Diamond Ring Guards

Why Guard a Ring?

The primary reason to invest in a ring guard is for protection. Many engagement ring designs, particularly diamond solitaire engagement rings, have delicate exposed edges that can easily be chipped or scratched, while prongs can accidentally be warped, bent, or twisted. A guard acts as a barrier between the expensive and sentimental center stone and any potential hazards, and can help avoid costly stone replacement or repairs.

At the same time, adding guards to simple rings is an easy and convenient way to add more sparkle and distinction to the design, personalizing the ring or turning it into a bridal set complete with wedding ring. This is often a favorite way to upgrade an engagement ring without losing the beauty and sentiment of the original stone, whether it is an heirloom ring or just a treasured token of a loving relationship.

Types of Diamond Ring Guards

Just as there are many different types of engagement rings, there are also many different types of ring guards. Before choosing a guard, however, it is important to understand the differences between different engagement ring accessories.

• Diamond ring guards are sturdy designs that fit snugly on both sides of the initial ring to properly protect it against damage.
• Diamond ring enhancers are beautiful accessories meant to increase the ring’s visual appeal but may not provide thorough protection.
• Diamond ring wraps completely surround the central diamond but may or may not protect the rest of the ring’s band.

Guards, then, are usually larger than other types of enhancers, but they are also beautiful pieces that can make astonishing changes to engagement rings. Characteristics of diamond ring guards include:

• Different metals, including yellow gold, white gold, and platinum to match existing rings or create two tone designs.
• Different settings for accents stones, though channel settings and classic prong settings are the most popular.
• A variety of diamond shapes for accents, particularly round, marquise, and emerald shapes.
• A wide range of design options, including geometric patterns, floral shapes, and delicate filigree designs with extensive metal use.

Where to Buy

Most jewelers offer diamond ring guards to accompany their engagement rings, or couples can choose different designs that can fit their specific ring and design preferences. Online jewelry stores also offer a wide selection of ring enhancers, wraps, and guards, but couples should first investigate online merchants and their guarantee policies just in case the guard doesn’t fit or isn’t appropriate. If no guard is available, it is also possible to create a custom guard, especially for very unique engagement rings that may not fit into common guard styles.

Side view of elaborate guard.

Cost

The overall cost a ring guard depends on several factors, including the type of precious metal used, the total carat weight of any accent stones, and how detailed the design is. Costs can range from $100 for a very simple design to more than $1,000 for larger, detailed guards. Couples can help control the costs, however, by choosing gemstones instead of diamonds as accents, or opting for cubic zirconia or diamond chips as less expensive alternatives. In many cases, if a couple knows they will be interested in a matching guard, it is less expensive to purchase both rings as a set rather than try to match a guard to an engagement ring at a later date when styles may have changed.

Properly Wearing a Guard

Diamond ring guards should fit securely but not too tightly around the rings they are meant to protect. Many couples choose to have the guard soldered to the original ring to ensure it does not slip loose. Because most guards give the appearance of three separate rings when they are worn, it does not usually matter which side of the guard is worn closer to the hand.

It is easy to upgrade and enhance an engagement ring with a properly chosen ring guard. These practical and beautiful ring accessories can protect a ring and give it an even greater place of honor as it sparkles on a bride’s or wife’s finger.