Wedding and engagement rings are two of the most symbolic pieces of jewelry you will ever wear. These rings mark important steps in your love life and are carriers of memories and promises. But what really is the difference between a wedding ring and an engagement ring? What characteristic features distinguish them? And how do you find the perfect pair? In this guide, we'll go over everything you need to know about wedding and engagement rings, as well as how to best match them.
What is the difference between a wedding and an engagement ring?
Many people often confuse the terms, but there is a fundamental difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring. An engagement ring is the ring that is usually given in a proposal, as a sign that you want to spend the rest of your life with your partner. It is often a simpler plain or patterned ring without a stone, but in recent years a more prominent and detailed ring, with a sparkling stone in the center has become more and more in demand.
On the other hand, the wedding ring is the ring that is exchanged during the actual wedding ceremony. It formally marks that you are now husband and wife. Wedding rings tend to be for one party in a design where a diamond takes center stage, but it can also complement the engagement ring by sitting close to it but the same height and width. In this way, the rings blend together in a tasteful and harmonious way. Here, too, we see a tendency towards the traditional trend of completely matching rings, the desire for it to be asymmetrical, round ring rail matched with a slightly more angular full ring or an eye-catching solitaire.
What characterizes a wedding ring?
Wedding rings are known for their simplicity and symbolism. They are usually made of precious metals such as gold, platinum, palladium or silver and are often engraved with special dates, initials, symbols or short messages. Since the wedding ring is an eternal promise, it is common for it to have a timeless design that can be worn for a lifetime. Alliance rings and plain rings are some of the most traditional choices when it comes to wedding rings. But of course you can also choose a more eye-catching ring, such as a solitaire ring with an impressive diamond. Some couples choose to engrave their vows on the inside of the ring to make it even more personal and meaningful.
What characterizes an engagement ring?
Engagement rings have traditionally often been of a simpler nature, but now the demand for glamor and elegance is increasing and you can choose a stunning gemstone as the focus. It is also common for the gemstone to be surrounded by smaller gemstones or details that give the ring extra sparkle.
Engagement rings come in a variety of styles and shapes, from classic to modern, and can be customized to suit your personal style. Examples of increasingly popular engagement rings are solitaire rings, halo rings and side stone rings. Having said that, however, it is up to everyone to choose a ring that they like and will be happy with for the rest of their lives.
Matching wedding and engagement rings
Many couples choose to match their wedding and engagement rings to create a harmonious unit. This usually means that the rings have similar design elements, choice of metal and details. Schalins offers a wide range of matching ring sets for you as a couple to match each other, but also matching sets that are tailored for wedding and engagement rings.
One or two wedding rings?
A common question many couples ask is whether they should have one or two rings at the wedding. The answer is that it is entirely up to you. Some couples choose to have only one ring - usually a wedding ring - while others prefer to have both an engagement ring and a wedding ring. The important thing is that the rings carry the meaning you feel for them and that they represent your love in a way that feels meaningful to you.
Schalins is proud to offer a wide range of the highest quality wedding and engagement rings. We understand the importance of these symbolic pieces of jewelry and are here to help you find the perfect pair that will accompany you on your life journey together. Whether you choose to have one or two rings, each ring is created with love and care to be part of your love story.