The Differences between Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings

Historically bands have been a part of both betrothal and marriage processes since ancient times, it would actually be difficult to have either ritual without the presence of bands. With engagement rings and wedding rings typically being closely linked to each other and usually both being worn by married women in particular, they hold distinct characteristics in various ways.

To being with the functions of both rings are different. Engagement rings given as a pre-cursor to marriage. It indicates the next step of commitment in their relationship. Wedding rings however are exchanged on the wedding day itself in order to seal the vows. They represent the partners as being united in matrimony or civil union-ship. Whilst historically, only one partner in the duo wears an engagement ring, nowadays times have changed. Sometimes both wear one and like to propose back to each other- gender stereotypes are breaking and we support this movement.

In monetary terms couples tend to invest more in engagement rings than they do wedding rings. Engagement rings are also typically more striking because they are an announcement of the next step in a relationship, the soon-to-be married status. Engagement rings therefore usually have noticeable centre stones such as diamonds, alternatives to diamonds include rubies, sapphires and opals. Wedding rings are typically a plain a band or a plainer version of engagement rings. Both rings however, typically complement each other when worn together. This can be aided by the development of bespoke jewellery on the high street so that you can design your own dream rings.

Usually both rings are worn on the left hand on the finger between the middle finger and little finger, which is aptly know as the ring finger. Some believe that this is because that finger has a vein that is directly linked to the heart, called the vena amori. There are some cultures however, that put both rings on the right hand.

Fitted Palladium Ring

Fundamentally, wedding and engagement rings represent stages in a couples’ relationship, however these stages are essentially different, with the former being a promise and the latter a ceremonial commitment. Subsequently, even though both rings are different in terms of function and design, both items are based on the concept of love and commitment to each other.