How to Build the Ultimate Wedding Ring Stack

What many people fail to realize is that jewelry shopping doesn't end once you’ve received an engagement ring. That's because you'll still have several trips to make to the jewelry store to find additional wedding day accessories, the most important one being your wedding band. And if you’re anything like us, one band might not be enough. Enter: the wedding ring stack.

For jewelry designer Anna Sheffield, ring stacks are a way for her clients to express their personal style while paying homage to this wonderful moment in life. It also provides a way to experiment with different metals and stones, a trend many contemporary brides have embraced over the last several years. "For example, if you have a classic white diamond and white gold ring set, but you want to go less traditional at times, you can mix in different metal colors or even colored stones," says Sheffield.

So for those interested in adopting this growing trend, but unsure of where to start, we break down everything there is to know about building the ultimate wedding ring stack. Read on to learn more.

What Is a Wedding Ring Stack?

A ring stack is a set of multiple rings that sit or nest together in a group. This can include the engagement ring, wedding band, and other additional rings. The wearer can also add or switch bands to express their personal style or mark special occasions.

"A classic stack is usually two to three rings dependent on the thickness of the bands and, of course, how comfortable they are for you," shares Loveness Lee, a London-based jeweler. "This gives the opportunity to mix metals such as rose, yellow gold, and white gold/silver for an expression of both color and texture."

How to Build the Perfect Wedding Ring Stack

When building your ring stack, you should first hone in on which wedding bands you'd like to sport, specifically focusing on the size, shape, and metal of your bands. “My three favorite silhouettes are the classic pavé band, a bezel-set band, and a baguette band,” shares Goldstein, as these rings all have smoother edges and similar profiles, and also pair well with many types of engagement rings.

As for metal hues, brides have free reign to mix and match metals to suit their personal aesthetics. "Now, more than ever, it’s all about mixing metals, stone colors, and shapes to add excitement to your stack,” says Emily Goldstein of EF Collection. Alysa Teichman of Ylang 23 agrees, sharing, “Mixing metals and stones will add personality and make your stack different from anyone else’s. It’s all about buying and wearing things that make you happy, so if you want to pair a family heirloom yellow gold band with a platinum engagement ring, go for it!”

Once you've chosen your desired pieces, building your stack should then be a breeze. Simply, “Start with three [rings] (including your engagement ring) and build a well-curated stack until you run out of room between your hand and your knuckle,” says jeweler Sofia Kaman. Teichman also adds, “I’m definitely partial to odd numbers—three looks better than two, and five looks better than four.”

How to Shop for a Wedding Ring Stack

When shopping for a wedding ring stack, it's all about finding your options. “Find a store that has a wide array of stackable rings,” says Kaman. “You really need to experience trying them on together in person! We’re constantly surprised by the combinations and unexpected pairings that emerge when people try on different options in the store.”

Nonetheless, don’t feel pressure to buy an entire stack all at once. According to Teichman, “When you build your stack over time, it takes the pressure off of finding the perfect stack right away. We are big proponents of mixing it up, upgrading over time, and wearing bands with or without your engagement ring.”

Additional Tips for Creating a Wedding Ring Stack

Kaman notes that brides should pay special attention to their engagement ring setting when putting together a wedding ring stack. “If you want a big, blingy look, opt for an engagement ring with a raised mounting. This will show off the sparkle of your center stone as well as allow for a flush stack," she shares. "If you prefer a lower mounting and a more subdued look, seek out contoured bands that fit snugly against the engagement ring’s setting. And if you want an eclectic, collected feel, mix and match lower mountings with straight bands. There will be negative space between the engagement ring and your band, which can be a design element on its own.”

What's more, don't be afraid to ditch tradition and do what works best for you, even if that means wearing your stack on your other hand. “Your engagement ring is the main event, so commit to the one you love. Then create a stack that complements [your engagement ring] without distracting,” Goldstein says.

Lastly, Teichman reminds brides to keep it light. “Don’t overthink the process! Different styles add interest, so try on everything. As you play with shapes and sizes, you’ll figure out what feels great and what layers well on your hand.”