If you’ve just been presented with a sparkly new engagement ring, chances are you want to do everything you can to protect it and keep it looking brilliant for years to come. Whether it’s an expensive two-carat solitaire diamond ring made from yellow gold or something that falls much lower on the price scale, an engagement ring’s value — be it monetary or sentimental — is well worth protecting. One great way to add an extra layer of security and some bonus sparkle is to invest in a ring guard.
In this guide, we’re going over the basics of ring guards, including what they do and whether or not you need one to keep your ring in mint condition.
What Are Ring Guards?
As you probably guessed, ring guards are meant to guard your engagement ring from damage or falling off. They feature either a straight or curved design around the center gemstone or any other protrusions, helping to keep the ring in place and protect the edges from scratching. Since they come in different shapes, they are suitable for everything from traditional round gemstones to marquise, cushion, emerald and any other cut imaginable. Unfortunately, ring guards generally don’t protect the stones in the setting, and your center and accent stones could still fall out. However, they can help prevent your ring from falling off or getting scratched.
For many people, the protection aspect is just a secondary benefit. Ring guards also serve as extra accessories designed to help enhance women’s rings and make them look bigger, more sparkly or more unique. For this reason, ring guards are also known as enhancers or diamond ring enhancers. They often look like they’re part of the original ring and add something to it. Although they’re often used to complement solitaire engagement rings, you can use ring guards to enhance your wedding band and fashion rings as well.
Shop Our Wedding Ring Sets for Complementary Rings
Types of Ring Guards
Thinking about going big with a glittery guard? There are two common types of ring guards you should know about before committing to one.
- Stacking Ring Guard – A stacking ring guard is a pair of rings that goes around your main ring to protect it around the edges. These two rings, which are usually identical or very similar aesthetically, act as a guard for the middle ring to prevent it from scratching or falling off. If you love the chic look of stacked wedding rings and want a little extra protection, this is a great option. This double-ring setting also adds a layer of protection to diamond wedding bands or anniversary rings.
- Enhancer Ring Guard – Also known as a single ring guard, the enhancer-style ring guard is one ring that looks like two. It features a slot in the middle so the center ring can be inserted between the two bands, protecting it around the edges. This will help keep the ring in place and add some bulk and depth all around. Whether the center stone is a natural gem or a lab-grown diamond, an enhancer ring guard will make it look even better than it already does.
Why Use a Ring Guard?
Ring guards are often made to be equally as beautiful as your main ring, featuring either an all-metal design or a band enhanced with sparkly gems and elaborate designs. Many people choose to wear ring guards to enhance the look of their current ring, make it look bigger or upgrade it to something more elaborate or special. Other people choose to wear a ring guard — well — to guard their ring! If your wedding band or other ring is slightly too big or too small, a ring guard could even help keep it in place until you can have it altered to the appropriate ring size.
Do You Need One?
So, now for the ultimate question: Do you really need one? The answer is no. Even typical engagement rings are meant to be worn every day and stand up to some amount of wear and tear. Look for rings made from durable materials like sterling silver with a rhodium plating to ensure that they stand the test of time. Choosing more affordable styles with simulated diamonds rather than natural diamonds is also a safe bet if you work and play in more rough environments.
However, if you’d like to give your ring a fresh, new look, by all means, treat yourself to a wedding ring enhancer! While a ring guard usually isn’t necessary, there is nothing wrong with wearing one if it helps you create the look you desire.
Something else to consider: A diamond ring guard can make a lovely anniversary gift. If you’re shopping for the special woman in your life, you could give her a beautiful ring guard as an alternative to a traditional anniversary band. It will show off her existing cut diamond while protecting it and giving her jewelry an upgrade. What’s not to love?
Choosing the Perfect Ring Guard
If you have decided that you would like to buy a ring guard, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Choosing a ring guard goes beyond aesthetics. Consider metal compatibility to avoid reactions, opting for the same metal as your ring or complementary ones like platinum with white gold. Or go for a bold two-tone or mixed metal look. It’s up to you!
Comfort is key! Try different styles to find a smooth, rounded band or open design that won’t snag. Consider your budget, too. Platinum offers durability but costs more. Sterling silver is a beautiful and affordable option for daily wear. 14k white gold and 14k rose gold are both excellent options for wedding rings and ring guards if you’re looking for a material that offers a perfect blend of durability and accessibility.
Keep style in mind, as well. A classic solitaire deserves a simple guard, while a more elaborate ring can handle a detailed design. Choose a ring guard that complements both your style and your budget. You may also want to think about the other jewelry you wear regularly. Your ring guard should complement the necklace or pendant you wear most often to ensure a cohesive look.
Final Thoughts
Unless you want to change the aesthetic of your ring somehow — to add volume, sparkle or create that uber-popular stacked look, for example — you really don’t need a ring guard. Instead, know how to properly care for your ring so it stays protected and keeps its great shape for years to come. Know when to take it off — hint: anytime you’re getting wet or sweaty — and keep a silicone ring in the rotation for when you don’t want to risk damaging your precious one.
Shop Our Silicone Wedding Bands and Rings