a couple is holding hands, groom is wearing his wedding band, bride her engagement ring

The tradition of the engagement ring dates back many centuries, when a man would ask for his lady’s hand in marriage by giving her a valuable ring in exchange for the father’s approval and exchange in “ownership” of this lady. These engagement rings became more and more extravagant over time because they came to represent the man’s wealth, which was very desirable for both the man and the woman and her family. Although this notion is clearly very dated, the tradition of offering a ring for one’s hand in marriage has lived on.

 

Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Rules: Everything Every Bride and Groom Need To Know

One of the most important aspects of a marriage proposal is the engagement ring. This engagement ring is traditionally a beautiful gemstone set on a band and is what has come to be known as a symbol of wedding culture. This piece of fine jewelry is oftentimes mistakenly referred to as the wedding ring, and the two terms seem to have become interchangeable in everyday vocabulary. But, what really is the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring? Do you need to have both? We answer these questions and more to help clear things up.

 

What Is An Engagement Ring?

An engagement ring is given to someone at the time of a marriage proposal. Traditionally, women receive the engagement ring and are expected to wear it starting from the time of the proposal. Having a ring on her finger will indicate to the world that she is taken and is committed to her partner. These engagement rings can vary greatly in terms of extravagance and price, but the most common type of engagement ring has a diamond or another gemstone set atop a pretty band.

What Is A Wedding Ring?

A wedding ring is traditionally a plain metal band or a diamond-encrusted eternity band that you receive when you exchange your vows during the wedding ceremony and wear from then on. Typically, there’s also a fairly significant price difference between engagement rings and wedding rings; even if the wedding band has inlaid diamonds or other gemstones, their total carat weight is generally less than that of the engagement ring.

What Is More Important, Wedding Ring or Engagement Ring?

The difference between an engagement ring and wedding band is that an engagement ring is given at a proposal or when a couple decides to get married. A wedding ring is exchanged at the wedding ceremony and represents the official bond of marriage. Both rings are often worn together as symbols of love and commitment.

Engagement Ring Finger versus Wedding Ring Finger

While there are no hard and fast engagement ring and wedding band rules, most people wear their wedding ring on the left-hand ring finger closest to their heart, with their engagement ring sliding next to it (closest to the knuckle).

Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring When You Walk Down The Aisle?

Wedding rings are exchanged between partners during the wedding ceremony. They are typically more simple bands in comparison to the engagement ring and do not have a center diamond or prominent gemstone. Both partners receive a wedding band during the ceremony and they each wear them on the third fingers of their left hands. Because the wedding band is placed on the same finger as the engagement ring, many brides choose to move their engagement rings to their right hands for the ceremony and then move them back to the left hand afterwards so that their two rings are stacked.

Does The Groom Wear A Ring When Engaged?

The majority of men choose to wear only a wedding band, though some desire an engagement ring to display their commitment. Engagement rings for men are distinct in style from women’s rings, and a variety of options exist. Many jewelers list their engagement rings as wedding rings, though they can be used for either occasion. Some male engagement rings are more intricate than a plain metal band. Wedding ring styles with diamonds combine masculinity and decorative stones. Other styles are fashioned from a mix of metals or contain an inlay color that’s different than the outside color.

Do You Take Off Your Engagement Ring When You Get Married?

Because the wedding band is placed on the same finger as the engagement ring, many brides choose to move their engagement rings to their right hands for the wedding ceremony and then move them back to the left hand afterward. After the wedding ceremony most people wear their wedding ring and engagement ring on the same finger, with the wedding ring being closer to the heart. Some people choose to wear their wedding rings on separate fingers or only wear one of the rings.

Do You Still Wear Your Engagement Ring After You Get Married?

Because the engagement ring is traditionally the flashier and more extravagant ring of the two, most women wear the engagement ring on their left hand ring fingers. Many women will wear their wedding bands stacked underneath the engagement ring as well, while some women choose to only wear one ring to represent both. Many jewelers sell engagement rings and wedding rings as a set so that they match one another and look stylish when worn together. However, this is absolutely not a requirement and you and your partner can choose to buy wedding bands at your own leisure if you wish to have them at all.

Wedding Band Instead of Engagement Ring

Engagement rings are given at the time of a proposal, while wedding rings are exchanged at the wedding ceremony. Engagement ring styles tend to be more intricate as well, such as one featuring a center diamond or gemstone. Wedding rings are usually simple in design, such a classic band like this rounded wedding ring or one with smaller diamonds like this wire basket ring. Traditionally, you wear your engagement ring and wedding ring together on the fourth finger of your left hand. As far as how to stack them, tradition holds that you’ll wear the wedding band inside the engagement ring so that it’s closer to your heart.

 

Conclusion:

The engagement ring is traditionally a beautiful gemstone set on a band and is what has come to be known as a symbol of wedding culture. Engagement rings can be any ring – they don’t have to be a diamond ring or an expensive ring. The most important aspect is choosing a style that your partner will enjoy wearing. Engagement ring styles range from simple designs like this solitaire engagement ring.

The engagement ring can also be the wedding ring (if you want it to be), as some people don’t buy a separate wedding ring. It depends on your personal preference and if you want to use your engagement ring as a wedding band.

Wedding rings and wedding bands are the same: a ring given at the wedding ceremony that symbolizes the marriage. Some people call it a “wedding ring” while others say “wedding band.” The two terms are interchangeable. Wedding bands are worn by both men and women.

Your engagement ring finger is the finger next to your pinky finger on your left hand. Your wedding ring finger is the same. Most people wear their engagement ring and wedding band next to each other on the same finger. The wedding ring is placed closest to the hand as its closest to the heart.

At Joseph’s Jewelry, we carry the largest selection of fine gold and diamond jewelry near you on the Treasure Coast, including jewelry for men. You’ll find exactly what you’re looking for without having to drive around Stuart, Hobe Sound, Palm City, Jensen Beach, or Port St. Lucie for fine jewelry. Our professional jewelers will help you find the perfect gift every time you visit us nearby. You just don’t get that with an online jewelry store