Ring stacking is super on-trend. The concept is nothing new, especially for wedding bands. Still, this recent burst into popularity has left many of us with one big burning question. Is ring stacking tacky?
While the lines between cute, camp, and just playing cringe can get a little blurry, there’s no right or wrong way to ring stack. However, there are a few do’s and don’ts to remember if you want to look like you understood the assignment. Let’s get into it.
Stack A Snack
We all know what a stack is, obvi, but just what qualifies as ring stacking? Is it your wedding band and engagement ring? Do you have to throw an eternity ring in the mix before it counts? What’s the deal?
Really, it’s all of the above. Now, we’re all about that wedding stack. And while it’s super tradish to wear the wedding band and engagement ring together, these days, ring stacking starts simply by not stopping there.
Ring stacking can be done on any finger or many fingers where many rings are word together in, you guessed it, a stack. This can definitely branch out from the ring finger, but it's usually the base of operations.
And as far as a how-to goes, there are oh-so-many ways to build a stack. But choosing a theme or general direction when you’re getting started will help you to create one that works.
The Pave Natalie with a 2 carat Emerald Cut Diamond with The Helen 1.8mm band and The Kristen band in White Gold
All About That Base
The best place to start, as always, is at the beginning. Or, in this case, the base. And, of course, the ring that starts it all is the all-important engagement ring. So, what’s the best engagement ring for stacking?
High-set solitaires, such as a hidden halo, are great for stacking. They lift your center stone, allowing bands to slip underneath. That is oh-so ideal for nesting, and if you want a stack that fits snug as a bug, it’s a much easier fit for flush.
Silhouettes are key. A marquise or pear shape diamond might look great with a pointy band like a Chevron Helen added to the mix. However, switching it up can add an unexpected vibe. A round or even rectangle rock can create an entirely different and simply gorgeous profile.
Remember that rings have the most wear when they rub against each other. Diamonds do scratch other diamonds, so clearance is key.
The Angelina with a 1.5 carat Oval cut Moissanite in Rose Gold and The Chevron Helen 1.8mm in White Gold
First Edition
The first addition to your stack will most likely be your wedding band. Some people choose to go for a matching set. But this is entirely up to you. It’s your jumping-off point, so think about the future of that finger.
A wedding band can be a great place to begin playing with your stack's silhouette. It’s also a fun first place to start playing with different colors of gold, textures, or styles. You do, you boo.
The Pave Kamellie with a 1 carat Pear cut Diamond and The Alice band in White Gold
Mix and Match
Ok, so this is where things can start to get tacky. We love a mix of metals, textures, and stones. But too much of a good thing can be, well, too much.
So what’s the best way to shake it up? It’s all about choosing a theme and letting that be the star of the show.
The classy choice. The Twig with a 1.5 carat Radiant Cut Diamond and The Eternity Twig band in White Gold
If you’re into texture, throw together some modern and vintage-inspired looks. A little smooth polished gold with a touch of milgrain in the stack. Whatever you like, but keep the stones and metals the same.
Similarly, if you’re into mixed metals, let that be the star of the show. And if you want more variation in stones to show off the rocky rainbow, pick a base that won’t take away from the sparkle.
Keeping a common thread will help the stack look intentional. Mixing things up is great, but you don’t need to mix everything.
The Lindsey with a 5 carat Oval cut Diamond and The Eternity Twig band in White Gold
Same Same, Such a Shame
While you want to keep it conducive, half the fun of a fat stack is shaking it up. You can make one cohesive theme or have a mix-and-match vibe that’s a bit more eclectic.
Do you want a super icy look? Choose chonky bands, oodles of accent stones, and eternity rings. But maybe mix it up with a thin pavé.
Want something a bit more subdued? Go for rings with smaller stones, but don’t be afraid of textured metal work. It’s a subtle accent that will have a big impact and make that stack totally unique.
The Lexie with a 1.5 carat Emerald Cut Diamond and The Mellany band in Yellow Gold
The CEO of Stacking
Stacking is all about your individual style, but starting off your stack can be a little intimidating. It is an investment, after all. So here are some pointers to get you headed in the right direction.
• How many rings should be in a stack? This is as much about personal aesthetics as it is finger feel. It also depends on the thickness and the style of the band.
• Often an odd number will look more dynamic than an even, but how many bands look good on your finger? Overcrowding can be a major bummer. Too many rings on a finger can start to look tacky. And on a practical note, it can also interfere with your mobility.
• Can you have more than one stack? Yes. If you’re not into finger feel or have more rings than one finger can handle, slide them over to a new finger.
• Do rings have to sit flush together? No. Sometimes it can be fun to play with those spaces between rings. Others prefer to have a tight stack. It’s all about preference.
The Pave Nelly with a 4.5 carat Radiant Cut Moissanite with The Helen 1.5mm band and The Lindsey band in White Gold
Oh-Yeah vs. Oh-No
It’s the do’s and don’ts of ring stacking, and we promise to keep it simple.
1. Get creative. It’s on to try different things and see what works for you. Your stack should be an authentic representation of your personal style.
2. Consider a theme. Things don’t have to match to work together. But they should have one thread that ties them all together.
3. Stack rings wherever you want. All your rings don’t have to sit on one finger.
4. Shake it up with different widths and band styles.
1. Don’t mix too many styles and colors. You can shake up the vibe sans the kitchen sink.
2. Don’t let anyone cramp your style. What looks good is entirely subjective. You do you, boo.
The Mia with a 2 carat Oval cut Moissanite and The Mia band in White Gold
Ready to Find Your Snatched Stack?
Stacks can be delicate, chonky, matchy-matchy, or none of the above. It’s all about your personal style and a bunch of bling.
Above all else, don’t forget to take your time. It’s nice to have an idea of what you want your finished stack to look like, but it’s ok to take a few years to build your dream set. Special occasions are a great reason to pack your stack. And we love a drip full of memories.
