Engagement Ring vs Wedding Ring | What’s The Difference?

What is the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring?

An engagement ring is a promise to marry in the future. It is typically worn by the bride to be. A wedding ring is worn by both spouses and is exchanged at the wedding ceremony.

What is the difference in design between engagement rings and wedding rings?

An engagement ring is typically a lot more interesting than a wedding ring. An engagement ring typically features one or more diamonds or gemstones (often termed solitaire or multi-stone) and is intended to start conversations. A wedding ring is typically a lot more functional and simpler (i.e., plain band).

Can I use my engagement ring as my wedding ring?

In a Christian ceremony, there is typically an exchanging of vows and wedding rings. While a bride can use their engagement ring as a wedding ring, it is customary for it to be another ring. In some cultures, this is an expectation, while in others, it is perfectly normal to use an engagement ring as a wedding ring. If you are getting married, it is worth talking to your partner and family around what the expectations are so you don’t get caught out.

What happens to the engagement ring after a wedding?

For most wives, they continue to wear their engagement ring with their wedding ring making a bridal set. This is then often paired with an eternity band given after the birth of their first child. In saying that, both the engagement ring and wedding ring is often taken off during activities that may damage the ring such as outdoor activities and workouts.

How do you wear your engagement ring and wedding ring?

In Western culture, both the engagement and wedding ring is worn on the left hand on the finger next to your pinky — often termed your ring finger. The tradition can be traced back to the Classical Romans that believed that the finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart.

Can you wear your engagement ring on your right hand?

Not every culture wears an engagement ring on their left hand. For example, in Russia, Germany, Norway and India, the bride typically wears an engagement ring on their right hand. In some traditions, it is also customary to wear the wedding ring on the right hand of the wedding day.

Ultimately it is a personal preference and if you are left-handed, it does make life a bit easier to wear your engagement ring and wedding band on your right hand.

In what order should you wear your engagement ring and wedding ring?

Tradition suggests that you should wear your wedding ring closer to your palm (so when you slide both rings off, the engagement ring comes off first). Ultimately however, this is a matter of preference and no one will pull you up on it.

What is a bridal set?

A bridal set is an engagement ring and wedding ring designed together. This can include the groom’s wedding ring too. And at Four Words, you can design all of your rings all at once, or one at a time. One of our most admired bridal sets includes the idea of birth stones across all three rings.

Designed by an architect and fashion designer, these rings play on asymmetry, form and function. It features a 0.5 carat round lab grown diamond, 1 carat equivalent pear emerald on yellow gold engagement ring, pave diamond wedding ring for her, and an asymmetrically placed portrait cut emerald in a thick yellow band for him.

How to pick a wedding band that complements my engagement ring?

At good jewellers, you should be able to customise your engagement and wedding rings so that they complement each other. At Four Words, you can do both — either one at a time, or all at once.

Typical precious metals to make both your engagement and wedding band out of yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, and platinum.

Should the wedding band match the engagement ring?

The wedding band doesn’t need to match the engagement ring but it is recommended that you consider your wedding band while you design your engagement ring. For example, if you are looking for your wedding band to sit flush against your engagement ring, then you may accentuate different aspects of your engagement ring.

A matching wedding band is a popular option if you are looking to create a bridal set.

Can you have diamonds or gemstones on a wedding band?

Traditionally, wedding bands are plain metal bands (typically a yellow gold band), however we are seeing more couples customise their wedding band to complete their bridal set. This often involves smaller stones or carat diamonds in pavé or channel set.

What is a ring stack?

A ring stack is when you layer multiple rings on one or more fingers on the same hand. A typical ring stack includes an engagement ring, wedding ring and an eternity band, often given after the birth of the couple’s first child.

Looking to buy a ring?

There is definitely a range in quality and price when it comes to buying a ring. So if you are just starting out on your journey and looking for advice, you can book in a time with Four Words for a no obligation conversation about your piece. We will walk you through what to look out for when buying an engagement ring of wedding band, and why buying good quality gemstones is worth the investment in the long haul. At Four Words you can also customise your ring by choosing which stones to use and its colour and design with our custom bespoke design process.