A Symbol Of Unity: Wedding Band And Ring Joined

Wedding bands and engagement rings are often seen as a pair, or even as one ring, and many people want to keep them together as much as possible. There are several ways to do this, from wearing them on the same finger to having them soldered together. Some people prefer to wear the two rings separately, on different fingers or even different hands. Soldering is a popular option, but it does have its pros and cons. For example, soldering can reduce wear and tear on the rings, but it also means you always have to wear them together and can't mix and match with other bands. Ultimately, the decision of whether to join a wedding band and engagement ring together is a personal one and depends on factors such as lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

Soldering rings together

Soldering your wedding band and engagement ring together is a popular option for many brides. It is a process of connecting the metals of both bands to create one complete ring. While this option works well for some, it may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some detailed instructions on how to solder rings together, along with the pros and cons of doing so.

Instructions for Soldering Rings Together:

• Ensure that both rings match each other evenly.
• Use inside ring tweezers to hold the rings together from the inside while soldering.
• Fire coat the rings and attach the tweezers to your bench with the setting pointing downward, allowing you to use both hands freely.
• Flux the area where you want the solder to flow, typically the point where the two shanks touch at the centre of the back.
• Add a bit of easy solder to the seam created where the rings touch at the back of the shank.
• Gradually heat the rings and then focus the flame on the inside of the shanks to draw the solder through the seam, creating a strong bond. Add more solder if necessary.
• Check that the solder has flowed evenly and allow the rings to cool naturally.
• Pickle, rinse, and dry the ring.
• Redefine the seam between the shanks using a saw and recreate the contour of each shank with a barrette needle file and a triangle file.
• Finish by polishing and cleaning the ring to restore its original lustre.

Pros of Soldering Rings Together:

• Reduced Maintenance: Soldering reduces the need for frequent re-plating due to friction between the rings, resulting in less maintenance and cost over time.
• Comfortable Fit: Soldering prevents the rings from spinning or moving around on your finger, ensuring the centre stone stays centred and avoiding skin pinching between the rings.
• Perfect Alignment: The rings will always line up perfectly, satisfying those who prefer a neat and symmetrical look.

Cons of Soldering Rings Together:

• Limited Versatility: Soldering means you must always wear both rings together, reducing the option to mix and match bands or wear them separately for different occasions or activities.
• Potential Damage: If you decide to separate the rings later, there is a risk of damaging them in the process, which is a concern if you plan to pass them down as heirlooms.

Wearing rings separately

There are many reasons why you might want to wear your wedding band and engagement ring separately. Here are some of the most common ones:

Comfort

Wearing two rings can be uncomfortable for some people, especially if the rings are large or have intricate settings. Separating the rings can provide relief from this discomfort.

Style

Some people prefer the look of wearing their wedding band and engagement ring on different fingers or hands. This can create a unique, maximalist, or boho look that showcases each ring.

Safety

If you work with your hands or participate in activities where rings could be damaged or lost, you may want to keep your wedding band and engagement ring separate. This way, you can choose to leave one or both rings at home when necessary.

Flexibility

Wearing the rings separately allows you to mix and match with other pieces of jewellery. You can add different bands to your engagement ring over the years or wear your wedding band with other favourite rings.

Maintenance

When two different metal rings rub against each other, they can create friction, leading to wear and tear. Keeping the rings separate can reduce the need for frequent re-plating and save money in the long run.

Pros of soldering rings

There are several advantages to soldering your wedding band and engagement ring together. Here are some pros of soldering rings:

Increased Durability and Strength

Soldering your rings together can enhance their overall structural integrity. The process involves creating a strong bond between the metal rings, making them more resistant to everyday wear and tear. This reduces the need for maintenance and repairs over time.

Improved Aesthetics and Seamless Appearance

Soldering results in a visually appealing and cohesive piece of jewellery. The connection between the rings becomes virtually invisible, creating a polished and finished look. This seamless appearance is particularly desirable for bridal sets, symbolising unity and commitment.

Comfortable and Effortless Fit

Soldering prevents the rings from sliding around or spinning on your finger, which can be annoying and uncomfortable. It also eliminates the uncomfortable pinching sensation caused by two rings moving independently. Soldering creates a more natural fit, as if you were wearing a single ring.

Protection and Security

Soldering your rings together can help protect them from corrosion and damage caused by constant rubbing against each other. It also ensures that your rings stay in place, reducing the risk of losing them.

Convenience and Perfect Pairing

With soldered rings, you no longer have to worry about keeping your rings together or aligning them perfectly. They will always line up and match seamlessly, providing a stylish and effortless look.

While soldering has its benefits, it is important to consider the cons as well. Soldering is a permanent process, and separating the rings later can be challenging and may damage the rings. It also limits your ability to wear the rings separately or mix and match with other bands.

Cons of soldering rings

There are several disadvantages to soldering your wedding band and engagement ring together. Firstly, if you solder your rings, you will always have to wear them together. This may not fit your lifestyle or daily schedule, especially if your occupation requires you to wear only your wedding band for safety reasons. There may be times when you want to remove your engagement ring, but if it is soldered to your wedding band, you will have to leave that at home, too.

Secondly, soldering your rings together means you lose the versatility of being able to mix and match your bands. You won't be able to add different bands to your engagement ring or wear your wedding band with other favourite rings. You also won't be able to wear your engagement ring on your right hand and your wedding band on your left.

Lastly, there is a risk of damaging your rings if you decide to separate them after they have been soldered. This is something to consider if you want to pass down your rings as heirlooms.

Ring placement

There are many ways to wear your wedding band and engagement ring. Here are some options for ring placement:

Traditional Placement

The traditional option is to wear both rings on the ring finger of your left hand, with the wedding band closest to the heart, followed by the engagement ring.

Reverse Traditional Placement

You can also place the wedding band on top, so it sits above the engagement ring. Some people prefer this arrangement for romantic reasons, as it places the wedding band closer to the heart.

Separate Hands

You could wear your engagement ring on one hand and your wedding band on the other. This is a good option if you have diverse rings that can't be easily stacked, or if you simply prefer the look.

Separate Fingers

If you don't want the heaviness of multiple rings on one finger, you could separate them by wearing one on each ring finger, making them parallel.

Special Occasions Only

You could keep your engagement ring in a jewellery box and only wear it for important events. This way, you can keep your ring in excellent condition over time.

Soldering

You could ask a professional jeweller to solder your band and ring together into a single piece of jewellery. Many people enjoy the symbolism of this gesture, as the rings become unified in a similar way as a couple does through marriage. However, this process may not be fully reversible, so consider it carefully.

Frequently asked questions