Engagement rings with skinny bands.
Thin band engagement rings are ideal for petite and slender fingers. At the same time, a narrow shank often enhances the size of the diamond, gemstone or setting.
Typical widths for engagement rings.
Most engagement ring bands typically measure 2.5mm in width. Slim bands usually measure between 1.5mm and 2mm in width by comparison.
We recommend a shank with a width of at least 1.5mm to minimise the risk of bending or distortion due to its reduced strength.
Dainty engagement rings with small gemstones.
Dainty engagement rings typically feature slim, slender shanks, balanced by smaller sizes of diamonds and gemstones. As an example, we created the Alexandrite and diamond engagement ring as part of a bespoke ring set. Small diamonds nestle with a beautiful Pear-shaped Alexandrite, birthstone for June.
Thin or thick engagement ring designs.
Engagement ring styles come in all shapes and sizes, with wide bands, narrow bands, straight bands and tapering bands. The width and depth of a ring vary from style to style. At the same time, many rings narrow towards the setting. As a result, the overall width varies along the ring’s band.
For buyers looking for a more affordable engagement ring or a commitment or promise ring, a lighter band saves on cost. Especially in less expensive metal choices.
What is a shank?
Firstly, it is worth noting that many jewellers refer to the band as the ‘shank‘ of the ring. Some ring shanks adjoin the setting, whilst others attach to the setting through ‘mounting.’
The process of making an engagement ring takes between 3 and 4 weeks. Our clients typically choose their engagement ring design from our website or showroom collection. They then customise the ring depending on their budget and preferences for diamond quality.
Tall settings with a slim engagement ring band
Slim engagement rings often feature tall settings. Like a long, slender neck, a skinny band combined with a tall setting give grace and poise to the design. For example, the Flute design featured below provides this effect. The slim band is slim but crafted with strength for daily wear.
The Calla engagement ring design offers a tall setting with a slim yet durable band.
Comfort and the thickness of your engagement ring band
Consider the thickness of the band when choosing a slim shank. If the band is too shallow, the band will be weak. At the same time, if it is too thick, the band will be too ‘chunky’ and uncomfortable.
Some engagement rings feature knife-edged shoulders, tapering from a regular-width band. This gives a skinny band look with enough strength for day-to-day wear.
The diamond cluster engagement ring below features a solitaire effect, with a thin band that enhances the setting size. Knife-edged shoulders slim the appearance of the band.
What is the typical width of engagement ring bands?
The standard width for an engagement ring band is 2.5mm. Engagement rings with skinny bands range from 1.5mm to 2.0mm in width. Wide-band engagement rings are less popular. Wider bands make the diamond appear smaller unless you have a large diamond or gemstone set into the ring.
Is it possible to order an ultra-thin engagement ring band?
It is possible to find engagement ring bands under 1.5mm. We strongly recommend against ultra-thin bands. Instead, we suggest 2mm, with a reduced thickness in the shoulder section of the ring.
Slender bands are worn as a combined ring set.
Thin bands worn as a ring set offer greater strength when worn together. Take our clover design, for example. Together they have more strength and look incredible in three colours.
Engagement rings, diamond-set shoulders
Skinny ring styles with diamond-set shoulders add a little extra sparkle to an engagement ring. There are many engagement ring designs featuring diamond shoulders, some with narrow bands.
The Orchid engagement ring design features skinny diamond shoulders and a petite flower arrangement, set with a diamond, surrounded by Pink Sapphires.
If you would prefer the addition to diamonds on your wedding ring instead, there are many skinny or thin eternity ring styles to complement a slim band engagement ring.
Best precious metals for skinny band engagement rings
Carefully consider your precious metal when choosing an engagement ring with a slim band. We recommend Platinum or 18ct Gold to give enough strength and durability to the ring. Avoid Silver at all costs. Silver lacks the strength offered by other precious metals.
Even the more expensive Platinum engagement rings can bend out of shape. For this reason, a few engagement rings are crafted with a band that is under 2mm wide.
View diamond set eternity ring styles created with thin bands in the shop section of our website.
Popular styles of engagement rings with a thin band
There are advantages and disadvantages to skinny band engagement rings. Here are a few of each for consideration.
Most importantly, remember a thin band engagement ring enhances the ring setting. The ring setting and diamond size appear larger than those of a wide-band engagement ring.
The following princess-cut engagement ring features slim shoulders and is available by request.
What are the advantages of an engagement ring with a skinny band?
Skinny engagement ring bands are less expensive due to their lightweight. For this reason, many jewellers provide slender rings to reduce the cost of rings.
Skinny engagement ring bands enhance the size of the setting. Select a diamond in proportion to the ring size.
A slim band can give more comfort than a wider band.
Delicate and fine, perfect for slim fingers.
A skinny band will match beautifully with a dainty wedding ring—with or without diamonds.
Matching slim wedding bands makes a more affordable ring when budgeting for a wedding.
The half-diamond eternity ring below is 1.6mm wide, with 0.25cts of diamonds. (Available by request approx. £850 based on current prices.)
Disadvantages of an engagement ring with a thin band
Any future size adjustments will reduce the ring’s width. For this reason, ensure that the ring is wider at the base, under the finger. Slim bands demand a perfect fit to avoid thinning the band with future adjustments.
Skinny ring shanks are weaker and more prone to bending under pressure. Avoid Silver as a choice of precious metal for this reason.
Slim band engagement rings often have very fine details on the setting. Ensure the diamond setting provides sufficient protection for the stone.
Slim shanks often look disproportionate on larger fingers. Fat fingers rarely suit skinny bands. Larger engagement rings work better on bigger hands.
Thin Wedding Bands
In addition to a wide range of thin, plain wedding rings, we feature a dedicated section on thinner diamond-set wedding rings. Therefore, the finished dainty ring set was created perfectly. Additional options include crafting a bespoke slim band to your requirements and design preferences.
Knife-Edged Bands
To begin, what is a knife-edge shank? Put, it features a tapering edge protruding out from the centre of the band, creating an angled shape on each side. This, therefore, creates a thinner / slimmer look to the ring itself. Although some clients prefer the comfort of a court profile band, it can also be done with a tapering effect towards the setting.
Creating a fine engagement ring band with strength
Many of our engagement rings feature slim bands that offer sufficient durability for daily wear. Choose a skinny band, but ensure it has enough strength. For example, a 2.5mm wide band has plenty of strength. If tapered to a fine width at the setting, the band appears slender but retains sufficient strength.
Further guidance on engagement rings featuring a slim or skinny band
Please contact us for style suggestions related to engagement rings with slender bands. We feature many engagement rings online and have thousands of designs in our showroom.
We advise clients daily on suitable styles. Furthermore, we offer a complete bespoke design service. Working with the latest CAD design technology, we can design any ring with any desired width. All information and quotes are provided without obligation.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. I have 30 years or experience in polished diamonds and jewellery. Today, I work with an expert team in our Isle of Wight jewellery showroom located in Ryde. Most of my work involves helping clients in our showroom, working on our two websites and photographing jewellery commissions.
