Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: What's the Difference?

If you plan on proposing, getting married in the near future, or just asking, this guide will help you make sound and sensitive decisions in these symbols of love by taking note of the differences.

Here in this article, we will inform you of all that you would like to know about wedding rings and engagement rings, their history, style, meaning, price, and how to wear them. 

After reading this, you will know why one is different from the other and how both are involved in a special role in the lovely story of marriage.

What is an Engagement Ring?

We start, of course, with the wedding ring, the one most instinctively to wear. The traditional wedding ring implies offering marriage. But it's the ring that sets us on the path to wife and husband, being a promise: "I wish to spend the rest of my life with you."

They are made of large gemstones, the most expensive of them is a diamond — on a valuable metal band of silver, gold, platinum, or rose gold. The most expensive stone is a diamond because of the connotation it carries of forever and eternity, but now even other valuables such as sapphires, emeralds, or rubies are used.

An engagement ring design can also greatly differ based on individual preferences. Some just adore classic solitaire rings — beautiful diamonds alone on simple bands — but others enjoy more decorated rings with halo setting, side stones, or vintage look. And then colorful gemstone rings in bright colors and innovative custom designs that express the personality of the wearer.

They were since ancient Rome, a public affirmation of the couple's commitment to one another in wedded bliss. Contemporary custom of diamond wedding rings was instituted in the 20th century by the mythic at that time, De Beers ad and marketing campaign "A diamond is forever." The diamond-forever union then became the embodiment of eternal love.

What is a wedding ring?

Wedding bands were placed on the fourth finger of the left hand centuries ago. Why? Due to the ancient legend that the finger harbored a vein that went directly to the heart — lovey-dovey, but science fiction.

Wedding rings are exchanged during the ceremony and represent the legal, life-long bond of two spouses. Wedding rings represent the vows exchanged and the vow to be there for each other through the trials and tribulations of life.

Although wedding rings are practical as well as stylish, engagement rings are less practical and more stylish. Plain metal wedding ring bands in gold, platinum, or silver constitute classic wedding rings. Some like rings with small diamonds encrusted in the ring, specific textures, or inscription, but they are essentially designed with comfort and durability for years in mind.

The history of the wedding ring is 3,000 years old and Egyptian. The circle, having neither beginning nor end, was for the Egyptians a circle of wholeness without end. In promising these rings to one another, they were promising one another an endless circle of love and friendship without ever stopping. That these rings still symbolize in their lives today is because the symbolism was so strong.

At the wedding, the wedding ring is on precisely the same finger on which the engagement ring is worn, i.e., the fourth left-hand finger. The majority of people wear it nearest to the heart with the engagement ring over or covering the wedding ring as a reminder of the spot where the journey of their matrimony started.

Key difference between engagement rings and wedding rings

Although both the rings represent commitment and love, there are quite fundamental differences. Let us proceed and list them:

Purpose and Timing

Proposal rings are rendered visible until proposal for wedlock and represent the initiation of the period of engagement. They represent a promise of marriage. Wedding rings are exchanged as part of wedlock and represent the serious, lifelong pledge made by virtue of wedding vows.

Design and Style

They are elegant and formal, frequently featuring a diamond centerstone. The bands may include intricate setting and embellishment on the gemstones bordering the centerstone. Less elegant and perpetually worn, wedding bands are decorated on a daily basis. Some are plain bands, but others have engraving or small gems.

Cost

Wedding bands are expensive based on intricacy in design and cost of centerstone. The rings are not very expensive for engagements but are very expensive when encrusted-with-diamond rings or novelty cuts are used.

When They're Worn

Engagement rings for women are worn from proposal to (and sometimes past) the wedding. The wedding ring will cover the engagement ring on the wedding day and is usually worn afterward. The two are usually worn together, but some only wear the wedding band after marriage.

Symbolism

They both symbolize love, but symbolize the type of relationship. The engagement ring symbolizes a promise and a commitment. The wedding ring symbolizes the promise and the one made on the day of the wedding.

Do You Need Both Rings?

An engagement ring and a wedding band are both usually worn by couples, though not always. Some like the ease of only wearing one. Others adore the stacked look of both.

For those whose whole lives are filled, filled or whose occupation is totally manual, a simple, lone ring would be most handy. For others, wedding rings or even according to their own caprice and extent of their wedlock are chosen. Truly, in all, but to which choice and right or wrong one has to adjust is none.

How to Wear Engagement and Wedding Rings

Tradition is to put both rings on the fourth finger of the left. The wedding band on the fourth finger on the wedding day first, so closer to the heart. Then move the engagement ring up over the top.

That is not true, however. There are people who prefer other fingers on which to wear rings or swap them for style or for convenience. Even the wedding band can be worn on the right hand in some cultures. Mainly is for your rings to be stylish in a manner that is personal and comfortable for you.

Shopping for wedding and engagement rings is a significant choice, but one of the largest pleasures of the wedding. Start out with budgeting — it is easy to get swept away with beautiful rings, so having your options decided on will be a relief when it comes to having a budget to remember.

Take lifestyle and wear into account. If you have a physically demanding or active career, you might prefer a less flashy, durable ring. Make sure both rings feel comfortable and look good to you — you will be wearing them daily.

Finally, choose rings that are the best for you and your beloved. Whatever you choose from the cozy classic, vintage, or maybe something new, your rings must be the true reflection of you and your love story.

Both wedding ring and engagement ring both have their role to play in the love and commitment process. The engagement ring is the thrilling start, one of promise and anticipation. The wedding ring is the token of the promise and the commitment that will endure a lifetime.

Regardless of whether you get one, two, or even three of them, the problem lies in the love and value that they carry with them. They are a testimony to your love. It's a question of the heart, a promise, a vow. And for this reason, they are priceless.