of two bands without letting go of the tradition altogether.
The trend involves stacking the engagement ring with the wedding band and adding an eternity ring. Want to know more? This guide will tell you everything you need to know to create the perfect stack for your big day.
The Ring Stacking Trend
Before you decide if you want to forgo the classic style of two bands on your ring finger, it's a good idea to know more about the ring stacking trend so you can determine if it's right for you or not. Also referred to as layering, a bridal stack begins with your perfect engagement ring, which is topped with a wedding band and then rounded out with an eternity band, also known as an anniversary ring.
The great thing about the trend is that you don't have to go with the classic engagement ring or expected styles of wedding bands, though you certainly can if that's your preference. The modern twist on layering allows for colored metals and sparkling stones that add a pop of color.
That means you can choose colored gemstones as an alternative to the traditional white diamonds that most brides choose. In fact, another trend in the world of wedding jewelry is vintage, so adding an emerald ring, ruby ring or sapphire ring lends an antique flair to your wedding stack.
Why are Ring Stacks a Trend?
While stacking rings isn't new, it's become a hot trend since Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018. She brought attention to the idea of three stacked bands. One is the engagement ring, another is the wedding ring and a third is an eternity band, which signals a lifelong commitment.
Though an eternity ring is generally given as an anniversary gift, many brides are choosing to signify eternity by wearing it on their wedding day. Instead of waiting for an anniversary, many couples are choosing to follow in the footsteps of Meghan and Harry and go ahead with the eternity band on their big day.
Should I Stack Wedding Rings?
One of the top reasons for stacking rings (other than the royals are doing it) is to create a symmetrical look for bridal sets. Many modern brides like having a band to bookend the engagement ring to create a cohesive style with clean lines.
Another reason to stack your wedding rings is for the extra sparkle. Stacking rings on a single finger creates the opportunity to bring some extra bling to bridal jewelry sets. Not only will that stand out in your wedding day photos, but it also enhances every outfit you wear thereafter. If you feel that more sparkle is always better, you should definitely consider stacked rings on your wedding day.
While stacked rings on your wedding day is a fantastic choice, you can also add to the stack over time. Many brides add another band for important anniversaries, when they have babies and when other big life events occur. The additional layers create a timeline of memories that you'll always have close by.
Wearing Stacked Rings
Your wedding stack will go on your left ring finger, which is the fourth finger on your left hand. This tradition goes back centuries that operates on the idea that you have a vein that runs directly from that finger to your heart. Though that myth has been debunked, the tradition continues as to where brides place their wedding ring stack.
Creating an Order
Now that you've decided that stacked wedding rings are a trend you want to try, you're probably wondering what order to place them in. There are several options and you can choose the one that speaks most to your personal style.
The most popular choice involves placing the engagement ring between the wedding band and the eternity band. That "seals" the engagement ring with the other two rings. However, that's not the only way to stack your rings.
Some brides prefer to put the rings in order, which means they start with the engagement ring, which they received first, then top it with the wedding ring and eternity band in the order in which they were received, usually the wedding band on top of the engagement ring, then topped with the eternity ring.
Fortunately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to stacking your rings and there's a wide range of ways you can do so. As time goes by, additional rings can be brought into the mix, with some brides preferring to stack them in order, while other brides mix and match, depending on their mood or the outfit they are wearing.
What About Other Rings?
There are no rules when it comes to stacking rings. For that reason, you can add in fashion rings that aren't even considered wedding jewelry. You can incorporate mixed metals, including yellow gold, white gold or silver, and then add a colored stone, if that's what you want to do. You can even stack your wedding rings with bands you already own.
Consider your personal style when you create your wedding stack. Your engagement ring style can set the tone for the rest of the stack. Maybe you like art deco jewelry or perhaps you want to stick with an entirely diamond ring stack. Consider the type of jewelry you normally gravitate toward because that is likely the style of wedding stack that you will want to choose.
When you choose your stackable rings, try to create a cohesive look, even if you are mixing platinum rings with gold or silver ones. That means balancing thicker bands with more delicate ones or choosing a plain band to balance out one that is more intricate and detailed.
The bottom line is that you should feel free to experiment as you create your perfect wedding stack. Don't be afraid to shop around and try on a bunch of different rings. That way you can decide what you love best so that your jewelry pieces stand out in the best way as you walk down the aisle.
How Many Rings?
Most women's ring fingers can accommodate three or four rings. Too many and you won't be able to bend your finger. For that reason, three is the ideal choice for your wedding day. However, the size and shape of the rings also play a role. Make sure you try on the entire stack before your big day so that you know how they look and can be assured that the stack complements your perfect wedding dress.
Some women have started a new trend where they wear their engagement ring on their left ring finger and transfer the other bands to their right ring finger. This allows for a larger center stone but also means you can stack additional layers through the years.
Again, there's no right or wrong answer. You can wear as many or as few rings in your stack as you want to. And the stack you wear on your wedding day can change as time goes by and you get new rings.
Choosing and Matching Your Rings
As mentioned above, you don't have to create an entirely matched stack of wedding rings. In fact, mixing precious metals with a variety of gemstones and ring shapes helps you create a unique piece of jewelry that you won't see on any other brides.
However, many brides opt to stack rings that are all the same metal, which creates a romantic and elegant look that allows for the sparkle factor to shine through without being over the top or distracting. If you want to try this trend, but still stay traditional, matching metals and stones is the way to go.
On the other hand, if you want something outside the box, feel free to mix it up. The goal is to create a wedding stack that stands out on your big day and that you love every time you look at it or show it off, whether that's during the ceremony, the reception or on any day thereafter.
Which Engagement Ring is Best?
Again, a lot of this comes down to personal style. However, if you're new to the ring stacking trend, you may want to know which style of engagement ring works best for stacking. A raised mounting allows your engagement ring stone to take center stage and allows the bands on either side to nest in with the middle ring, which is great for looks and comfort.
If you want something a bit smaller and more subtle, choose a contoured wedding band that fit with the engagement ring. A lower mounting can also be paired with straight bands and the negative space this creates is a design element of its own. This also prevents the bands from rubbing against one another, which can damage the metals over time.
Buying the Rings
Another question many brides have is whether they should buy all three bands together before the wedding day or if they can be purchased on their own. In many cases, purchasing all three together means getting a discount. At the same time, you can be sure the three look perfect together before you pull out your credit card.
Choosing a bridal set means that all three bands have already been matched, which takes some of the guesswork out of the process for you.
However, you can buy the rings separately if you want to. Some brides have an heirloom band that they plan to incorporate into their stack. Be sure to keep any rings you already have with you so you have the chance to see how they look with the other bands you are interested in adding to the stack.
In Summary
There's no right or wrong way to shop for your wedding stack. You may decide to buy the entire stack at one time or perhaps you add to your engagement ring in the months leading up to the wedding. Maybe you mix metals or add color. Whatever you decide to do, spend time looking around and trying on a variety of rings and styles to find what you love best and that will stand out in the best way on your big day.
If you're ready to get in on the stacking wedding ring trend, look no further than Global Rings Jewelry. Our collection of wedding sets and individual bridal rings will give you plenty of options to choose from so that your perfect stack is ready on your perfect day. Let us help you find the exact stack you love best.