Engagement Ring Vs Wedding Band

August 17, 2021 – Posted in: Jewelry Blog

Few jewelry items carry as much meaning as wedding and engagement rings. Ever since the dawn of time, people have been using these rings to symbolize and eternalize their relationships. We can think of them as a companionship emblem. It’s why these round metal pieces have been around for so long and continue to be a part of us. 

Different rings symbolize different life events. Usually, these events are related to the union of two people. There’s no doubt that engagement rings and wedding bands are the two most meaningful rings you can have. They’re here to remind you of your life’s most significant milestones. 

Today, we’re going to have a detailed look at engagement rings and wedding bands. And by doing so, we’ll help you decide whether you need to have both. 

Why Buy an Engagement Ring 

customers viewing and buying engagement ring at Estate Diamond Jewelry

We’ll start off by giving you a quick overview of why we think you should buy an engagement ring. 

Firstly, let’s have a look at symbolics. Engagement rings are one of the most special items that you can have as a couple. They mark the beginning of a new journey the both of you will embark on. A journey that’s going to be filled with love, dedication, and joy. Whenever your significant other looks at the ring, it will remind them of one of the most meaningful events in your lives: your engagement. 

Secondly, let’s head back to Ancient Rome for a moment. Engagement rings have existed for thousands of years in different shapes and styles. Ring fashion can change over the years, but some practices will remain the same. For example, carrying your engagement ring on your left finger. In Ancient Rome, people believed that the ring is connected directly to the heart in this way. They called a vein that flows through your left finger “vena amoris,” meaning the vein of love. Thus, wearing an engagement ring on the left finger represents the love that flows between the couple. This was such a strong belief that has remained in most countries today. You can see that engagement rings have deep roots and how important they were in ancient times. 

There’s one type of ring that remains the single symbol of endless love. And chances are you know what it is. “Diamonds are forever” sounds familiar, doesn’t it? This gemstone’s history dates back a thousand years ago, and thanks to their high aesthetic value, they are still the favorite engagement ring type out there. You can have a look at our unique diamond engagement ring collection here. 

Why Buy a Wedding Band 

Stacking Diamond and Yellow Diamond Wedding Bands

Just like engagement rings, wedding bands are full of meaning. While the former represents the love and commitment you are ready to give to your significant other, the latter marks the beginning of your new life together. You will exchange the bands at the marriage ceremony as a symbol of an unbreakable bond and commitment. 

What makes wedding bands even more impressive is that you can choose between dozens of materials, types, shapes, and colors that will best depict your love. For example, vintage wedding bands will only add more value to what already symbolizes a precious bond between the past and the future. 

Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Band – Do You Need Both? 

Engagement Ring and Wedding Band on ladies Finger

Before we head into the debate, let’s talk a little more about symbolism. There’s a reason why rings have a round shape. They don’t have a beginning and end. And this is precisely the meaning they represent for relationships: infinite love that doesn’t have an end. 

We believe engagement rings and wedding bands both have a very special story behind them. On one hand, the engagement ring will remain an eternal symbol of the new journey you embarked on. On the other hand, the wedding band will be there to remind you of your wedding ceremony, the most meaningful day in your life as a couple. 

In addition, there are a couple more notable distinctions between the two. 

Firstly, both the bride and the groom wear a wedding band while traditionally, only women wear engagement rings. 

Secondly, there’s a difference in style. Engagement rings are usually more flashy, most often with diamonds. On the other hand, wedding bands tend to be simpler. Usually, they have a plain design with a single metal type. However, trends change with time. You can now have mixed metal wedding bands or design them any way you feel is meaningful for your relationship. For example, you can have a sapphire wedding band that symbolizes wisdom and good fortune. 

We believe both of these rings hold tremendous value. You can eventually pass them onto future generations and keep the bond you had between the two of you alive forever. This is why we highly recommend investing in both. 

FAQ 

Should I Wear My Wedding Band and Engagement Ring Together? 

Engagement Ring and Wedding Band that connect on finger

A lot of brides have been wondering what is the right way to wear their rings. Should you wear your engagement ring under or above the wedding band? Well, one tradition says the wedding band should go at the bottom. This way, it’s closer to your heart. Another tradition is that you should wear them in the order you received them – engagement ring first, wedding band second. 

However, you are free to wear your rings in any way that’s more convenient for you. If your rings are of different metals, we highly recommend wearing them on separate fingers. For example, if you have a golden engagement ring and a platinum wedding band, the platinum can damage the gold as it has a firmer structure. 

Should My Engagement Ring and My Wedding Band Be Different? 

Customer looking at Estate Diamond Jewelry diamond engagement ring

There are no limitations when it comes to choosing your rings’ style, shape, and material. You can choose your rings to match your fashion style, whether you are a vintage lover or a modern fashionista. 

However, you should keep some things in mind if you plan on wearing both at the same time. You should ensure that your band is of the same metal as your engagement ring. This will, not only, give it a higher aesthetical value but also keep your rings from damaging each other. If you like contrast, you can have your wedding band in yellow gold and engagement ring in white gold. 

Also, it would look nicer if they are both of the same sizes. You can measure the 9 o’clock and 6 o’clock width of your engagement ring and have the same dimensions for your wedding band. 

Which Is More Important: Engagement Ring or Wedding Band? 

Both are equally important! We stand behind this opinion because they both mark a very special life milestone. And their importance will only grow with time. Also, they complement each other just like you two do in your life as a couple. 

Why Buy Both the Engagement Ring and the Wedding Band 

Examining an engagement ring with a loupe

In this article, we’ve explained how valuable and symbolic each of these rings are.

As a bride, you’ll forever cherish your engagement ring as the dedication and love your husband has for you. As a married couple, your wedding bands will remain symbols of your lifelong commitment to each other. Both are precious investments in your relationship, each unique in their own way. That’s why we firmly believe you need both and that you’ll be forever grateful to have them as parts of you. 

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