If your partner surprised you with an ideal engagement ring, you may be questioning whether you really need to add another piece of jewelry to your fourth finger once you’re married. After all, if you adore your engagement ring so much, is there a need for a wedding band, or can you simply keep wearing your engagement ring on its own after you’ve exchanged vows?
The concise answer: This choice is entirely up to you! To assist you in determining what suits your personal preferences best, we outlined the distinctions between engagement rings and wedding bands—along with suggestions on how to wear both pieces after the big day. Continue reading for more insights.
At its core, an engagement ring is a piece of jewelry presented to an individual during a marriage proposal or, if not, at an early stage of the engagement. It usually features one prominent stone, which may either stand alone or be surrounded by smaller stones. In contrast, a wedding ring is traditionally a simple metal band or a diamond-encrusted eternity band that you receive during the vow exchange in the wedding ceremony.
Historically, only women received engagement rings, while both partners exchanged wedding bands, but this has evolved over the past decade. Now, an increasing number of retailers offer gender-neutral engagement ring choices, although either partner should feel free to select any style of jewelry they desire; there’s no reason to wait for a wedding band if you want to wear a ring immediately.
It’s also important to point out that there tends to be a notable price difference between engagement rings and wedding rings. Even if a wedding band includes inlaid diamonds or other gemstones, its total carat weight is generally lower than that of an engagement ring, making it less expensive.
Do You Need Both an Engagement Ring and Wedding Ring?
In the end, this boils down to your personal taste. If you appreciate the classic appearance of an engagement ring paired with a wedding band, then yes, you should wear both. Whether you’re adding an eternity band adorned with pavé diamonds or a basic metal band, combining a wedding ring and engagement ring presents a timeless and lovely look (not to mention, serves as a public announcement that you’ve officially tied the knot). Recent trends also indicate that many newly married individuals enjoy wearing multiple rings, with brides even choosing to stack three (or more!) bands, often incorporating various metals and styles.
Of course, it’s absolutely acceptable if you prefer to wear just a single ring to symbolize both your engagement and your future marital status. Here are several practical reasons why some brides choose to wear one ring:
- A single ring can be more comfortable and less cumbersome than a combination of a wedding band and engagement ring, and it can truly be stunning on its own.
- It’s one less ring to be concerned about losing, which is crucial if you tend to be a little forgetful.
- You won’t need to worry about finding two rings that perfectly match. Sometimes, it can be challenging to discover a wedding band that complements your engagement ring if they aren’t bought as a set.
- The money that would typically go towards both an engagement ring and a wedding band can instead be used for a single, eye-catching ring.
How to Wear Your Engagement and Wedding Ring
For those deciding to wear both rings, tradition suggests that you wear your engagement ring and wedding ring together on the fourth finger of your left hand. Regarding stacking them, tradition also recommends that the wedding band be worn inside the engagement ring, so it’s closer to your heart.
That said, some brides are opting to go against tradition and wear their engagement ring on one hand and their wedding band on the other, especially if the rings are distinct and cannot be easily stacked.
The conclusion? There’s no definitive right or wrong when it comes to choosing, designing, or wearing engagement and wedding rings. Whatever you decide, ensure it holds lasting significance for you for many years ahead.
How to Take Care of Your Engagement Ring
It’s essential to recognize that your engagement ring holds significant value, which is why properly caring for it should be a priority. After all, you might have spent considerable time and effort envisioning your ideal ring; now that it’s a cherished part of your everyday life, you’ll want to keep it looking stunning for years ahead.
If you’re uncertain about how to maintain your ring, don’t worry—we have suggestions for you. From avoiding certain harsh chemicals to effective storage solutions, here are a few essential engagement ring care tips that everyone should consider.
Obtain Insurance
“Insurance is essential to safeguard your financial investment in case your ring is lost, stolen, or damaged,” explains jewelry designer Sylvie Levine. “It’s equally important to have your jewelry appraised every five years since the value of diamonds and precious metals tends to rise. If you were to misplace something that was appraised a decade ago, the insured amount would likely be significantly lower than its current replacement cost.”
Avoid Taking Off Your Ring in Public
Washing your hands is crucial in a public restroom, but try not to take off your engagement ring while doing so. The risk of leaving your ring on the sink ledge or accidentally dropping it down the drain is far too high.
Don’t Touch the Center Stone
If you’re looking to maintain your diamond engagement ring, keep your hands off the center stone. “Diamonds and other precious gemstones attract dust, dirt, and oil from your skin,” advises Taylor Lanore, a former diamond consultant and ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds. “When you’re putting on or removing your ring, grasp the band on either side of the stone rather than the stone itself. If your stone appears dull or unclear, it’s likely because something is trapped beneath it.”
Always Clean Your Ring
“Using random home cleaners to wash your gemstones is not advised,” says LA-based jeweler Susan Foster of Susan Foster Jewelry. “While Elizabeth Taylor famously cleaned her 33.19-carat Krupp diamond ring with hot water, a toothbrush, and gin, I recommend taking your beloved engagement ring to a professional jeweler for a proper steam cleaning.”
Obtain Insurance
“Insurance is essential to safeguard your financial investment in case your ring is lost, stolen, or damaged,” explains jewelry designer Sylvie Levine. “It’s equally important to have your jewelry appraised every five years since the value of diamonds and precious metals tends to rise. If you were to misplace something that was appraised a decade ago, the insured amount would likely be significantly lower than its current replacement cost.”
Avoid Taking Off Your Ring in Public
Washing your hands is crucial in a public restroom, but try not to take off your engagement ring while doing so. The risk of leaving your ring on the sink ledge or accidentally dropping it down the drain is far too high.
Don’t Touch the Center Stone
If you’re looking to maintain your diamond engagement ring, keep your hands off the center stone. “Diamonds and other precious gemstones attract dust, dirt, and oil from your skin,” advises Taylor Lanore, a former diamond consultant and ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds. “When you’re putting on or removing your ring, grasp the band on either side of the stone rather than the stone itself. If your stone appears dull or unclear, it’s likely because something is trapped beneath it.”
Always Clean Your Ring
“Using random home cleaners to wash your gemstones is not advised,” says LA-based jeweler Susan Foster of Susan Foster Jewelry. “While Elizabeth Taylor famously cleaned her 33.19-carat Krupp diamond ring with hot water, a toothbrush, and gin, I recommend taking your beloved engagement ring to a professional jeweler for a proper steam cleaning.”
Take Off Your Ring During Hands-On Tasks
“It’s important to remove your ring during any activities that require using your hands (yes, yogis, avoid downward dog while wearing your engagement ring),” Lanore advises. “Refrain from gardening, washing dishes, moving furniture, and exercising while wearing an engagement ring. Of course, you can apply these guidelines based on your own judgment.”
Make Appointments for Regular Maintenance With Your Jeweler
“It’s crucial to arrange maintenance appointments with your jeweler at least once a year to ensure that the prongs are secure, the diamond is stable, and there are no minor cracks in the shank,” suggests Foster. “Regular overall maintenance is essential.”
Schedule a Pre-Wedding Professional Cleaning
With the wedding approaching, Lanore suggests this is the ideal time to have your wedding bands cleaned by a jeweler. “Your jeweler will use steamers and sonic cleaners, so make the most of those resources for your wedding day photos.” Just wait to wear them until your wedding day to keep them looking ultra-clean and sparkling.
Place Ring Dishes Around Your Home
“I suggest keeping a small ring dish on your bedside table, one beside the bathroom sink, and another in the kitchen,” Lanore advises. “Your home is certainly the safest spot to take off your ring, but be careful not to get into the habit of removing it in public.”
Have Your 14K White Gold Professionally Cleaned
If you own a 14K white gold engagement ring, “over time, your setting may begin to appear slightly worn, but you can restore its brand-new look by taking it to your jeweler for rhodium plating,” says Lanore. “Every scratch on the surface of 14K white gold removes some of the white gold, which can lead to a yellowish tone over time. Fortunately, this is a simple problem that your jeweler can help you with.”
Avoid Ring Envy
Every bride envisions her perfect engagement ring differently. Once you have that beautiful stone on your finger, refrain from comparing your ring to others. An engagement ring represents the love and commitment between a couple, not a symbol of status.