Wedding bands: the second ring, priced and paired
Updated November 2026
The engagement ring gets the spotlight, but there's a second purchase coming — usually two. Wedding bands are a fraction of the engagement ring's cost, and pairing them well (or buying them together) is an easy place to save.
Quick answer: women's wedding bands average about $1,000–$1,500 (plain gold far less, diamond pavé more). Men's bands average $400–$900 in gold, or $100–$300 in tungsten, titanium or other alternative metals.
Band types and what they cost
| Band | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain 14k gold band (hers) | $250–$600 | Timeless; price tracks gold weight and width |
| Diamond pavé band (hers) | $700–$2,500 | Half-eternity keeps cost and resizability sane; full eternity can't resize |
| Contour / notched band | $400–$1,200 | Shaped to hug a low-sitting engagement ring with no gap |
| Plain 14k gold band (his) | $400–$900 | Width and comfort-fit interior drive price |
| Platinum band (his) | $800–$1,800 | Heavy, durable, hypoallergenic |
| Tungsten / titanium / ceramic | $100–$300 | Nearly scratch-proof and cheap; cannot be resized, so size carefully |
Pairing a band with the engagement ring
- Match the metal. Same metal color wears evenly and reads as one piece. Mixed metals can work — but as a deliberate choice, not an accident.
- Mind the profile. A low-set or bezel engagement ring sits flush against a straight band; a halo or cathedral setting often needs a contour or notched band to close the gap.
- Try them together before the wedding. Bands that look perfect alone can fight each other on the finger — jewelers expect this fitting and it's free.
- Think about the stack. Many wearers add an anniversary band later; a slim engagement band leaves room for the story to grow.
The bridal set discount
Buying the engagement ring and her band together as a bridal set typically saves 10–20% versus buying separately, guarantees the pair fits flush, and gets both rings matched in metal batch and finish. If you already know the wedding is within a year or so of the proposal, it's the easy win. Just confirm both rings — not just the engagement ring — are covered by the seller's resize and warranty policies, and loop the set into your insurance coverage once it's on hands.