Bands have figured prominently in betrothal and marriages since prehistoric times. As a matter of fact, it would be hard to imagine having an engagement and wedding without referring to bands. Due to their enduring presence, the use and purpose of wedding ring and engagement ring are often confounded 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. Simply, an engagement ring is the band given by the man to the woman prior to their marriage to signify the engaged status of their relationship. 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. Right after the wedding and for the years that would follow their marriage, the wedding and engagement bands are worn by the wife, while the man only wears the wedding ring since men does not necessarily need to wear an engagement ring.
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. Today though, it is no longer a requisite to have diamond engagement ring as other precious stones can also be used as central accents such as ruby, sapphire, and opal to name a few.
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. Though there are some cultures that place their wedding and engagement bands on the ring finger on the right hand.
Commonly, wedding and engagement bands are separately purchased. 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 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.
In general, wedding ring and engagement ring are two important jewelry pieces that symbolizes two of the most important stages in the relationship of couples""engagement and marriage. They vary greatly in terms of function, purpose and design. Regardless of these differences however, it remains a fact that these precious pieces are primarily based on the concept of undying love as seen from the round shape of the bands and their material makeup. They also serve as material seals that strengthen the symbolism and sentimentality of devotion of the couples.
Wedding ring and engagement ring differ greatly in appearance and function. An engagement ring is worn prior to the marriage to denote the engaged status of the couple. Traditionally engagement ring has center piece that's of fine diamond jewelry with round brilliant cut. Meanwhile, wedding bands are the ones exchanged by couples during wedding ceremonies to seal their marriage vows. Such ring is usually a plain band or designed to match the theme of the engagement ring but is simpler.
-Lorraine Jacobs
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