Choosing to spend the rest of your foreseeable future with that person comes with great commitment and conviction. From the period of courtship and proposal to picking a date for the wedding, a lot of planning goes into it, but one of the most crucial elements of this whole process is the engagement and wedding rings. These rings signify a bond and commitment to one another in that union. In this blog, we shall answer the question: What is the difference between a wedding and an engagement ring? Let’s get into what these unique wedding rings comprise.
Engagement Rings
Engagement rings are given as a gift by a partner to their prospective spouse when proposing marriage or directly after a marriage proposal is accepted. It represents a formal agreement to future wedding and is worn mainly by women in most Western countries. Engagement rings can feature diamonds or other gemstones and are placed on the left hand's ring finger in many countries. The idea of putting the engagement ring on the ring finger of the left hand was popularized by Henry Swinburne in A Treatise of Spousals, or Matrimonial Contracts (1686).
The exchange of rings as a traditional symbol of marriage dates back to ancient times. Choosing an engagement ring should be an intentional process, as it stands for the promise of marriage, which symbolizes devotion and commitment to the beloved partner. The engagement ring differs from the wedding ring, which is exchanged at the wedding ceremony and represents the official marriage bond. Different engagement ring styles include the Princess cut, bezel set, cushion cut, etc.
Wedding rings
Wedding rings come in different forms, ranging from unique wedding rings, gold wedding rings, 3 band wedding rings, etc. Though engagement rings are said to be more ornate than wedding bands, wearing a unique wedding ring on that big day makes it even more special. It is usually handmade and perfectly customized to tell your love story. A unique wedding ring consists of custom metals and emeralds different from the typical wedding band patterns and may come in different shapes, such as trapezoids or squares. A great way to ensure you and your spouse get unique wedding rings is to get a vintage with special engravings and etchings. All these customizations are dependent on the budget and needs of the client. Here are some common types of wedding rings out there:
Gold wedding rings
These come in white or yellow gold. Gold wedding rings come in different karats, from the 10k gold ring, which contains about 41.6% pure gold, to the 14k gold wedding ring, which has about 53.8% pure gold, to the 18k, which includes 75% pure gold. Due to its ability to withstand the harsh conditions associated with everyday wear, white gold is preferred for most gold wedding rings. Ultimately, the quality of the wedding band depends on the client's budget, as purer forms of gold are more expensive. Gold wedding rings can also come in rose gold. It is rarer but still an available color. White and yellow gold are the gold colors commonly worn by men.
Dainty wedding rings
These are usually small, simple, and discrete wedding rings. Dainty rings are delicate, with a thin band and diamonds on top as the center of attraction. They are not as expensive as other wedding rings but are classic, available in gold or platinum, and even contain a gradient of sapphires.
Dainty wedding rings also have their disadvantages, such as:
- They are not durable and will likely bend and lose shape as the years pass.
- They are known to crack easily and are not advisable for couples who work with their hands.
- Resizing dainty rings is very difficult due to their size.
3-band wedding ring
A 3 band wedding ring, also known as the complete wedding ring set, comprises the engagement ring, wedding ring, or anniversary/push ring.
- The engagement ring is for the proposal and the marriage plans.
- The wedding ring signifies the union.
- The third, or anniversary, ring represents an important milestone in their lives as a couple.
Wedding ring vs. engagement ring
The difference between both rings is what they signify and when they are exchanged. Here are some more differences:
- An engagement ring is given to a person when a proposal occurs, while a wedding ring is the one you receive when you exchange marital vows during the wedding ceremony.
- A wedding ring consists of an encrusted eternity band or a plain metal band made of gold, silver, or platinum. Still, an engagement ring is made from luxury gems like diamonds and is usually more expensive.
- Engagement rings are usually more detailed and elaborate as they are made specifically for women, while wedding rings are less intricate and are designed to withstand everyday use. The wedding ring is designed for both spouses.
As a symbol of love, commitment, and marriage, having the right ring to match perfectly expresses the moment. Having an esteemed jeweler cater to your needs ensures you get the maximum satisfaction from your purchase. Contact us today at Moody's Jewelry and begin your love journey.