Few pieces of jewelry carry as much significance as wedding bands. Simple yet symbolic, this small circle of metal has evolved over time, weaving its way through history and culture to become a staple of matrimonial tradition. 

But did you know that the wedding band as we recognize it today is a relatively modern phenomenon?

A Brief History of Wedding Bands Through the Eras

While rings have been exchanged as tokens of love for centuries, the concept of wedding bands as a matching counterpart to engagement rings only gained popularity in the 20th century. Before then, men’s wedding rings were uncommon, and women often wore a single ring to symbolize both engagement and marriage.

It wasn’t until young couples were separated by World Wars during the first half of the 1900s that sentimentality began to shift. Married men began wearing simple bands overseas to remember their loved ones at home, and it wasn’t long before women adopted this style too. 

For this reason, authentic wedding bands from the turn of the century are exceedingly rare and delicately engraved details are often worn thin. It may sound counterintuitive, but our top recommendation for those who want to pair a “matching” wedding band with an antique or heirloom engagement ring is to find a modern or estate piece with the vintage-inspired elements you love. 

Classic Gold and Platinum Wedding Bands

While their design may seem straightforward, subtle variations in width, metal choice, and finish (polished, brushed, or matte) allow for personalization. Engravings, etchings, filigree, and other metalwork techniques were popular in Victorian and Art Deco design and can further customize your wedding bands.

Diamond Wedding Bands

Many modern brides (and some grooms, too!) are opting for wedding bands with an extra touch of sparkle and a romantic aesthetic that pairs with any style. Whether choosing subtle accent stones or an eternity band with a fully unbroken circle of diamonds, selecting a wedding band with glittering white diamonds makes for a stunning expression of devotion.

Colored Gemstone Wedding Bands

For those who want to make an even bigger statement with their wedding bands, colored gemstone accents are an elegant choice that offers just a hint of unconventional glamour as they dot the broad shank of a cigar band or encircle a delicately curved tiara-style design. Colored gemstone bands make for wonderfully versatile stacking jewelry and are a favorite even among those who aren’t saying “I do”.

Choosing Your Wedding Bands

Choosing wedding bands is a deeply personal decision, and while style is important, couples should also consider comfort, durability, and symbolism. The best way to ensure you’re selecting the right ring is to work with a reputable jeweler who can talk through your lifestyle and needs, offer professional advice on how to pair your wedding band with your engagement ring, and allow you to try on pieces to ensure you love the ring you choose. Your wedding band is a symbol of commitment that you’ll wear every day, and it should resonate with your personal story.

Whether you’re looking for wedding bands to mark your upcoming wedding or simply want to update your jewelry collection, we love helping our community find new ways to tell their story in the language of fine jewels.  

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At Walton’s Jewelry, we have more than 50 years of experience serving Historic Downtown Franklin and the greater Nashville community. Each member of our team has trained at The Gemological Institute of America and has a deep passion for preserving the history and beauty of antique jewelry. Whether you are a Tennessee local looking to stop by our showroom, or prefer to view our selection virtually, we invite you to explore our newest arrivals and reach out with any questions you may have.