Thin Band Engagement Rings...How Thin Is Too Thin?

We have had so many requests for the Thin Band Engagement Ring and while we absolutely love them, they need to be done right and with the consideration of longevity.

When we design a ring we consider a few things...

The thickness and width is a huge consideration. Gold is not a hard metal it does bend and warp very easily and because of this we tend to steer away from the super thin bands. Believe me you would only be calling us again after six months to tell us that the band is losing its shape.

With Diamonds set on a thin band there is no guarantee they wont come loose if there is movement in the band. 

Below is a little explanation from:

https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/why-is-gold-called-a-heavy-metal-despite-being-soft/

Gold is called a heavy metal because of its high density, which comes from the fact that each of its atoms is individually very heavy.

The density of tungsten is almost identical, but tungsten is hard and brittle because its atoms are tightly linked and it is difficult to force them past each other. In contrast, gold atoms slide past each other relatively easily, which makes the metal soft and malleable.

Gold is so soft, in fact, that one gram of it can be beaten into a sheet covering nearly a square metre. Such sheets are used in the process of ‘gilding’.

I need to give a special mention to Platinum as a lot of buyers are under the misconception that it is stronger. This is often difficult to explain and often Jewellers themselves are conflicted with the information. It is and it isn't...

Which is harder? - Technically Platinum. Platinum takes more effort to work into shape. It is a denser and a heavier metal. 

This is the tricky part however as Platinum does dent and bend more easily than Gold. I can see you scratching your head.

Remember Gold is mixed - 18K Gold is often mixed with Palladium (this is a pure white metal and part of the platinum family...along with Rhodium) and copper depending on the Gold colour. These are hard metals and make Gold stronger than what it is in it's purest form. 

In my experience and the main difference I see between the two is Gold will be more likely to break, which is why you'd see a prong snap off or a band snap. 

Platinum is more likely to bend and dent before it breaks.

With this in mind we try not to make rings that are too thin. Anything less than a 1.3mm wide by 1.3mm thick should be especially well looked after and not worn everyday. We always recommend taking off your Jewellery when you are doing anything that may tarnish or knock it around.

If you have questions regarding your ring design call, email or chat to us online.

- Gabrielle