Glossary: Bridal Sets
A stunning way to honor your love story, bridal sets create a harmonious union between an engagement ring and a wedding band. Here’s everything you need to know about this popular wedding trend, along with some tips for finding the perfect combination for your love story.
What Is a Bridal Set?
Bridal sets are thoughtfully curated combinations of engagement rings and wedding bands, designed to complement each other in both style and fit. These sets ensure a harmonious pairing, making them an increasingly popular choice for couples preparing for their big day.
There are two primary types of bridal sets: matched and custom sets. Matched sets are pre-designed collections in which the engagement ring and wedding band are created to fit seamlessly together, often featuring similar design elements, stones and metalwork.
Custom sets, on the other hand, provide the opportunity for couples to personalize their rings by working closely with a jeweler to create unique pieces that reflect their individual taste and relationship. Both matched and custom bridal sets offer an elegant and cohesive aesthetic, simplifying the decision-making process while ensuring a beautiful, lasting symbol of love and commitment.
What is the Difference Between an Engagement Ring, Wedding Ring, and Bridal Set?
An engagement ring, wedding ring and bridal set each have distinct roles and meanings. An engagement ring is traditionally given during a marriage proposal and symbolizes the intent to wed. Representing the promise of love and commitment between two people, this ring is typically adorned with a diamond or gemstone and is worn by the recipient on the left ring finger.
In contrast, a wedding ring is exchanged during the marriage ceremony, signifying the binding of two lives in matrimony. Wedding rings are typically simpler in design and are worn by both partners. They are also placed on the left ring finger, closest to the heart, just below the engagement ring.
A bridal set refers to a coordinated set of rings that includes both an engagement ring and a wedding ring. The set is designed to complement each other in style, ensuring a perfect match when worn together. This allows for a seamless transition from engagement to marriage, since the bridal set represents the complete union of two people in love.
Bridal Set Components
A bridal set is a stunning combination of two significant pieces of jewelry: the engagement ring and the matching wedding band. These two rings are designed to complement each other aesthetically and symbolize the couple's commitment to their upcoming nuptials and future life together. Bridal sets can be found in various styles, materials and price ranges, offering couples the opportunity to find the perfect match for their taste and budget.
The engagement ring is typically the more elaborate of the two, featuring a dazzling gemstone, often a diamond, as the centerpiece. Different types of engagement ring settings include the classic solitaire, where a single stone takes center stage, and the more intricate halo setting, which surrounds the central gemstone with a ring of smaller diamonds or gemstones, enhancing its sparkle and creating a larger, more eye-catching appearance.
The matching wedding band is designed to fit snugly against the engagement ring, often featuring a similar metal and style to create a harmonious and seamless look. Some wedding bands may be plain or adorned with smaller diamonds or gemstones to enhance the overall design of the set.
In a bridal set, the wedding ring is created to fit with the design of the engagement ring either based on the shape, so it fits flush – or to complement the design of the ring.
So, for example: with John Atencio’s stunning Aquarius, the wedding band is designed to fit with the engagement ring. This is different from his gorgeous Intrinsic, where the diamonds on the band complement the ring design – but as a flat band. Often with wedding sets, women will decide to have their rings soldered together when the band is shaped to fit flush with the ring.
Materials and Gemstones
Bridal sets are available in a variety of metals, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. A timeless classic, gold is often chosen for its rich color and versatility. It comes in various shades, such as yellow, white and blush rose, to suit different preferences and skin tones.
Another popular choice, platinum is valued for its naturally white, lustrous appearance, formidable durability and hypoallergenic properties. This rare metal is heavier than gold, providing a substantial feel. It also won’t tarnish over time, making it an excellent choice for those who seek lasting beauty and strength in their bridal set.
When it comes to gemstones, diamonds remain the quintessential choice for bridal sets due to their unrivaled brilliance and symbolism of everlasting love. Available in various shapes and sizes, diamond gemstones cater to diverse tastes and budgets. That said, alternative gemstones like emeralds, rubies and sapphires have gained popularity in recent years, offering a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. Diamond alternatives can be used as a stunning centerpiece or as accent stones, adding a touch of color and personality to the bridal set.
Choosing the Right Bridal Set
When choosing the perfect bridal set, it's important to consider your personal style and budget. First and foremost, determine your preferences, whether you lean towards traditional, modern or vintage-inspired designs. You should also reflect on your daily wardrobe and the types of jewelry you typically wear to make sure your set will feel like an authentic extension of your style. If you're concerned about your budget, research different materials and gemstones to identify which options offer the best value without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
It’s also vital that you select a bridal set that complements your wedding dress to ensure a cohesive and harmonious look. Pay attention to the dress's neckline, color and embellishments when choosing your jewelry. Ultimately, the right bridal set should enhance your overall wedding ensemble, making you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
John Atencio's attentive consultants have decades of experience helping couples select the perfect bridal set for their special day. They can also help you choose the other important jewelry for your wedding.
For example, a sweetheart neckline pairs well with a delicate pendant necklace, while a high-neck gown may look better with statement earrings. If your dress features intricate beading or lace, opt for simpler jewelry that won't compete with the dress's details. Whatever your taste, it helps to get input from experts who know how to seamlessly tie your look together.
Bridal Set Care and Maintenance
By taking good care of your bridal set, you can preserve each ring’s beauty and prolong its lifespan. To clean your set, use a gentle solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Gently scrub the jewelry with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying close attention to the small crevices and settings. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning solutions, since these can damage the metals and gemstones. To maintain your bridal sets, have them checked by a professional jeweler every six months to ensure that the prongs, clasp and settings are secure and that the gemstones remain firmly in place.
To store your bridal sets, place them in a soft, lined jewelry box or pouch, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Place each piece separately to prevent scratches and damage from contact with other jewelry. Be mindful of the potential risks of wearing bridal sets daily to avoid accidental bumps and exposure to harsh chemicals.
To prevent damage, remove your bridal sets when engaging in activities such as swimming, gardening or exercising. By following these simple tips, you can keep your bridal sets looking their best for years to come.
John Atencio provides a gentle jewelry cleaner specially formulated for delicate jewelry pieces. He also offers inspections and complimentary in-store cleaning over the lifetime of your John Atencio jewelry. This not only ensures that the center diamond looks amazing; it also includes routine, six-month examinations to make sure the stone is secure in its setting.
The John Atencio Difference
World-renowned for his exquisite designs, John Atencio crafts uniquely breathtaking engagement rings and wedding bands. If you’re thinking about a bridal set for your wedding, his name is the only one you need to know.
John's expertise in crafting unique and personalized bridal sets ensures a perfect match with the wedding dress and your personal style. His commitment to using high-quality materials and delivering exceptional craftsmanship guarantees durability and a lasting impression. By entrusting your bridal set to John and his expert team, you are choosing an exquisite symbol of love that will stand the test of time.