As for marriage, engagement rings and wedding rings are meaningful accessories that indicate love, affection, and union of two souls. But, unfortunately, a large number of people are still foggy on that aspect and they cannot pinpoint the principal distinctions between the two. It is significant to understand the difference between the two because both bands have meaning in the course of a couple before getting married. Let's now dig out the history, definitions, and types of these rings, the traditions and peculiarities of presenting them, their meaning, and trends of the current times.
Read More: Engagement Rings: Their Origin and Significance
Historical Background
Gold Ethereal Crown Diamond Ring The use of engagement rings is believed to have originated from the Romans where women wore rings as a sign that they were willing to get married. But, the lab grown diamond engagement ring in the contemporary sense came into light in the year 1477 when Archduke Maximillion of Austria presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring, an engagement ring. In the course of a few centuries, the use and the way of making engagement rings changed.
Wedding rings, however, have a more extended history; these originated from the ancient Egyptians. Circles, according to the Egyptians, meant eternity, and to this end, rings were exchanged among couples. This little tradition reached other parts of the world and for many years & it has been a feature of most wedding ceremonies.
Read More: Gold Rings: A Perfect Addition to Your Jewellery Collection
Definition and Purpose
Gold Crowning Diamond Ring
Engagement Ring: An engagement ring is a ring that is presented to the lady or the man to be proposed, all from the perspective of marriage. It symbolises the intention of marriage and it is usually worn on the ring finger of the fourth left hand. These bands are more beautiful and can have a single central stone, which is normally a diamond.
Wedding Ring: A Wedding ring is worn at the wedding and is handed from the groom to the bride signifying their marriage. The second ring is a less elaborate, encircling band and it is worn with the engagement ring on the same finger or instead of the engagement ring when wedded.
Read More: All You Need to Know About Engagement Ring Shopping
Design and Style
Engagement Ring: There are different types of engagement rings and these include; solitaire, halo, and three-stone setting. The diamond is traditional for the centerpiece, but other stones such as sapphire or emerald may also be used. Proposal rings can be very much customised- they come in different cuts, are placed in different settings, and often have engravings.
Wedding Ring: Traditionally, wedding bands do not seem as elaborate as engagement rings. Plain bands, diamond-set bands, or those that can be termed eternity bands where diamonds are set, or other stones, go around the ring. They are traditionally worn on the ring finger and are generally manufactured from yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or silver, and these are intended to be worn alongside engagement rings.
Read More: How to Choose the Perfect Gold Ring Based on Occasion
Who To, What, When, and How We Give
Engagement Ring: The engagement ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger and handed over during a marriage proposal, which usually is a surprise. This is the start of commitment in the relationship and it's a point at which they agree to get married.
Wedding Ring: Gifting of the wedding ring occurs when both husband and wife place the ring on one another’s finger following the saying of the vows. The opportunity to select the wedding rings in contrast to the engagement rings is selected not independently but together with the second half.
Cost and Budget Considerations
Engagement Ring: An engagement ring costs depending on the size, cut, clarity, and quality of the diamond or any other gemstone and the material and design of the ring. On average there is nothing cheap about engagement rings, they are relatively expensive ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands. This however means that the aspect of budgeting is very crucial also because the priority issues should be considered.
Wedding Ring: There is usually a difference in the cost of these two rings with wedding rings, normally being cheaper than engagement rings as they do not have much ado about them. The cost depends upon the type or kind of metal, for instance, gold or platinum, and/or if there are gemstone additions. Wedding rings are generally cheaper than engagement rings and many newlyweds set an even lower limit to this category of rings.
Symbolism and Emotional Significance
Engagement Ring: The engagement ring is a token of marriage and an assurance that the two will get married in the future. It gives emotions and hope of change in any relationship, which the proposal holds.
Wedding Ring: Wedding rings as one of the parts of the marriage ceremony represent love and the couple’s togetherness. They symbolise the promises that are said during the church wedding and the constant loyalty of both partners. The exchange of wedding rings gives the marital union an emotional responsibility that cements the union.
Trends and Modern Variations
Modern-day engagement rings have new trends of oval diamonds, coloured gemstones, and old traditional designs. Another trend is the use of additional ornamentation on the rings which can be made according to individuality. While selecting a wedding band, couples nowadays prefer something exclusive.
Groomwear wedding bands are also experiencing new trends and people are going for stackable bands, mixed metal sets, and sleek. Some people choose unconventional metals such as tungsten or titanium for the rings; or even no rings at all in the conventional sense, and instead use inscribed rings, typically tattooed.
Start Your Forever with GIVA’s Wedding & Engagement Rings
If you know the real significance of an engagement ring as well as a wedding ring, you will know the value of GIVA’s wedding & engagement ring collection. We make sure that both rings are different in design, style, and elegance that express their symbolic importance. You can choose to express your love and commitment to your beloved through our gold & silver rings collection.
