The Difference Between Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

If you’ve decided to take the next step in your relationship, there’s a good chance that you’re a first time ring shopper. Getting the perfect rings can make your engagement and wedding all the more special than these events already are. Surprise the one you love by knowing exactly what you’re doing and getting the right rings to celebrate the occasions. These are the main differences between engagement rings and wedding bands that will help you pick the perfect ones.

Band Width

Once you get married, the engagement ring and wedding band are typically worn on the same finger. This means that you need to be mindful of the width of the bands. An engagement ring is often the wider and more intricate of the two. (You’ll often see a woman showing off her engagement ring but not the wedding band as much.) Be mindful when choosing each ring that they should fit stacked below the first joint of the ring finger. Purchasing two wide rings will lead your significant other to have to re-arrange in a less traditional way.

Diamond Placement

Engagement rings traditionally feature a prominent gem that’s centered on the ring. It’s the flashy ring that brings in the attention. Wedding bands typically feature many small gems as opposed to one large one. Engagement rings may have the small gems in addition to the large centerpiece and wedding bands sometimes forgo the gems altogether. While there’s some variation, the engagement ring almost always features that main gemstone. Many modern brides decide to choose colorful gems instead of a traditional diamond. Many mix a gemstone and smaller diamonds. It all depends on your personal style. 

Matching

Typically only one person in the relationship wears an engagement ring while both wear a wedding band. The wedding bands are usually matching or similar. They can often be found as a set so both bands have the same aesthetic. These sets usually come with a wide band and a narrow band. There are also sets with just the engagement ring and thin wedding band but then you usually have to find a similar wedding band for the other party to ensure you still match well. Make sure both wedding bands and the engagement ring all use the same metal.

Occasion

So now that you purchased the rings, you may be tempted for you and your significant other to start wearing all of the new bands immediately. After you propose, your significant other will start wearing the engagement ring. The wedding bands won’t come out until your wedding day. Then your significant other will have the two rings and you’ll begin wearing your wedding band as well.

Ring shopping is a big step in your relationship and an exciting leap forward. Make sure you make your purchase an informed one by getting the proper rings for the occasion. Your engagement and wedding will be all the more special when you’re armed with the knowledge to make everything perfect.