Bands have figured prominently in betrothal and marriages since prehistoric times. In fact, it would be hard to carry on an engagement and wedding without the presence of bands. Due to their enduring presence, the use and purpose of wedding ring and engagement ring are often confounded with each other. However, it should be taken into consideration that although they are commonly seen worn by married women, they have contrasting characteristics in many aspects.
In order to understand the difference between the wedding ring and engagement ring, let's start to look at their individual purposes. Simply, an engagement ring is the band given by the man to the woman prior to their marriage to signify the engaged status of their relationship. On the other hand, wedding bands are jewelry pieces exchanged by the couple during their wedding ceremony to seal their marriage vows, and serves as indication that the wearers are bound by marriage. After the ceremony and the years of their marriage, both the bands are worn by the woman on her left finger, while the man only wears the wedding ring since men are not accustomed to wear an engagement band.
Between the two mentioned bands, many couples invest more on their engagement bands than on their wedding bands. In fact, an engagement ring can be treated as the most attention-seeking between the two, as it is somehow symbolic of announcing the couple's status. Traditionally, betrothal bands have prominent center stones, most of which are made from fine diamond jewelry. At the moment however, couples need not to buy engagement bands that are accentuated with diamond stones, rather as a less expensive option they could use other precious stones such as ruby, sapphire, opal, etc., as the center stone of the engagement ring.
Meanwhile, wedding ring is often plain in design and finish, or at times is designed as the simpler version of the engagement ring. However, the design of the wedding bands is always dependent on the couple's choice; there are couples who also use fine diamond jewelry for their wedding bands, though this is not always the case as the plain finish of such band represents the sanctity of marriage. Traditionally, both wedding and engagement bands are worn on the left finger between the index and pinkie fingers because according to belief the said finger on the left hand has the vein that is directly connected to the heart which is called as vena amori. However, there are also cultures that traditionally wear their wedding and engagement bands on the right hand, specifically on the right ring finger.
Wedding and engagement bands are usually purchased separately from each other. It is also possible that they can be bought as a set, which is why some wedding bands are equally grandiose to their engagement counterparts. However, if you are to purchase each piece separately, remember that you are going to wear them everyday, so when you select the shape of the stone always consider your lifestyle. A diamond may be hard in nature, but it can chip off or break overtime especially if it has pointed edges; in this case it would be more preferable to choose a round brilliant cut as it could last longer.
Generally, wedding ring and engagement ring are important pieces that represent two important stages in a couple's relationship, the engagement and marriage. They have profound differences when it comes to function and design. Regardless of their many differences though, it is undeniable that both of them are built upon the concept of representing undying love, as seen from the round finish of the bands and their material makeup. They also function as material seals that strengthen their vows and the symbolic meaning and sentimentality of the couple's devotion for each other.
Wedding ring and engagement ring are important fixtures in the relationship of couples. An engagement ring is an indication of the engaged status of couple. It is usually more expensive than the wedding ring as it is commonly made from fine diamond jewelry with round brilliant cut and side gemstones. Wedding bands on the other hand are exchanged by couples during the wedding ceremony to seal their marital vows and are simple in design and finish.
-Lorraine Jacobs
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