Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Rings

Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is most often given upon the occasion of a proposal or soon after a couple has decided to become engaged. Typically, the ring features one dominant stone set in any number of band styles. But modern choices have extended into three-stone rings, cluster rings, and even bands that are primarily considered to be more of a wedding ring style.

Wedding Ring or Wedding Band

A wedding ring (or wedding band) is usually exchanged at the wedding ceremony as the official symbol of the union of marriage. Traditionally, both rings have been worn together, often being designed as a bridal sets or even being soldered together in some cases so they become one piece. These days however, we see more and more clients opting to wear their wedding ring and engagement ring in unique ways, whether on separate fingers, or stacked with additional rings (more on creating a stacked set here). Wedding rings are usually simpler in their style and are a band without any large stones or a centerpiece gemstone.

Wedding rings can be as simple as a plain band of metal or more intricate with metal details like milgrain and featuring pavé or channel set diamonds. Typically, there’s a significant price difference between engagement rings and wedding rings. Total carat weight is likely to be far less in a wedding ring than an engagement ring, even if the wedding band is inlaid with gemstones.

Traditionally, and in most cultures, your engagement ring and wedding ring are worn together on the same finger commonly known as the "ring finger". It’s the fourth finger on your left hand, right next to your pinky. Exchanging rings as symbols of love is believed to have originated in Egypt. They believed that the vein in the fourth finger ran directly to the heart, strengthening the pledge of love and commitment. Romans adopted this tradition, spreading the practice throughout Europe, thus becoming the basis for the U.S. tradition. In reality, there’s no such vein, but the symbolism and tradition remain strong.

Before the Wedding: When you receive your engagement ring, traditionally it is worn on the ring finger. (You do not receive the wedding ring until the wedding ceremony.)

During the Wedding: During the wedding ceremony where there will most likely be an exchange of wedding bands, the engagement ring shifts to being worn on the right hand ring finger. This is done because due to another tradition, as a symbol of ultimate love and devotion, the wedding band is typically worn closest to the heart with the engagement ring on the outside. Wearing the engagement ring on the right hand during the ceremony also makes it easy for the wedding band to slip on the left hand without having to move a ring.

After the Wedding: After the wedding, many will choose to shift their engagement ring back to the left hand ring finger so the two rings start to be worn as a pair. The wedding ring is placed on the finger first so that it resides closest to your heart, with the engagement ring following on the outside. For those who prefer to wear these two rings together, bridal sets that are specially designed to match and wear well together are popular choices when planning for both rings. This ensures the rings will sit nicely on your finger next to one another without unnecessary rubbing or even scratching of metal by stones. For some, they may choose to solder their two rings together to prevent movement and twisting around the finger making the rings misaligned.

While this is the traditional arrangement, some prefer to only wear their wedding ring on a day-to-day basis, or add additional bands to create a unique stacked set.

We’ve worked with clients to create an engagement ring and wedding ring set that are perfectly matched in style and format, while other clients prefer their rings to have a bit of contrast, whether by mixing metals or styles.

When it comes to timing, you’ll want to be sure to allow at least three months of time before the wedding for wedding bands to be produced. That way, any issues that come up can be remedied without adding to all the last-minute wedding details and such an important part of your ceremony is taken care of well in advance.

More and more couples are picking out and even designing engagement rings together; a scenario that was typically reserved for wedding bands only. So choosing wedding bands may be your second experience of picking out rings together, but it will require some different considerations.

Couples have a lot of options when it comes to wedding bands. Some choose to have their wedding bands match (with each other), regardless of the style of the engagement ring. Other couples may prefer their own individual tastes to be represented in the band. Honoring personal preference is so important here, and you have many options for metal, stones, and design elements to make something truly unique and personal.

Whatever you decide, there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to choosing, designing and wearing engagement and wedding rings. The sky’s the limit when it comes to ideas and options, and working with a skilled jeweler and craftsman will help guarantee you’re making a great choice on your investment. Above all though, make sure you pick a ring or combination of rings that stand as symbols of love and your union that will hold meaning for a lifetime.