Buying multiple pieces of jewelry for your nuptials can get expensive, but it can also get confusing. There are many different types of jewelry used to celebrate love — engagement rings, wedding rings, and anniversary bands are just a few that come to mind. Knowing what to buy, when to buy it, and even how and when to wear it is a lot to keep up with. Fortunately, we’re here to help make things a little bit easier for you!
For instance, are engagement rings and wedding rings the same? If not, what are the differences? How are you supposed to wear engagement rings and wedding rings? What are stacked rings? Finally, where can you find pre-owned engagement rings and wedding bands at affordable prices?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!
Are Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings the Same?
The short answer is no — engagement rings and wedding rings are not the same. However, this doesn’t mean that the two rings are completely distinct. Engagement rings can be used as wedding rings, and vice versa. Many of the differences come down to the timing (i.e. when the ring is officially presented) and the traditions surrounding how and when they’re worn. That said, many people associate different designs and aesthetics with engagement rings and wedding rings, and we’ll go over some of the most important differences in the next section.
What’s the Difference Between an Engagement Ring and a Wedding Ring?
Setting aside design differences, an engagement ring is the ring that is presented at the beginning of the engagement, while a wedding ring is the ring that is presented (or exchanged) during the wedding ceremony. Therefore, timing is essential when differentiating the two.
Additionally, styles and designs often differ between engagement and wedding rings. Typically, engagement rings have larger gemstones (usually diamonds) and are more ornate and expensive. Wedding rings, on the other hand, are often simpler and more practical in nature. Wedding rings may only be metal bands that can be worn every day without the need to take them off frequently. As a result, engagement rings are often more expensive than wedding rings, but it all comes down to the design and the personal preferences of you and your significant other.
For example, a typical engagement ring might have a single large diamond and potentially smaller accent diamonds. It may also have a three-stone arrangement where there’s a center stone and slightly smaller stones on either side of it. Alternatively, many wedding bands may have no stones at all or only small pavé diamonds along the face of the band. These are just a few common examples, and not all engagement rings or wedding rings will adhere to these styles. However, you can generally expect engagement rings to have more diamonds that are larger and more prominently featured.
How to Wear an Engagement Ring and Wedding Band
How you wear an engagement and wedding ring can also help mark the differences between the two. In the vast majority of cases, an engagement ring is worn from the day of the marriage proposal until the wedding day. It is up to the wearer to decide if they would like to continue wearing the engagement ring beyond the wedding date or not; some people like to wear it as a statement of love, while others like to keep it stored somewhere for safekeeping.
Wedding rings are not worn until the day of the wedding. They are typically exchanged as part of the wedding ceremony and then worn continuously from that day forward. Many people take off their wedding bands if they’re doing activities that could cause the rings to get lost or damaged, such as swimming or even traveling. Many people also choose to take their wedding rings off before bed, as they may cause unnecessary irritation while sleeping.
Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring On Your Wedding Day?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule about what you should do with your engagement ring on your wedding day. Traditionally, the engagement ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Many people move the engagement ring to the ring finger of their right hand on their wedding day, so that the wedding ring can be put on the ring finger of the left hand more easily. However, this is completely optional. You may choose to keep your engagement ring on the usual finger or even remove it entirely on your wedding day.
Thus far, we’ve mostly covered when to wear engagement and wedding rings, but not necessarily how to wear them. In the section below, we’ll take a closer look at how to wear both engagement rings and wedding rings.
Does the Wedding Ring Or Engagement Ring Go On First?
After the ceremony, while still wearing the wedding ring, many people choose to put the engagement ring back on, with the wedding ring at the base of the finger and the engagement ring stacked on top of it. “Stacking” rings in this manner is very common, and many people even shop for matching engagement rings and wedding bands that can be stacked without clashing with one another.
While you can technically wear your engagement and wedding rings however you want to, it is generally the wedding ring (or band) that goes on the first. That is to say, if you decide to wear both rings on or after your wedding day, the wedding band will be the first one you put on your ring finger, followed by the engagement ring. This tradition has been around for many years, and some say it is done because the wedding ring should be kept closest to the heart, as it is the true symbol of eternal love and commitment.
It’s also important to consider the order of the rings from a more practical standpoint. Wedding rings tend to be smaller and simpler, and therefore easier to lose. By keeping the larger, heavier ring on the outside, it can keep both rings securely in place. It also allows the comparatively extravagant engagement ring to be more visible.
Find Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands at Affordable Prices
Do you want to find matching engagement rings and wedding bands that can be comfortably stacked? Are you looking for beautiful engagement rings that are distinctive or wedding bands that are more comfortable? Finally, do you want to find the marital jewelry of your dreams at affordable prices? If so, Have You Seen The Ring is the perfect solution for you.
At HYSTR, we offer a marketplace full of beautiful, pre-owned engagement rings and wedding bands. You can window shop until you find the ring (or rings) that you love and then make an offer. Since you’ll be connected directly with the seller, you can negotiate the final selling price before you put any money down. Then, we will hold your funds in escrow while our certified gemologist verifies your purchase. Finally, we’ll release your funds to the seller and send you your engagement and/or wedding rings in the mail!
We hope you enjoyed our guide on engagement rings vs wedding rings! Are you currently trying to buy or sell a used engagement ring? If so, be sure to contact HYSTR today!
