Wedding Ring And Engagement Ring: Similarities And Differences
Bands have been well acknowledged in betrothals and marriages since ancient times. In fact, it would be hard to carry on an engagement and wedding without the presence of bands. Due to their long history, the use and functions of wedding ring and engagement ring are often intermingled 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.
To further outline the differences between wedding ring and engagement ring, it would be logical to start with their individual functions. To simply put it, an engagement ring is given by the man to the woman prior to their marriage in order to signify that they are bound to be married. 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. Today however, aside from diamond engagement bands, couples can also incorporate other precious stones like ruby, sapphire and opal in place of diamond as the central stone as they are inexpensive but also good in quality and design.
Meanwhile, wedding ring is the exact opposite of engagement ring in terms of design and finish as it is often plain and simple, or sometimes appear as less accentuated with gemstones. However, couples could also use fine diamond jewelry for their wedding bands if they wish, though this isn’t a usual practice as the plain appearance of the wedding ring is said to be resonant of 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.
Usually, wedding and engagement bands are purchased separately. They could also be purchased as a set; hence, some wedding bands are as intricately designed as the engagement bands they come with. If you would be purchasing these bands separately, always try to consider that you would be using them on a daily basis, so when you are to pick each piece select the shape of the gemstone that would complement your lifestyle. Diamond may be hard, but it is most likely to chip off or break especially if its edges are pointed; it would be more appropriate to pick bands that have round brilliant cut stones embedded in them as they are more likely to last longer.
Overall, no other jewelry best represents engagement and marriage than the wedding ring and the engagement ring. They vary greatly in terms of function, purpose and design. Setting aside their differences though, what is apparent is that they share the same concept of undying love and commitment, apparently shown from their round shape that has no beginning and no end as well as the materials used to develop them. They also serve as material seals that reinforces the symbolic meaning and sentimentality of devotion.
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
