Vrai Medium Round Eternity Band
VRAI
When shopping for an eternity band that stacks well with other ring designs, choosing a size that makes a statement without overpowering is key. We love this medium style from VRAI because its that perfect in-between of dainty and chunky, which would allow you to mix and match with other styles or wear it solo while still making a statement.
Metal Type: Platinum, 14K rose gold, 18K white or yellow gold| Carat Weight: 2 ct | Sizes: 3-14
Engagement Ring Vs Wedding Ring
Traditional engagement rings typically have one dominant stone, which either stands alone or is surrounded by additional smaller stones. An engagement ring is usually given as part of the proposal, or if not, at an early point in the engagement.
By contrast, a wedding ring is traditionally a plain metal band or a diamond-encrusted eternity band that you receive when you exchange your vows during the wedding ceremony and wear from then on. Typically, there’s also a fairly significant price difference between engagement rings and wedding rings even if the wedding band has inlaid diamonds or other gemstones, their total carat weight is generally less than that of the engagement ring.
You can, of course, throw tradition out the window. According to Taylor Lanore, a diamond consultant and engagement ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds, brides are having more of a say in the choice and design of their rings. And not only are they parting with tradition, but they’re opting to diversify their engagement and wedding ring selections. “People are doing whatever they want, and wedding bands offer the opportunity to have more flair,” she says.
Meet the Expert
Taylor Lanore is a diamond consultant and engagement ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds.
When The Match Counts
The easiest way to match the engagement ring and wedding band is to purchase a set thats been designed to go together. These bridal sets are found at many jewelry stores. A bridal set on the ring finger looks thoughtful, finished and elegant. For a matched look that includes the groom, consider trio sets, which have a matching engagement ring and wedding band for her, and a complementing band for him.
You can absolutely match a wedding band to an engagement ring without purchasing a designed-to-match set. It just takes a little bit of savvy.
One of the easiest ways to create a match is to look for a matching style to the engagement ring:
- A vintage-inspired wedding band to go with a vintage-inspired engagement ring.
- A classic solitaire ring with a classic band.
- Perhaps a knife-edge band with a contemporary ring.
What is key is that the bands be similar in width. A wide wedding band could overwhelm a smaller engagement ring and vice versa. Think about the rings in terms of proportion.
If the engagement ring has engraving on it, then you want the same engraving style, one thats very similar or none at all. A different engraving style could clash with the engagement ring.
If you want color diamonds and/or gemstones in your wedding band, make sure they match with the colors of the stone or stones in the engagement ring. A wedding band with pink and yellow diamonds is not going to work with a white diamond and tanzanite engagement ring. Trust us!
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Engagement Ring Vs Wedding Ring: Do You Need Both
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So, your partner chose the perfect engagement ringa big “congratulations!” is in order. But what’s really the difference between engagement rings and wedding rings? And, if you love your engagement ring so much, do you really need to get a coordinating wedding band to match? Or can you simply wear your engagement ring after you’re married instead? Also, can you ever wear one of your rings on the opposite ring finger? Let’s get these engagement ring vs. wedding ring etiquette questions answered, once and for all.
How Should You Wear Your Engagement And Wedding Rings
Traditionally, and in most cultures, your engagement ring and wedding ring are worn together on the same finger commonly known as the ring finger. Its the fourth finger on your left hand, right next to your pinky. The wedding ring is placed on the finger first so that it resides closest to your heart, with the engagement ring following on the outside.
Exchanging rings as symbols of love is believed to have originated in Egypt. They believed that the vein in the fourth finger ran directly to the heart, strengthening the pledge of love and commitment. Romans adopted this tradition, spreading the practice throughout Europe, thus becoming the basis for the U.S. tradition. In reality, theres no such vein, but the symbolism and tradition remain strong.
As most people have preferred to wear these two rings together, bridal sets that are specially designed to match and wear well together are popular choices when planning for both rings.
This ensures the rings will sit nicely on your finger next to one another without unnecessary rubbing or even scratching of metal by stones. For some, they may choose to solder their two rings together to prevent movement and twisting around the finger making the rings misaligned.
Weve worked with clients to create an engagement ring and wedding ring set that are perfectly matched in style and format, while other clients prefer their rings to have a bit of contrast, whether by mixing metals or styles.
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What Is A Wedding Ring Set
Couples often get caught up in choosing the perfect engagement ring, but what about the wedding ring? Sure, the engagement ring is the spotlight, but a wedding ring illuminates it.
Wedding sets are a pair of rings including the engagement ring and wedding ring. There are several options with wedding ring sets: buy an engagement ring and propose, then choose a matching wedding ring together. Or, you can buy a wedding ring set, and the bride-to-be can wear the engagement ring during the engagement. During the marriage ceremony, the bride and groom exchange rings and the wedding ring joins the engagement ring on the brides ring finger.
There is major buyer appeal to wedding ring sets. Namely, a complimentary wedding ring makes an engagement ring look brighter, more brilliant and bigger. Wedding ring sets also solve the problem of deciding between a wedding ring vs. engagement ring. The appeal of buying a matching wedding ring set is that they go together perfectly, just like you and your significant other. Or, perhaps, perfectly imperfect.
Should your wedding ring and engagement ring be the same size? Definitely. Otherwise, there is risk of the rings rubbing against one another and damaging each other, or irritating the skin.
Cant make up your mind? Choose a set and youll have the choice to wear your wedding ring one day, your engagement ring the next, or both at the same time.
Can Men Wear Engagement Rings
A: Of course! Although men dont traditionally receive engagement rings in western cultures, the practice is not unheard of. Ed Sheeran, for example, wore a silver band on his left ring finger while engaged to his now wife, Cherry Seaborn. When asked about it he said, I never saw why men didnt wear engagement rings. Its the same commitment either way. Other celebrities who sported mens engagement rings including Skylar Astin, Michael Bublé, and professional wrestler David Otunga.
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Brilliant Earth Delicate Antique Scroll Eternity Diamond Ring
Brilliant Earth
If vintage-inspired is more your style, this is the perfect selection for you. With its scroll-like band details and pavé settings, the details of this ring alone make it feel like a family heirloom passed down for generations.
Metal Type: Platinum, 18K white or yellow gold, 14K rose gold| Carat Weight: 1/15, 2/5 ct | Sizes: 3-9 | Clarity: SI1
Where Did The Tradition Of Wedding Rings And Engagement Rings Come From
Before the late 15th century, engagement rings and wedding rings were one and the same. Wearing a wedding ring is a tradition dating back to antiquity when people foraged the land and made rings out of plants.
As humanity evolved, so too did the standard for engagement rings. Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, broke tradition by gifting his fiancée, Mary of Burgundy, a coveted diamond engagement ring. The gift went down in history as the first official diamond engagement ring.
The trend swept through Europe and made its way to America. Still, diamond engagement rings were not the status quo until centuries later. After the roaring 20s came the worlds largest economic blow: the Great Depression. As far as diamonds go, the jewelers shelves were getting quite dusty. How in 70 years did diamonds go from dust collectors to the standard engagement ring center stone? With an exceptional, but destructive, slogan.
20th-century couples were the first generation to meet the De Beers diamond marketing campaign. As of 1947, a tidal shift occurred in the engagement ring market with the famous slogan, A diamond is forever.
In the 21st-century, rising environmental and social issues are shifting the market toward conflict-free, lab grown diamondsdiamonds that are timeless, more affordable, better for the environment because they are not mind and made to last through generations.
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How To Pair Your Engagement Ring With A Wedding Band
Because youre likely to be wearing both of them together on your left-hand finger, its nice to have an engagement ring and a wedding ring that complement each other.
Many people think that engagement and wedding rings should have matching metals. Well, not really. Feel free to mix and match colors and designs. Be creative!
However, if you don’t want a gap between your two rings, choose a classic style of wedding band. For engagement rings, round-cut stones are extremely versatile and work well with any type of band.
Difference Between A Wedding Ring And Wedding Band
Actually, there is none. A wedding band is just another term for a wedding ring. Its the ring both bride and groom exchange s at the wedding ceremony. These rings are symbols of love and unity, and theyre supposed to be closest to the heart. The terminology is interchangeable.
The bride will wear her engagement ring on top of the wedding ring. And maybe for some practical reasons, too its more likely that shes going to take off the engagement ring every now and then.
There may be differences between the wedding rings for men and women. Men usually dont like too many ornaments. Their rings are simple metal bands in most cases, sometimes with the wedding date engraved on the inside. Women may prefer a few more details on their rings, like a diamond channel set. They also look for wedding rings that match their engagement ring.
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Do I Need An Engagement Ring And A Wedding Band
The answer is no, its really up to you and what you and your partner decide when shopping for an engagement ring and wedding band. With the skyrocketing costs of weddings venue, dress, photographers, caterers, etc. some couples feel the pressure of budgeting their nuptials. They may, while still dating, discuss the possibility of leaving out the engagement ring from the marriage equation and opting for simple wedding bands instead. Thankfully, this drastic step isnt a necessity: affordable, gorgeous options like Nexus Diamond alternative stones, ensure that timeless engagement ring style and a once-in-a-lifetime wedding dont need to be mutually exclusive. While the commitment within a marriage is no less binding with one ring rather than two, remember that an engagement ring isnt just a lifetime promise its a sparkling touchstone for the deep love you share with one another.
If the style of the traditional engagement ring, with its large, showy center stone, is the issue, there are many that are modest and elegant as well. Consider a stacked band design that allows the wearer to show off as many or as few gems as they like. Another unique option is a slender band with a gypsy-set stone flush to the surface of the precious metal: this style stays unobtrusive, offers a hint of sparkle, and wont snag on hair, clothes or hosiery if the wearer is very active.
Should You Buy A Wedding Ring Or An Engagement Ring First
Well, I would say it depends on individuals.
Speaking strictly from a practical point of view, I recommend that you only buy the engagement ring if you arent sure whether she will say yes to your proposal.
On the other hand, if you and your partner had already discussed marriage beforehand and you are confident that shell agree to the proposal, it makes sense to get the wedding ring at the same time as the engagement ring.
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Whats The Difference Between An Engagement Ring And A Wedding Ring
A: Despite the terms being used somewhat interchangeably, each ring signifies different milestones. There are a few differences between an engagement ring and a wedding ring, including design, placement and price-point, but the main difference between the two is when each ring is given. An engagement ring is typically given at the time of a proposal and a wedding ring is commonly given when a couple exchanges marriage vows. Couples will frequently buy matching wedding ring sets so they can have similar ring styles to signify their union. However, its becoming more and more common for couples to buy wedding bands that reflect their own individual styles without worrying about coordinating with their spouse.
Its All Up To Your Preferences
Whether the proposal happened out of the blue or the groom decided to be all traditional and ask the girls father for her hand, the question about the rings remains. Should you get both an engagement and a wedding ring? Can the engagement ring be used instead of a wedding band?
Its a good thing that there are no strict rules about it, and today, it all depends on what the future husband and wife want. You get to choose if you want the classic diamond engagement ring and a simple gold wedding band, a bridal set, matching wedding rings or none of it.
The commitment and love will always be in your heart, not your hand, anyway.
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Understand The Diamond Basics
Having a solid understanding of the four Cs will help you make an educated decision on a diamond. The quality and beauty of each diamond can differ dramatically.
Here is our general recommendation for each of the four Cs. You can read our full guides for more information on each area.
- Cut: Only choose an Excellent or Ideal cut diamond to ensure your stone offers the most brilliance and fire. Cut is the number one decider of a diamonds beauty.
- Color: Opt for a diamond in the nearly colorless range of G-I. To the naked eye, the diamond will appear just as colorless as a diamond in the D-F range but will cost far less.
- Clarity: A VS1 or VS2 Clarity usually offers the best value for what can be seen with the naked eye. Inclusions and blemishes are not noticeable at these grades.
- Carat: Because beauty and sparkle matter most, focus on purchasing a beautifully cut diamond rather than a certain carat weight. Once youve determined your grades for the other three Cs, find the largest carat that still fits within your budget.
You can also use our 1 carat diamond ring buying guide to help with your engagement ring purchase. You can also check out our average engagement ring size article if you arent sure what size to get.
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