Articles

Bands have been well acknowledged in betrothals and marriages since ancient times. As a matter of fact, it would be hard to imagine having an engagement and wedding without referring to bands. Because of their long lingering presence, wedding ring and engagement ring are often confused with each other. But, it should be taken into account that though these jewelry pieces are commonly seen among married women, they profoundly differ from each other in many aspects.

To further outline the differences between wedding ring and engagement ring, it would be logical to start with their individual functions. Basically, an engagement ring is purchased or given by the man to the woman as an indication of their engaged status. 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 wedding and engagement bands, many couples prefer investing on engagement 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, engagement bands have protruding center stones usually 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. The wedding and engagement bands are both worn on the left finger between the index and pinkie as tradition has it that the said finger holds the vein that is connected directly to the heart which is referred to as the vena mori. But, this is not always the case as there are cultures that place their wedding and engagement bands on the right hand.

Wedding and engagement bands are usually purchased separately from each other. 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 decide to purchase these pieces separately, always put in mind that you would be using them daily, so when it comes to the shape of the gemstone especially for the engagement ring choose the ones that would suit your lifestyle. Diamond might be naturally hard, but if it has pointy edges or is protruding on the ring it is more likely to chip or break off due to over usage; in such case, it would be more preferable to purchase wedding and engagement bands that have embedded round brilliant cut gemstones to ensure that they will last for a lifetime.

Generally, wedding ring and engagement ring are important pieces that represent two important stages in a couple's relationship, the engagement and marriage. They indeed have distinct qualities that sets them apart from each other. 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.