19 Sep Open Band Wedding Rings – San Diego Bridal Jewelry
Seen Above: A platinum open band wedding ring that gently curves around the engagement diamond. The visible gap creates a graceful silhouette while pavé-set diamonds and milgrain add timeless detail. A perfect example of how Carl Blackburn designs open bands that blend modern bridal jewelry trends with artisanal craftsmanship.
Wedding rings are among the most timeless symbols of love and commitment — but even tradition evolves. In recent years, one of the most compelling trends in bridal jewelry has been the open band wedding ring. This design innovation offers a fresh way to express individuality, modern style, and craftsmanship, all while preserving the meaning and symbolism of the wedding band.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla, jewelry designer Carl Blackburn has embraced this shift — creating open band wedding rings and other modern, popular designs that speak to clients looking for something both contemporary and meaningful.
What Is an Open Band Wedding Ring?
An open band wedding ring is a ring whose shank (the band that encircles the finger) does not form a fully closed circle. Instead, there is a deliberate gap or opening — often near the top of the band — that gives the ring a “C” or “U” shape, or otherwise breaks the uninterrupted loop. These openings might be subtle or pronounced; sometimes the ends are decorative (gemstones, terminals, sculptural shapes), or they might simply taper to a clean finish.
Why Open Bands Are Trending Now
Several factors have converged to make open bands a sought-after style:
Practical Benefits
One of the strengths of the open band design is how it complements an engagement ring without altering its original outline. With many traditional wedding bands, the second ring can visually “wrap around” the center stone, changing the engagement ring’s profile. In contrast, an open band leaves the engagement diamond’s silhouette intact, preserving its intended beauty.
Additionally, because the open ends of the wedding band sit snug against the head of the engagement ring, there is far less chance of the two rings shifting apart during daily wear. This creates not only a cleaner aesthetic, but also a more secure and comfortable fit — a detail that appeals to brides who want both style and practicality in their wedding set.
Desire for Unique & Personalized Design
Many couples today want wedding bands that depart from the “standard” closed band. The open design offers visual interest, allows for artistic detailing, and can be customized in ways traditional bands are more limited.
Modernity Meets Minimalism
With clean lines, airy, delicate silhouettes, negative space, open band rings align well with minimal and modern aesthetics. They retain elegance while being less “heavy” visually than thick, closed bands.
Comfort & Wearability
Some open band ring designs provide a little flexibility (though not all are meant for adjustment), and the gap can make the band feel less restrictive — particularly for people whose finger size fluctuates, or those who want a lighter ring.
Versatility with Engagement Rings
Open band wedding rings pair well with engagement rings, especially those with unusual settings, tall crowns, or side stone details. The gap in the band can frame or complement the engagement ring in unique ways, creating an interplaying design rather than a strict match.
Symbolic Interpretations
Beyond aesthetics, the open band can carry symbolic meaning: space for growth, allowing individuality within togetherness, or celebrating that a marriage is a journey rather than a closed loop.
According to recent bridal and wedding-band trend reports, open band wedding rings have been identified among the top wedding band styles for 2025, recognized for offering a “fusion of tradition and modern” design.
Design Elements & Variations
Open band wedding rings encompass a wide spectrum of styles, offering couples many ways to express individuality. One of the first design considerations is width and profile. Some rings are crafted with very slim, delicate bands that feel light and dainty, pairing well with other rings. Others are made with bold, wide shanks that stand out more dramatically. While the wider look makes a strong statement, it must also balance with everyday comfort.
Another defining element is the gap size and shape. Some designs feature only a tiny notch, while others leave a wider open top with curved or even asymmetrical ends. The size of the gap changes the visual balance of the ring. Larger gaps can appear striking and modern, but they also bring practical concerns — such as catching on clothing — so careful craftsmanship is essential.
Many open bands include decoration at the ends, ranging from sparkling gemstones and sculpted terminals to smooth metal domes or simple plain finishes. These details add personality and, in some cases, color. They also influence cost and comfort, making it important to weigh aesthetics against wearability.
Metal choice is another central factor. Open bands can be made in classic yellow, white, or rose gold, as well as platinum. Some designs mix metals, which highlights the openness of the band and gives the ring a two-tone effect. The selected metal not only determines durability and price, but also shapes the overall mood of the piece — whether traditional, modern, or avant-garde.
Finally, surface detail helps transform a simple open band into something truly unique. Options include high polish for sleek shine, hammered or matte finishes for organic texture, or intricate engraving, milgrain, and filigree for a more decorative look. With open bands in particular, finishing must be done carefully so the edges of the gap remain smooth and comfortable against the skin.
What to Watch Out For: Durability & Practical Considerations
While open bands are beautiful and modern, they bring some unique technical and wear issues:
Strength at the opening: The gap is a point of vulnerability, especially if the ring is thin or made from a softer metal. Quality craftsmanship is vital to avoid deformation.
Comfort: The ends of the open band should be well-finished, smooth, and safe — not snagging clothing or skin.
Sizing: Because the band isn’t a sealed loop, sizing can behave differently. Open bands might allow very slight adjustment, but a correct fit is still crucial for long-term wear.
Matching the engagement ring: Be sure the open design doesn’t interfere with the engagement ring’s setting or height. Some open bands align more easily than others.
Open Bands in Comparison: Closed vs Open
When comparing closed bands with open bands, the differences highlight both tradition and innovation. A closed band is a traditional, continuous circle that embodies a classic and timeless look. Its uniform strength around the finger means there are fewer structural concerns, making it a practical and enduring choice. Closed bands also tend to be easier to match with engagement rings that feature simple, low-profile settings.
By contrast, an open band feels modern, airy, and visually intriguing. It makes a statement of design and individuality, standing out as more than just a traditional wedding ring. Importantly, open bands preserve the original silhouette of the engagement ring — ensuring the outline of the center stone remains unaltered, rather than being visually “boxed in” by a continuous wedding band. And because the open ends sit snugly against the head of the engagement ring, they also help reduce shifting between the two rings, creating a more secure and cohesive fit.
That said, open bands do require special attention to craftsmanship — particularly the quality of the joins, the smoothness of the gap edges, and the long-term durability of the shape. But when well made, they not only complement the engagement ring as a delicate frame or bold contrast, they also solve practical wearability concerns, making them one of today’s most compelling bridal jewelry trends.
How Carl Blackburn Approach Open Band Designs
At C. Blackburn Jewelers, Carl Blackburn has built a reputation among San Diego clients and beyond for crafting wedding bands and engagement rings that blend modern sensibility with vintage craftsmanship, and this makes him especially well-suited to offer open band rings. Some aspects of his work that align well with the open band trend:
Custom Design Expertise: Carl works closely with clients to realize custom rings, including both engagement rings and wedding bands. He can adapt open band designs to ensure the gap, terminals, and decoration are balanced not only for aesthetics but also comfort and durability.
Vintage Inspiration & Fine Detail Work: Although open bands are modern in structure, Carl’s education in techniques like hand engraving, milgrain, filigree, and his appreciation for antique and estate jewelry give him tools to add subtle, elegant detailing to open bands — so they feel luxe, heirloom-quality rather than purely fashion.
Material Quality & Craftsmanship: With Carl’s experience (including GIA training) and the boutique setting in La Jolla Cove, clients get the benefit of high-end materials, careful metal work, and design refinements that ensure open bands feel as enduring as traditional closed rings.
Personalization & Symbolism: Carl’s clients often seek more than just metal and stone — they ask for meaning. The open band design offers room for personal touches (choice of gap styling, embedded stones, mixed metals) and symbolism (space, uniqueness, growth) that Carl can bring into his custom designs.
Create an Open Band Wedding Ring
Get started now creating a custom engagement ring with matching wedding band — be it an open ring design or other style of your choosing. Arrange an informal chat with Carl Blackburn at his La Jolla jewelry store.
📞 Schedule a free design consultation.
Call 858-251-3006 or text 619-723-8589.
