An engagement ring and wedding band is probably one of the priciest pieces of jewelry that could possibly be purchased in life. Amazing to receive both, but big questions follow afterwards: do I wear them separately or together? Which does the trick first? And if you have no clue whatsoever what to do, then let this article guide you through everything you should know about how to wear your engagement ring and wedding band.
Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Band What's the Difference?
Let's first define what each really is before we get into what tradition and etiquette dictate in regard to wearing these rings.
The Engagement Ring
Another traditional element of proposals is the wedding ring. Often the ring carried a gemstone, often a diamond but not always, and, in some cultures, served as a token of one's intent to be married and ready to be married. In many ways, this is what might be expected—the wedding rings are often more showy with design and thus tend to anchor as much of the group.
The Wedding Ring
By its very nature, a wedding ring is a sign of marriage, and, in most weddings, it is worn on the fourth finger of the hand. The wedding ring is usually less ostentatious than the engagement ring and signifies the legally recognized state of marriage. Some couples like to wear one band; other couples have bands that are quite different and fit each of their personalities better.
The significance of engagement and wedding rings
Traditionally, there is a guiding principle indicating how one should position their wedding ring relative to the engagement ring. According to tradition, the wedding band must precede the engagement ring.
Why the Wedding Band Must Be First
This tradition somehow feels very emotional. You wear your wedding ring closest to your heart because for your union, it matters and is considered deep in life. Over the wedding band, it reminds one beautifully of what induced marriage since a woman gets an engagement ring.
How to Wear an Engagement Ring and Wedding Band—Different Cultural Practices
Even though they are worn in the conventional manner, the culture and preference of the person who wears them are very diverse.
Which hand to wear—left hand or right hand?
It is indeed a tradition in most Western societies, that is, the United States, Canada, and the UK; the engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, or commonly called the ring finger. Its beginnings even trace back to ancient Roman tradition, where it is believed that this finger is directly linked with the heart through a vein called "vena amoris.".
But it is across some European countries from Germany to Russia that the preference is given to wearing the ring on the right hand and bases the argument on the supposition that this is the stronger or "proper" side.
The switching of rings for ease
Many brides wear the engagement ring on one hand and the wedding band on another. It is very practical, either because both rings are too big and too heavy to wear together or for the reason that you just want to emphasize each piece one at a time.
How to Perfectly Wear Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Together
But how does one wear two rings comfortably at one time? They do come in different trends on how they are styled.
The Stackable Method
Most likely, you would see the engagement ring and the wedding band on the same hand, but the wedding band would come first because this tends to make the stacks look lovely and keeps the two pieces together. The truth of the matter is that in fact many jewelers design engagement rings and wedding bands as a set so everything looks cohesive together.
Separating the Rings
And if stacking really isn't your thing, you can wear the engagement ring on one hand and the wedding band on the other. To some brides, it's best to wear the engagement ring on the left. hand and the wedding band on the right hand in order for each ring to be worn separately without causing too much inconvenience by wearing two rings on one finger.
Engagement rings and wedding band options at Ninetynine Shine
Centuries ago did the tradition of rings as symbols of love and promises of love begin. Be it the wedding bands , the engagement rings , or simply the pieces of jewelry, rings are among the closest things to most people's hearts. The myth, however, hints that proper engagement rings are enough to drain one's tons of money. This is not the sort of information that is entirely true. Now, basic engagement rings are not those meaningless and less expensive ornaments that present beauty, elegance, and proportional finesse but at no very extravagant costs.
Matching Your Engagement Ring to Your Wedding Band
Most of these sets can really make an engagement ring go very well with a wedding band, creating a beautiful and harmonious look. However, that may not be so simple if the rings were not sold in a set. Here are a few tips to get you started on making a match made in heaven.
Harmonious Alternatives in Metal Choices
One very easy way to ensure that your engagement ring and your wedding band flow is if you use the same metal. Therefore, for example, if your engagement ring happens to be platinum, your platinum wedding band creates flow. That applies also, of course, to yellow gold—it goes very well with another band of yellow gold—and so does the rose gold—one with the other.
Your rings do not have to be of the same style but should complement each other in style. For instance, if you have a vintage engagement ring, then you will get along perfectly with a wedding band that closely shares the detailing of the same style. Again, if your engagement ring is sleek and modern, then you ought to go for a simple design on the wedding band with minimal design on it.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Wear an Engagement Ring and Wedding Band
1: Should I wear the engagement ring and wedding band on opposite hands?
Most people wear their wedding ring on one hand and their engagement ring on the other. They just look or feel better that way.
2: Do I really have to wear my engagement ring all of the time?
Absolutely not! Some people wear their wedding band and keep the engagement ring in their dresser drawer for "special" occasions.
3: Should I wear my rings on my right hand?
You bet! In some cultures, that's what you do. And many people carried that tradition on into their marriages as well.
4: My engagement rings and wedding bands don't match. What do I do?
It need not be that the rings look the same. If the rings are the same style or pattern and the same design and metal, that's more than enough to make them harmonize with each other.
Conclusion
It's what feels most comfortable to you to wear your engagement ring and wedding band by the end of the day. And as old-school as that can give you a sense of what to do in that area, that becomes background noise to whatever feels most natural and personal style.
You stack them together, wear one on each hand, or only wear one of them on the wedding day—these are all small decisions that will make sure your rings truly reflect the love and commitment they symbolize.
These rules will provide all the information you are likely to want to know when to wear your engagement ring and your wedding band. Whether you will wear them by the book or develop your own version, these rings are a glorious testimony to the journey that you have undertaken as a couple.