Plain Bands

A plain band is the most worn piece of jewellery most people will ever own, and the most forgiving. No stones to catch, no setting to check, no style to date. Ours are made to order in 9ct and 18ct yellow, white, or rose gold, in your choice of polished, satin, or brushed finish.

Why plain still wins

A plain band never competes with an engagement ring. If the engagement ring has a halo, pave, or an elaborate setting, a plain band is almost always the better companion, because two detailed rings side by side read as cluttered rather than considered.

It is also the easiest style to resize, the cheapest to maintain, and the only one that will still look correct in forty years regardless of what happens to jewellery fashion in between.

Width and profile

Width changes the character of a band more than anything else. 2mm reads delicate and pairs invisibly with an engagement ring. 3mm to 4mm is the most common choice for women and sits comfortably alone. Wider bands make more of a statement but can feel restrictive on shorter fingers.

Profile matters too. A court or comfort fit band is domed on both the inside and outside, which is the most comfortable for daily wear. A flat band has straight edges and a more contemporary look, but some people find the edges noticeable at first.

Finish

High polish is bright and traditional, and it shows fine scratches most readily, though it can be repolished. Satin and brushed finishes are matte, hide wear better day to day, and gradually take on a soft sheen. Neither is more durable, they simply age differently.

Metal

9ct gold is harder and more scratch resistant than 18ct, which is softer but richer in colour. If both partners wear gold bands that touch, the harder metal will slowly wear the softer one, so matching carat is worth considering. White gold needs rhodium replating every one to three years to stay bright. Our metal guide covers how each ages.

If you want stones without losing simplicity, pave bands add sparkle along the top, and eternity rings carry stones further around. Browse all women's wedding rings or the men's range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What width should I choose?

2mm to 4mm suits most women, with 3mm the most common. Men typically choose 4mm to 8mm. If you already wear a ring, measure its width and use that as your reference.

Will a plain gold band scratch?

Yes, gradually, and that soft patina is normal rather than damage. A polished band can be repolished. If you want a finish that essentially never marks, tungsten is far harder, though it cannot be resized.

9ct or 18ct?

9ct is harder and more scratch resistant. 18ct has a richer colour and more gold content. For a band worn daily and knocked about, 9ct is the practical choice.

Can it be engraved?

Yes, plain bands take engraving better than any other style since there is uninterrupted metal inside the band. Ask us when you order.