What’s the Difference? Engagement Ring and Wedding Band

Two precious pieces of jewelry, both denoting a similar thing but one must come before the other? One can be both? If you have ever wondered exactly makes an engagement ring distinct from a wedding band or vice versa, this blog is the one for you. Welcome back to Lonnie’s where we keep our customers and followers informed and educated about the jewelry industry as well as answering some of the frequently asked questions we receive. One of those questions is about the difference between engagement rings and wedding bands. While the term ‘wedding ring’ gets thrown around interchangeably in conversation it does not quite cover the truth. Ready to learn more? Read on!

Engagement Ring and Wedding Band

First, the similarities between the two. Both pieces of jewelry are, traditionally, worn on the ring finger of the left hand. They both are meant to symbolize the commitment, whether future or current of marriage. They are both made of precious metals but that’s about where it ends.

Engagement Ring

What separates an engagement ring from wedding band? Aside from coming first as a commitment to pursuing holy matrimony, the styling of engagement rings differs from wedding bands in a number of ways. Traditionally, the engagement ring is given to one partner, who is receiving the proposal. Typically, they will feature some gemstone, often a diamond, prominently displayed. Engagement rings themselves vary in extravagance. Following the marriage, some engagement rings are then worn as part of a wedding set, being paired with the wedding band. Speaking of wedding band…

Wedding Band

Wedding bands are given to both partners during the wedding ceremony, as an exchange of vows. Wedding bands meanwhile are typically simpler as compared to the engagement ring. They don’t feature a central diamond or gemstone that dominates the band. While the wedding band is simpler, for men it is often a simple band of gold or other precious metal, some jewelers create them in pairs with the engagement ring so that the two form a more extravagant whole.

While there is no universal rule for engagement rings or wedding bands, there are a wealth of traditions that they pull from and so long as it works for the two of you that is what matters.

When it comes to buying the engagement ring and wedding band, there are as many options as there are fish in the sea. When you are ready to find that perfect ring for you perfect someone, call us and together we can find the right fit. And if we can’t find it, we can make it.