The two pieces need to sit comfortably against each other without a gap or catching on each other's profile. A slim gemstone band sits alongside most engagement rings without adjustment. If the engagement ring has a high setting or prominent side stones, the band may need to be designed around that profile. A shadow or contour band follows the silhouette of the engagement ring exactly, so there is no gap between the two when worn together. Come in with the engagement ring. That is where the band conversation starts.

Yes. A sapphire set flush into the surface of a band reads as a detail rather than a statement, which suits the aesthetic of most men's bands. A stone placed inside the shank is another approach, completely hidden when the ring is worn and visible only when it is off. The sapphire in his band can also reference a stone in her engagement ring or her band, a shared detail that works best when both pieces are designed at the same time. We work with couples on both bands regularly.

Sapphire and ruby sit at Mohs 9, making them the most durable colored stones for daily wear and the standard recommendation for a band worn consistently. Emerald is more delicate. Its natural fractures make it more vulnerable to daily impact than sapphire, and it is better suited to a band worn with care than one that never comes off. If durability matters as much as color, sapphire is where we start. If emerald is the stone, a bezel setting provides more protection than prongs.