Band Width - How Thin is Too Thin?

The band, or shank of a ring, can come in an array of sizes and its design can be as simplistic or as extravagant as you want it to be. When it’s time to choose the perfect ring, the width is something you want to take into consideration. Let us help you with your decision-making process Rosettes!

Why is the shank of my engagement ring important?

When it comes to engagement rings, probably one of the most important aspects of it is the shank. After all, it truly is the thing that holds the whole ring together! This part of the ring can definitely make or break your final look.

Our standard width range that we offer is 1.3mm-2.5mm. A good rule of thumb is the thinner the band, the higher the maintenance is; wider bands equal more material and thicker prongs. We’d recommend 1.5mm and wider for the “thin” look but with less maintenance.

Is a thin ring good for everyday wear?

We understand that you may never want to take off your dream ring! However, it is necessary. Simply put, your lifestyle may require you to leave your ring at home to prevent any harm that may occur. Why you may ask?

A thin band is more susceptible to wear and tear if you are not mindful of what you are doing. Activities like exercising and lifting heavy objects can damage your ring. One false move and you could end up with a misshapen ring. Yikes! Who wants that? If you know you’re about to partake in an activity that can damage your ring, it’s best to remove the ring prior to engaging in any strenuous activity.

You may be thinking, “well now I’m scared to even grab something as simple as a pencil with my ring on because I will ruin it!” But fear not! As long as you are mindful of what you are doing with your jewelry, you should be okay!

How thin can the band of my engagement ring be?

Your engagement ring can be as thin as you want, but there are limitations. The skinniest recommended engagement ring from our shop can start at about 1.3mm in thickness. This is because the rings with center stones tend to be top heavy and will cause a lot of spinning. The thinner the shank, the more the ring will spin on your finger. When the ring spins, the prongs on the band will loosen more easily because thin shanks will have teeny tiny prongs compared to the wider bands. For rings without stones on the band, the thinnest recommendation would be 1mm but ideally, 1.2mm if possible for added strength. In the end, the width of your band is ultimately up to your preference.

Want to add an extra special touch to your ring? Engraving is an option but only if the band is a certain width. The thinnest width for engraving is 1.3mm and the band has to be ½ way eternity, not ¾ eternity due to space limitations. Additionally, it would not be readable and engraving it, in general, would not be possible. If you don’t want anything engraved, that’s okay! If you do, a skinner band may not be the best option.

Can a thin ring last a lifetime?

Thin rings are like delicate flowers, you must be mindful with care in order for them to last a lifetime. When your fine jewelry is worn with mindfulness and care, your jewelry can potentially last forever.

Wear and tear is inevitable with any piece of jewelry, especially with rings. As time goes by, scratches may appear, the ring can lose its shape, or stones may fall out or loosen on the band. Ultimately, mindful wearing is key!

Here at Love & Promise, we recommend bringing in your ring to be looked at every 3-6 months to make sure it is in tip-top shape. Jewelry needs some TLC just like us so proper care is very important.

Here are 9 essential care tips on how you can keep your jewelry looking fabulous!

What is the average band width of a standard commercial engagement ring?

The standard size for a commercial ring is 2.5mm. As previously mentioned, our standard width range that our shop offers is 1.3mm-2.5mm. Upon request, we can certainly design and craft any ring with a wider shank. We’re always happy to accommodate your jewelry needs!

We hope our shared insights gave you enough confidence on how you can best choose your ideal band width! As always, follow us on our socials and website to keep up with all things Love & Promise. We’ll see you next time Rosettes!