When you begin shopping for rings, it can become confusing to decipher which type of ring is the right type for you. When it comes to buying rings for marriage, you will likely run into three different types of rings: engagement rings, wedding rings, and wedding bands. It can be hard to figure out the difference between these three ring types, but it won’t be once you know the difference between them!
First, let’s look at what an engagement ring is. An engagement ring is typically the most elaborate and ornate of the three ring types. The most common engagement rings are typically made of a silver or gold-colored band with one or multiple diamonds creating an eye-catching design. It’s common to have a larger center stone with smaller diamonds surrounding it in a variety of setting types.
Engagement rings were originally meant to be a sign of a man’s wealth when he chose to marry a woman. However, this tradition has become outdated, and it’s common to find younger couples opting for different styles that move away from the large center diamond. In fact, many engagement rings today have completely different stones in the center, including opals, sapphires, and rubies. Read more about What do Engagement Rings Symbolize.
The engagement ring is given at the time of the proposal as a sign that the receiver is off the market for good. Traditionally, only the woman will wear an engagement ring. However, with same-sex couples, you may notice both partners choose to wear one.
A wedding ring is a less elaborate ring that is designed to complement an engagement ring. While wedding rings aren’t as extravagant as engagement rings, it’s still common to see wedding rings that are made of a diamond band, though you won’t find a larger center stone on a traditional wedding ring. Since wedding rings aren’t as elaborate, they do tend to cost less than engagement rings.
Wedding rings are exchanged when the couple gets married as a symbol of their unity. A wedding ring can be worn alone if you choose, though many choose to wear it with their engagement ring. In fact, it is common to purchase both an engagement ring and a wedding ring together as a bridal set. Though it’s not required for the rings to match, many wearers prefer the cohesive look of a set that is bought together. Of course, you can buy your engagement ring and wedding ring separately if you choose, even choosing different metal colors if that’s your preference!
There aren’t many differences between a wedding band and a wedding ring. Both styles are designed to complement the flashier engagement ring, though they can be worn separately if the wearer chooses. A wedding band tends to be on the simpler side when it comes to design. In fact, many wedding bands are simply a band of gold or silver.
Women didn’t always wear wedding rings or wedding bands, but that has changed over time. With this change, wedding bands and wedding rings began becoming their own categories, though they share many traits. Wedding bands tend to be much less expensive than wedding rings and certainly less expensive than engagement rings, though they are still often made of high-quality metals, including gold and platinum.
Wedding bands are exchanged at the wedding ceremony, just like wedding rings are. It is more common to see a man receive a simple wedding band while a woman is more likely to receive a decorated wedding ring. However, as style evolves, it isn’t out of the norm to see the opposite happen as well.
With all three of these ring types, they are traditionally worn on the left ring finger. This ring choice can actually be traced all the way back to the ancient Romans. In ancient Roman culture, it was believed that your left ring finger had a vein that went directly to your heart. This meant that wearing a ring on this finger made it as close to your heart as possible. It was later proven that there was no such vein, but the tradition and sentiment still remain.
However, this finger choice isn’t a global one. Instead, it’s more common in Western cultures. Some cultures wear their rings on their right ring finger because they believe the left hand is a sinister placement for the ring. However, in America, the left hand is most common!
As we mentioned earlier, many women choose to wear both their engagement ring and their wedding ring or band on the same finger and at the same time. If choosing to wear both, you may be wondering how to position the rings on your finger.
Traditionally, when wearing both rings, you should wear your wedding ring on the bottom and the engagement ring on top. This positioning is meant to symbolize your marriage being closest to your heart. If you choose to do this, it’s common to either take your engagement ring off during your ceremony or wear it on your right hand for the event. Of course, you can always just flip them after the ceremony as well, if that’s your preference.
While tradition has dictated the order you wear your rings, other options are becoming more popular as well. Some people choose to wear their engagement ring on the bottom and the wedding ring on top, to wear them in the order they received them. This choice is meant to show that the wedding ring secures the promise that the engagement ring represents.
While tradition has dictated the order you wear your rings, other options are becoming more popular as well. Some people choose to wear their engagement ring on the bottom and the wedding ring on top, to wear them in the order they received them. This choice is meant to show that the wedding ring secures the promise that the engagement ring represents.
Regardless of which ring style you choose, consider picking one that includes lab grown diamonds. With lab diamonds, you’ll be getting a clearer, higher-quality diamond that you can feel confident in wearing because you know where it came from and that it was ethically sourced. As traditions get changed with the younger generation, choosing lab diamonds over natural ones is just another way to showcase your personal preferences in your rings!
