Both engagement rings and wedding rings are highly significant pieces of jewellery. For this reason, opting for rings that align with your tastes and style is essential.
In today’s article, we will be going through the ins and outs of engagement rings and wedding rings, discussing key differences and offering insight into how the two can be worn together. Read on to learn more!
Engagement Rings Vs. Wedding Rings: The Key Differences
Engagement Rings
An engagement ring is most often given to your partner when proposing. Generally, an engagement ring features a single diamond or gemstone such as a sapphire, emerald, or ruby. This centre stone may be set on its own, as is the case in solitaire settings, or it may incorporate other design elements such as side stones or diamond halos.
As designers of custom engagement rings and wedding bands, we take special care when creating a custom engagement ring to ensure that it aligns with the preferences and lifestyle of the person who will be wearing it.
It is often essential to consider that the engagement ring will be worn next to a wedding ring (which will be presented later during the wedding ceremony). For this reason, our designers seek to create an engagement ring that will be versatile and fit with whatever wedding ring our clients decide upon later down the line.
Wedding Rings
Wedding rings are often exchanged during a couple’s wedding ceremony. Both men’s and women’s wedding rings are traditionally (in North America) worn as left-hand rings, with the women’s wedding ring being paired or stacked with the engagement ring. Some women may even wish to have their engagement and wedding ring soldered together to fit as one.
However, as is often the case regarding professions in medicine where gloves are worn, women may opt to wear only a simple wedding ring to work, leaving their engagement ring at home. This is because engagement rings tend to sit higher, making them more cumbersome in jobs where you work with your hands.
Wedding rings are generally simpler than engagement rings, with some opting for a plain gold band. However, some may wish for more elaborate designs with multiple diamonds, adding sparkle to their wedding set.
Men’s wedding rings are generally much larger and more robust than women’s. The most popular styles tend to be the classic rounded band and bands with hammered textures and bevelled edges.
Do You Need Both Rings?
Ultimately, it comes down to your individual taste. If you prefer the classic appearance of both an engagement ring and a wedding band, then wearing both is a fitting choice. Whether you decide on an eternity band adorned with pavé diamonds or a simple gold or platinum band, combining a wedding and engagement ring creates a timeless and eye-catching aesthetic. Contemporary trends also highlight the growing popularity of wearing multiple rings, or “ring stacks,” especially among newly married individuals. Brides, in particular, are inclined toward enjoying ring stacks featuring three or more bands, often characterized by a mix of metals and styles.
How Should You Wear Your Engagement and Wedding Rings?
While there are no specific rules regarding the placement of engagement rings and wedding bands, the common practice involves wearing the wedding ring on the left-hand ring finger, closest to the heart, with the engagement ring positioned next to it, nearer to the knuckle.
Before the wedding ceremony, the etiquette for wearing an engagement ring entails placing it on the left-hand ring finger, the one adjacent to the pinky. Regarding conventions for men’s wedding rings, the standard is to wear the band on the left-hand ring finger as well.
Depending on your job, you may or may not want to wear your rings to work. If your profession involves taking gloves on and off or working with your hands, you may wish to leave your rings at home. Many women who work in healthcare leave their engagement ring at home and wear their wedding band on its own.
Conclusion
Engagement and wedding rings are some of the most meaningful pieces of jewellery you will wear. For this reason, it’s important to choose personal and suitable styles for your lifestyle. As discussed, no hard and fast rules exist for choosing your perfect engagement and wedding rings. Working with a trusted custom jewellery designer can help make this process personalized and exciting.
If you are looking to create a custom wedding ring or engagement ring in Winnipeg, please check out the rest of our website and contact Omori Diamonds when the time comes!
FAQ
Are Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings the Same?
Generally speaking, engagement rings are different from wedding rings. Engagement rings mark the pivotal moment of a proposal, whereas wedding rings are exchanged during the wedding ceremonies. Engagement rings are more elaborate and feature a large centre diamond or gem, while wedding rings are simple and designed to complement the engagement ring.
Can You Use Your Engagement Ring as a Wedding Ring?
There are no hard rules, and some cultures may choose to wear a single ring as both the engagement and wedding rings. However, in North America, most couples tend to have both.
What Happens to Your Engagement Ring After Your Wedding?
Most people choose to wear their engagement and wedding rings side by side. Some may even have their rings soldered together to act as one ring. However, for those with very active lifestyles or jobs requiring manual labour, it may be advisable to wear the simpler wedding band during those activities.