< Engagement Rings & Weddings / Style
How The Ring Jacket Can Enhance The Impact of Your Diamond
Discover how ring jackets can elevate your engagement ring and express your style.
Bespoke Party Ring Jacket as seen with a marquise-cut diamond engagement ring (Courtesy of Stephen Webster)
Sometimes more is more – at least when it comes to natural diamonds. Enter ring jackets, which can frame an engagement ring, elevate a wedding band, or deliver extra sparkle on days when minimalism won’t cut it.
“I am seeing ring jackets many times, and some of my couples say that it is a better alternative to having a second wedding band, which used to be a pretty big trend that we’re not seeing as much anymore,” says Danielle Rothweiler, owner and lead planner at luxury wedding planning firm Rothweiler Event Design.
Meet the Experts
Danielle Rothweiler is the owner and lead planner at luxury wedding planning firm Rothweiler Event Design.
Elana Ginsberg is a goldsmith, designer, and owner of K&Co Bespoke. For the past 22 years, she’s created magical heirlooms with ethically-sourced diamonds and gems while forging powerful client relationships.
Ahead, learn everything you need to know about ring jackets, whether you’re looking for a wedding band alternative or want a new way to style your engagement ring.
What is a Ring Jacket?
A ring jacket, sometimes called a ring enhancer or ring wrap, is exactly what it sounds like: an accessory for your ring – typically an engagement ring, though wedding band jackets are also common.
Ring jackets can be worn instead of a wedding band or saved for special occasions. They can be used to switch up the look of an engagement ring or create the illusion of a ring stack. As Elana Ginsberg, goldsmith and designer at K&Co Bespoke, puts it, a ring enhancer is “a beautiful extension of your main ring.”
In terms of design, a ring enhancer is usually made of a single piece of gold or platinum with two bands that connect at the base. The open space in the middle of the bands is meant to frame the main ring. Since the fit needs to be precise, many shoppers opt for custom or semi-custom options.
They can be paired with all sorts of diamond shapes and often feature diamond accents. There are different styles, from contoured silhouettes and halos that follow the shape of a center stone to more architectural designs. Some ring enhancers sit flush with an engagement ring, while others use negative space to create visual appeal.
The Appeal of Diamond Ring Jackets
Ring jackets were popular in the 2010s, when they were often paired with simple solitaires, but they’ve been back in the spotlight thanks to a growing interest in ring stacking and a desire to express individuality through bridal style.
Today’s ring jackets throw out the rulebook in favor of pieces that make bold statements and look just as good on a wedding photo as when worn out and about. Discover what makes them stand out.
Effortless Stacking
For those who are drawn to the idea of a ring stack instead of a traditional bridal set, an engagement ring enhancer can be a smart and stylish choice. It offers a layered, interesting look without any twisting and rubbing.
Diamond-Forward Design
From designs with subtle accent stones that frame a center stone to pavé styles that shine bright without competing with the main ring, enhancers celebrate the beauty of diamonds.
They are appealing to jewelry lovers that care about “elevating the tiny little details” and appreciate that “extra little sparkle,” says Rothweiler. It’s all about enhancing a diamond ring without taking away from its original design.
Self-Expression
Ring enhancers provide an opportunity to express your personal style, whether you are drawn to vintage-inspired pieces or unapologetically want more bling. “There are no rules. I just created a jacket consisting of the most incredible mix of diamond cuts: pears, baguettes, rounds, and ovals. It was wild and truly unique,” says Ginsberg.
Versatile Styling
They aren’t reserved for formal events. They can be part of your ring rotation when you want to add more oomph to your look or even be worn alone. They give you the versatility to style your diamond rings based on your mood – no resetting required.
Types of Ring Jackets
From soft florals to geometric silhouettes, there are a variety of ring enhancer designs to choose from. Here are a few types of ring enhancers you might come across while doing research.
Contour Ring Jacket
This classic take on the ring enhancer follows the curves of an engagement ring, whether it hugs it snugly on all sides or loosely frames its shape with flowy lines and intentional negative space.
Halo Ring Jacket
A halo ring jacket features a diamond halo that surrounds the center stone of an engagement ring. It might include a mix of diamond shapes, such as marquise diamonds mixed with round ones, to add texture and dimension.
Chevron Ring Jacket
A chevron ring jacket features a V-shaped design with the pointed tip facing outward from the center stone, which creates a sleek, modern effect and can add contrast to round and oval diamond cuts.
What to Look for When Buying a Diamond Ring Jacket
When looking for a diamond ring jacket, you might fall in love with a pre-loved vintage piece or find a ready-to-order option that perfectly fits your vision. But you’ll likely want to go for a custom design, especially if you’re buying your engagement ring at the same time. Not only will this ensure a perfect fit, but it will also give you a blank canvas to express your creativity while enhancing your ring.
Don’t know where to start? Ginsberg recommends accentuating what you love about your engagement ring. “Play up the features you love in your ring. More diamonds? Yes, please!” she says. “Do what feels right,” she adds. “There are no rules anymore, and that freedom should allow you to create a stack that truly represents you and exemplifies the meaning behind the ring itself.”
Working with a jewelry designer can help narrow down your options and ensure it complements the shape and setting of your center stone.
How to Care for a Diamond Ring Jacket
Taking care of a diamond ring jacket isn’t that much different from caring for any diamond ring. That said, the more detailed and intricate the design, the more you’ll have to be mindful of not snagging your ring or losing a stone.
Ginsberg’s advice? Always take your rings off at night and never wear them while doing things like working out, gardening, or painting.
To clean your ring jacket, use warm water and mild dish soap, and gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which can dislodge small diamonds.
Finally, take your ring jacket to a jeweler yearly for a professional cleaning and a prong check to ensure all diamonds stay secure and shiny for years to come.
Gabriel & Co. Rudie 14K White Gold Bursting Chevron Diamond Ring Enhancer, $5,100, gabrielny.com
Jennifer Dawes Design Very Invigorating Deep V Jacket, $ 2,675, dawes-design.com
Jared Jewelers Diamond Anniversary Enhancer Ring, $1,499.99, jared.com
1stDibs Yellow Gold Diamond Enhancer Wedding Band – 14k Round .32ctw Wrap Jacket Ring, $864, 1stdibs.com
Gabriel & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring Enhancer, $4,300, gabrielny.com
Jared Jewelers Diamond Anniversary Enhancer Ring, $1,199.99, jared.com
Gabriel & Co. Ace – 14K White Gold Diamond Ring Enhancer, $9,700, gabrielny.com
Jared Jewelers Diamond Anniversary Enhancer Ring, $1,999.99, jared.com
