Are Wedding Rings the Same as Engagement Rings?

This is one of those questions that you may feel like you should intuitively know the answer, or may even feel a little sheepish about asking, and that’s okay, but this is a very common question and one of our favorite topics to educate and inspire couples on!

Read on to learn more about what makes engagement rings and wedding rings so special when you’ve begun the process of making that special person, your forever person!

Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are the first piece of jewelry that is purchased, prior to popping the question or in collaboration with your betrothed. It’s the symbol of the intention of your commitment, and it’s also a symbol worn in commemoration of the fact that your special person has received and accepted your proposal and promise for the future. While less popular in recent days than in years past, an engagement ring can also be a sign to the outside world that you are “taken” or at least taken off the market!

Diamond engagement rings are the most classic choice, with a single stone or sometimes more. But in recent years, different stones have come on trend as custom engagement rings increase in popularity! Look for lab-grown diamonds, emeralds, morganite, sapphires, and more, with different materials and designs, and settings to reflect the uniqueness of your love and relationship.

Engagement rings can also typically be more elaborate and ornate, as they are not as likely to be worn every day as a wedding ring. But this is not always the case, so make sure you read on to learn more about bridal sets!

Your engagement ring can be thought of as the flagship at the beginning of the life you are building together, the grand announcement, the fireworks, or the full-page ad that you take out to shout your intentions from the rooftops. Picking out or designing an engagement ring is a very exciting and wonderful occasion, as you get ready to start your love journey together.

Wedding Rings

Wedding rings have been worn for centuries, and are to this day still more likely to be less ornate and flashy than engagement rings, due to the fact that they are intended to be worn daily on your hand as a reminder and celebration of your commitment to each other, for life!

Wedding bands can be purchased at the same time as engagement rings, but they are sometimes purchased separately after the engagement has taken place. In the past, a simple gold band was the most common choice, but as time has progressed wedding rings have become more personalized, and exquisite. Some wedding rings sport solitaire diamonds, multiple stone settings, semi-precious or precious stones, or no stones at all. The bands can be made of yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, and more.

The skies are the limit, as your love story is yours, and yours alone. Wedding rings however should be selected with the “forever” principle in mind, as some settings and stones will not stand up to daily wash, wear, tear, love and life.

Bridal Sets

Many couples love the concept of a matching bridal set, and it’s easy to see why! When you choose a bridal set, you get a pair of rings (look for coordinating groom’s bands as well!) that are designed to complement each other throughout your wedding journey.

The engagement ring in the set will be designed to stand alone as the showpiece it is, then on your wedding day, it will either nest perfectly or complement the wedding band. Some bridal sets are designed to be joined together by a jeweler after the wedding, and some are not, but one thing is for sure, there are so many beautiful options to choose from, and we can’t wait to become a part of your forever ever after!

Learn more about engagement and wedding rings from the experts at Grogan Jewelers by Lon!