When thinking about a dream proposal and wedding, you may not know the difference between engagement rings vs wedding bands. According to customs, an engagement ring has a stone, and is more extravagant. It is what is presented during the proposal. A wedding ring is the band, either with or without stones, that is exchanged at the wedding ceremony. You would acquire each ring at different points and then join them together at your wedding, oftentimes symbolically trading from right hand to left hand.
The History Of Engagement Rings And Wedding Rings
Historically, men dictated the ring purchase because they were the financiers and rings represented a dowry. They were paying for every part of the wedding, including the rings, therefore they would be the ones picking them out.
However, in modern times, ladies generally lead the wedding plans (and even engagement plans in some cases), so the styles chosen for the engagement ring and wedding band depends more on what the bride wants.
Nowadays many couples discuss the prospect of engagement, and sometimes even the design of the rings. Some men do a bit of detective work and surprise their partners with a ring and a proposal all on their own using Pinterest Boards and by asking her friends for hints she may have dropped.
Some brides will keep the custom of having two rings and then wear both on the same finger, after getting married. Others choose to break tradition and wear each ring on separate hands, and some cultures prefer right hand over left for the ring stack.Three rings or more stacked together is another modern trend for a larger look but ultimately the choice is all up to you!
When To Choose An Engagement Ring
The timing for selecting an engagement ring really depends on each couple individually. Proposals happen after ten years or two weeks, love is love & there is no explaining it! On average most couples do decide to get married after two to five years, what’s most important is communication.
Do you want the proposal to be a surprise? Are you picking the ring together?
One thing is for sure though – there are alot of things to consider when shopping for an engagement, you’ll want to make sure to budget properly depending upon what she wants, the stone, the stone size, the band materials, and the overall ring style. You’ll also want to keep in mind the wedding band you’re going to choose and how both rings will look together. Especially if she will wear them stacked on the same finger, as is traditional.
Once you get closer to the actual ceremony, you can start scouting for your wedding ring. It is recommended to choose your wedding rings at least a couple of months before the ceremony. This allows for time for special orders or to make any adjustments.
In Summary
Ring shopping can sometimes be overwhelming or stressful, but it doesn’t need to be! At Ancona Jewelers, we offer services that will ease the ring shopping process for you. We have a large selection of engagement rings & wedding bands on hand for you to view, and if you don’t see exactly what you want, we offer custom design services.
Ancona Jewelers also is a full service repair jeweler with a Master Goldsmith on premises & we are proud to hand selected fine luxury jewelry, offer jewelry protection, warranties, appraisals, financing, and much more. Contact us today so that we can set you up with a timeless piece that you’ll cherish forever.