Not many people know that wedding rings are not the same as engagement rings; in fact, some people think that both are one and the same. Some people even use the terms “wedding ring” and “engagement ring” interchangeably. However, there is a difference between a wedding ring and an engagement ring, and it lies in the purpose and design.
Difference Between a Wedding Ring and an Engagement Ring
What is an engagement ring?
An engagement ring is typically presented to a woman when a man proposes and asks the woman to marry him and spend the rest of her life as his wife. The proposal itself is supposed to be a surprise in order to make the woman feel special, like she has been chosen above the rest. In order to keep the element of surprise, the man will usually have to choose the engagement ring on his own.
This is a very special moment for a woman, and this is why the ring should be equally special and elegant. An engagement ring is usually flashy, very expensive, and the most extravagant of all, characterized by a diamond or other beautiful gemstones that provide a lot of sparkle, brilliance, and scintillation.
Most engagement rings are set into gold or platinum ring settings, while others are set into silver, titanium, or stainless steel. The common feature among most engagement rings is that it features one larger gemstone situated at the centre of the engagement ring. Some engagement rings have several diamonds in its ring setting, but usually one diamond/gemstone at the centre dominates and commands all the attention.
From the moment the woman says “yes,” she’ll be wearing this piece of jewelry throughout the period of engagement to signify that she is taken.
Engagement rings used to symbolize the wealth of the man proposing, indicating that he was well-equipped with enough money to care for his future wife. Even though this idea is very dated, engagement rings still continue to get flashier and more expensive.
What is a wedding ring?
Wedding rings are typically plain rings, although some may have diamonds or gemstones. They most often are solid gold, tungsten, titanium, or silver. Wedding rings tend to be less sophisticated but still might feature diamonds or other precious stones.
Wedding rings are exchanged by the bride and groom during their wedding ceremony. Some wedding rings contain engravings on the inside, with the date of marriage or a short phrase that carries a special meaning to the bride and groom.
Another difference between a wedding ring and an engagement ring is the element of surprise. Because the wedding ceremony is something the couple plans together in advance, they most likely also choose their wedding rings together.
After getting married, some women choose to wear the wedding ring and engagement ring or only one or the other. The wedding ring is considered the ultimate metaphor for eternal love and should be closer to the wearer’s heart. Because of this belief, engagement rings are sometimes temporarily removed during the ceremony so that the wedding ring can be placed under it. Therefore, even though wedding rings can be worn with the engagement ring, they should always be placed under the wedding ring on the left hand.
Even if the newlyweds do not plan to wear them after the ceremony, wedding rings are still exchanged due to the symbolic aspect. A wedding ring’s design is a simple uninterrupted circle without a beginning or ending, symbolizing eternity and infinity. The hole through the ring signifies a doorway leading to their future lives together. Most importantly, the wedding ring is a symbol and statement to show the world that its wearer is married!
Contact Diamond Castle Jewelers for More Information
If you have any questions about the difference between a wedding ring and an engagement ring, let us know. You may also visit our Diamond Castle Jewelers website or step into our jewelry store in Novi, Michigan, to explore the wide selection of engagement and bridal rings we have in stock.
