Engagement Rings And Wedding Rings For Men
While it isn’t very common, men can wear engagement rings too. Traditions vary by country and culture when it comes to who, when, and how engagement and wedding rings are worn.
Men’s engagement rings vary significantly from women’s. Among the most popular styles are platinum eternity and diamond bands. Men’s wedding bands are usually chunkier for a manly appeal and they can also have a large center stone.
Similar to women, men are expected to wear their engagement and wedding rings on their left-hand ring finger.
Do You Need Both An Engagement Ring And Wedding Band
Whether you choose to wear an engagement ring and wedding band is totally up to personal preference. You can stick with tradition and wear both, or go your own way, making a choice that better suits your taste and priorities.
The traditional look is both an engagement ring and wedding band. This is a timeless combination usually an eye-catching diamond engagement ring next to a sleek and elegant wedding band.
Many, however, choose to wear just a single ring. If thats your preference, you should feel one hundred percent comfortable making that choice.
Some feel more comfortable wearing only one ring, rather than a stack of two rings. It also offers up less hassle in picking out an engagement ring and wedding ring that match.
Going with only one ring also makes sense for the budget-conscious. You and your partner can save money with only one purchase. You could even choose to put that money saved towards a more beautiful and expensive engagement ring.
Tradition dictates a bride wears two rings, but there is a growing trend towards single rings. Make the choice you are most comfortable with.
Pair With: Curved Wedding Band
A curved wedding band is the best wedding band for a solitaire engagement ring. This style fits around the engagement ring, framing it and making it appear even larger by adding sparkle and width. A notched wedding band is very similarinstead of curving around the outside edge of your engagement ring, the band has a small dip in the center that allows it to sit flush under the center stone. For maximum sparkle, add a curved wedding band on both sides of the engagement ring for a show-stopping trio.
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Band Size Related To Carat Size
There’s another common misconception that finger or ring size dictate how many carats the ring’s diamond should be. “This is a rumor.” says Lanore. “It’s not real. Whatever you enjoy seeing the most when you look down every dayâthat’s the right diamond size and shape for you.” Borochov concurs, saying some clients unnecessarily request smaller carats if their partners have small fingers. In the grand scheme of things, it simply comes down to personal preference. Carat size has no impact on ring size, nor should the ring size influence the carat.
Be Wary Of The Paper Technique
While you can wrap a thin piece of paper around your ring finger, keeping it close to your knuckle where an engagement ring would realistically hit , most experts agree this is not the most accurate measuring technique. If you do go this route, make sure not to wrap the paper too tight the makeshift ring should fit comfortably. Use a pencil to mark the spot on the paper where the ends overlap. Measure the length of the paper against a ruler and compare the measurement to the circumferences on the size guide for your ring size.
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Why Are Engagement Rings More Expensive Than Wedding Rings
Engagement rings are more expensive than wedding rings because they typically feature a large diamond along with other intricate details like milgrain or pave. Wedding rings are usually more simple in nature, such as a plain metal band or a pave band with small diamonds.
The average cost of an engagement ring in the U.S. is $6,350, but the price can range anywhere from $500 to $45,000 and more. Most couples spend between $1,000 and $5,000 on an engagement ring.
The average cost of a female wedding band is around $1,000 while the average cost of a male wedding band is $500.
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Why Are They Worn On The Left Hand
The ritual of wearing the engagement ring and wedding ring on the left-hand dates back to ancient Greece and Rome.
At the time, people believed that the fourth finger of the left hand has a vein connected to the heart. That vein was called Vena Amoris. Since people regarded the heart as the center of human emotions, wearing the rings on this finger is symbolic of their significant importance in a couples life.
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Rings On The Right Hand
How to wear your engagement ring and wedding band may be determined by the area you are living in, or the cultural traditions you are accustomed to. While wearing your rings on your left hand is common in many Western countries, you may see many couples wearing their rings on their right hands in Northern and Eastern European countries, such as Russia, Poland and Denmark. It is also common in India, Greece, Spain and Portugal. What’s more, in some countries, like Brazil, couples will wear their wedding rings on one hand and switch hands after saying their vows at their wedding.
Do You Really Need Both An Engagement & Wedding Ring
While an engagement ring is nice to have, there are no rules that say couples should have them. It all depends on your personal preference. Some people choose to propose without a ring and thats perfectly fine.
However, proposing marriage with a ring has become an important tradition in many cultures. The ring symbolizes the emotional commitment that their partner is willing to make for them.
Traditionally, a diamond engagement ring is given during the proposal. You should wear it throughout your engagement. And once you officially tie the knot, you wear a complementary band which is your wedding ring.
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Pair With: Pav Wedding Band
A pavé style is one of our favorite ways to pair your halo engagement ring with a wedding band. This option is great if you want to achieve maximum sparkle status. If youre feeling stuck in terms of how to pick a wedding band, pavé styles are a timeless choice and are generally flattering for most ring types.
How To Get Started
When it’s time to choose the bands to create your stack, there are a few things Sheffield suggests keeping in mind. The size and shape of your engagement ring will affect which bands you can stack, which is why she created her specialty Ceremonial Suites with ring stacking in mind. “For example, you could layer a marquise or pear-shaped ring with a compatible, pointy-shaped band, but those bands are also really interesting layered with a classic round diamond.”
She also notes that with ring stacks, it’s best to try them on in person. If this isn’t possible, her printable stacking guide makes it super easy to see how one of her nesting bands will look next to your engagement ring.
From adding bling to telling a story, layering multiple bands around your engagement ring really serves to put that milestone piece front and center.
Have questions about ring stacks? Here are answers to the most common ones.
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Engagement Ring Versus 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, former public relations director 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 the former public relations director for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds.
Pair With: Baguette Wedding Band
Glam brides, this style is for you. An eternity wedding band is oh-so opulent, which is why it’s the best wedding band for emerald cut engagement rings. An eternity band is made of stones that go all the way around the band and can feature emerald, princess, and asscher cuts. Choose a band with baguettes that are the same shape as the main stone on your engagement ring.
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What Is The Ring Finger
In many Western cultures, the ring finger is designated as the fourth finger on the left hand. The tradition of wearing a wedding ring on this digit originated from the belief that this finger has a vein running directly to the heart.
“Historically, wedding rings have been documented to be worn on every finger, even the thumb,” says jeweler Stephanie Selle. “Today, wedding rings are most commonly worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. But some countries including India, Germany, Spain, Norway, and Russia traditionally wear their wedding rings on their right hand.” Overall, it seems cultural traditions and norms set the standard for this custom. “It’s interesting that with all of the wedding traditions and trends that people decide to make their own in some way, the ring finger is one that most people keep,” notes Selle.
Meet the Expert
Stephanie Selle is a jeweler and jewelry history aficionado with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She is the owner of Washington-based With These Rings, a workshop specialized in helping couples forge their own rings.
Below, we delve into the intriguing story behind traditional ring finger placement and why you might choose to follow this custom. Plus, uncover other commonly asked questions and traditions behind engagement and promise rings.
BAILEY MARINER/BRIDES
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How To Guess Your Partner’s Size
Even though more people now seem to involve their partners in the engagement ring selection, some still want to maintain the element of surprise before a proposal. But, if you don’t know your significant other’s ring size, don’t fret. “It’s great to have someone on the inside,” says Lanore. “Talk to their mom or friends if they know about the proposal.” If you don’t have any resources, she recommends bringing a photo of your significant other where their hands are clearly visible to your jeweler. This visual of his or her hands can actually help them gauge a ring size range.
You can also try to base the measure off one of their current rings, but this isn’t always the most foolproof method. “Some customers think taking one of their girlfriend’s other rings will suffice, or even trace her ring on a piece of paper,” Borochov says. “But, most people don’t wear rings on their left ring finger until they get engaged, so the sizing will be off. Every finger is a little bit different.” If you’re completely clueless about your partner’s ring size, he advises turning to coworkers with similar frames and statures for a more accurate estimate.
No matter what, always try to go a few sizes up so the ring can at least fit on your partner’s finger for the proposal it really kills the mood if it’s too small to slip on. You can still surprise them, and simply bring it back to the jeweler later for resizing.
Your Ring Size Should Never Be Guessed
Your engagement ring will be a constant symbol of your marriage, long after your wedding day has passed. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you have an accurate measure of your ring size before your partner pops the question. Nothing is more disheartening than losing such a precious gem to the depths of your kitchen sink’s drain, or, on the other end of the spectrum, having it cut off your circulation. Here, our extensive guide on how to determine the perfect ring size for your engagement or wedding ring. Because ring sizing should never be a guessing game.
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We’re Uncovering The History Behind The Age
Sara Lobla
In This Article
“What finger does the wedding ring go on?” We’re willing to bet you’ve known the answer since you were a child. It’s pretty common for most people, particularly in the United States, to sport their wedding ring on the left ring finger. But why is the wedding ring worn on the “ring finger” in the first place? And do brides and grooms absolutely have to?
How To Get Professionally Measured
If you don’t trust your own judgement, don’t worry. You can always turn to a professional jeweler for an accurate engagement ring measurement . Borochov says to be wary of at-home measuring methods, anyway, as they aren’t always completely accurate. Most jewelers use sizing rings, a large keychain with a set of rings in each size that you can try on in-house to quickly determine the most reliable fit. The type of sizing rings vary by jeweler, though. Some jewelers will have a standard set, which tend to be thicker than the average women’s band size, and some jewelry shops will use sizing rings that more closely reflect their in-house designs and band widths. You can also buy your own for the same effect. Try to shop for rings from the same jeweler that sized you, or look to see if they have engagement ring styles similar to what you envisioned. This will help ensure that the size effectively translates onto your desired band. Keep the width of the sizing rings in mind, as well, since that could influence your band measurement.
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Find Your Engagement Ring And Wedding Band Set
When it comes to your wedding band, you want to wear a ring that really symbolizes your relationship and commitment to one another. Pairing a wedding band with an engagement ring centers your commitment even further, offering two rings that are as perfectly matched as you and your partner!
With so many options to choose from, you’ll easily be able to find the shape, cut, size and design that fits you best. Our selection of finely crafted center stones includes a wide range of favorites like brilliant round cut stones, opulent princess cut stones, luminous cushion cut stones and many other choices.
A top quality stone needs a setting to match, and thats why Modern Gents selection of engagement ring and wedding band sets also includes some of our most impressive ring designs. Each shines with multi-stone brilliance, with side stones perfectly placed in the ring shank to offer a magnificent complement for your center stone. For those seeking a truly extraordinary radiance, our halo engagement rings include a breathtaking ring of side stones set around the center.
We also offer several gorgeous choices of metal color for our high quality sterling silver rings. Get your ring plated in sumptuous yellow gold or trendy rose gold or go with the natural splendor of sterling silver on its own.
In What Order Should I Place Rings On My Ring Finger
If you’ve decided to wear your engagement and wedding rings on the same finger, you may be wondering about stacking. Married duos conventionally wear their wedding bands closest to their hearts, meaning they’re at the bottom of the stack, below the engagement ring and pushed towards the base of the knuckle. If you want to honor this on your wedding day, the most popular strategy is to switch over your engagement ring to your right hand just before you walk down the aisle. Now your spouse-to-be can slide the band right up your left finger. It can be topped off with the engagement ring during the ceremony, or later on. For added pragmatism, some brides opt to have their wedding and engagement rings soldered together into one unified piece. We love how this introduces an entirely new “marital bond” metaphor.
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