Junior Rasmussen
There is no proper way to bind your wedding band and engagement ring, and many couples are making their own traditions. That said, there are some historical traditions that may inspire your decision. In a standard American engagement and marriage, the bride will wear her engagement ring on her left hand's ring finger first, from the time of the proposal until the wedding. Then, after the wedding, she will also add the wedding ring to her left ring finger. The wedding ring sits closest to the body, between the hand and the engagement ring. This process is easiest with a plain wedding band that will not interfere with the engagement ring's design. If you want to avoid the spinning of your rings, you can consider soldering them together, but this will make it difficult to wear them separately.
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What You'll Learn
Soldering your rings together
Soldering your wedding band and engagement ring together is a common choice for many couples. The process involves melting a filler metal to fuse the two rings together, creating a strong bond that is more resistant to everyday wear and tear. Soldering can help to prevent your rings from sliding around and preserve the metal, reducing the need for maintenance. It also creates a seamless, visually appealing look and can enhance the structural integrity of the rings. Additionally, soldering can be a symbolic representation of the couple's unity and unbreakable bond.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before soldering your rings. Firstly, soldering is irreversible, and it can be challenging to separate the rings without causing damage. This may be a concern if you anticipate wanting to wear the rings separately or if there is sentimental value attached to each individual ring. Soldering may also limit your ability to wear multiple rings on the same finger or to mix and match your jewellery. If you work with your hands, play sports, or travel frequently, you may prefer to have the option to wear just your wedding band at times.
Before soldering, it is important to ensure that the engagement ring and wedding band have equal inside diameters so that they line up correctly. If your rings are already on the tight side, you may need to have them sized up slightly before soldering. It is recommended to consult a professional jeweller to perform the soldering to ensure the best results and minimise the risk of damage.
While soldering can be a practical and symbolic choice, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Consider your personal preferences, lifestyle, and the sentimental value of your rings to determine if soldering is the right choice for you.
Overall, soldering your wedding band and engagement ring together can provide both functional and symbolic benefits, creating a unified symbol of your love and commitment.
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Choosing a metal type
When choosing a metal type for your wedding band and ring, it's important to consider your and your partner's needs and priorities. The metal type can impact the ring's durability, appearance, weight, comfort, and cost. Here are some popular metal options for wedding bands and rings:
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is a classic and traditional choice for wedding bands and engagement rings, dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome. It is available in different karatages, such as 10k, 14k, 18k, and 24k, with the higher karatage indicating a more vibrant gold colour. While 24k gold is pure gold, lower karatages are mixed with alloy metals like copper, zinc, and silver. Yellow gold offers a lustrous finish and a warm look that complements certain skin tones. However, it may require more maintenance due to its softness.
White Gold
White gold is created by mixing pure gold with metals like copper, zinc, and nickel, resulting in a silver colour with a slight yellow hue. It is similar to platinum in appearance but is less expensive, less rare, and lighter in weight. White gold is a good option for those seeking a cooler-toned ring that complements their skin tone.
Rose Gold
Rose gold is another variety of gold that can be used for wedding bands and engagement rings. It is created by adding more copper to the gold alloy, resulting in a unique pinkish hue. Rose gold offers a modern alternative to traditional yellow gold while still providing durability.
Platinum
Platinum is a precious silvery-white metal that has gained popularity for wedding and engagement rings due to its durability and hypoallergenic properties. It is known for its ability to withstand daily wear and tear and is often chosen for its substantial weight and density. Platinum is also an excellent choice for protecting diamonds or gemstones in the ring. However, it is one of the most expensive options due to its rarity.
Palladium
Palladium is a white metal that has recently become a popular choice, especially for men's bands. It is durable like platinum but lighter in weight due to its low density. Palladium is also hypoallergenic and is expected to last a lifetime. However, the range of designs available in palladium may be limited, and jewellers may have less experience in working with this metal.
Titanium
Titanium is a hard silver-grey metal known for its extreme durability and scratch resistance. It is the hardest metal in the world and is very strong, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a long-lasting wedding band. Titanium is also lightweight and comfortable to wear, and it won't corrode over time.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide is a low-cost and scratch-resistant alternative to traditional metal options. However, it is a heavy metal that cannot be resized, and its conductivity of heat and electricity poses safety risks. Additionally, tungsten carbide rings cannot be repaired if they break or crack.
Tantalum
Tantalum has risen in popularity due to its unique grey-blue tone and array of textures, such as matte, dark, and shiny. It is priced at a few hundred dollars and is suitable for those with sensitive skin. However, tantalum typically has a bulkier appearance and may not be ideal for delicate designs.
When choosing a metal type, it's advisable to consider factors such as durability, skin tone complement, weight, maintenance, and cost to ensure that the wedding band and ring suit your lifestyle and personal aesthetics.
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Selecting a band style
Matching vs. Complementing
You can choose a wedding band that is identical or very similar to your engagement ring in terms of metal, stone type, and design. This creates a classic and cohesive look favoured by those who prefer a traditional style. Alternatively, you can complement your engagement ring by selecting a wedding band that enhances its features without being an exact match, allowing for a unique and personalised style.
Metal Options
Explore metal options that complement the colour and tone of your engagement ring. For example, pairing a platinum engagement ring with a white gold wedding band creates a cohesive look. While traditionally, wedding bands were made using the same type of metal as the engagement ring, mixing cool and warm metals is becoming an increasingly popular trend.
Stone Shape and Setting
Consider the shape and setting of the centre stone in your engagement ring. Choose a wedding band with a complementary stone shape or setting. For instance, if your engagement ring has a round stone, select a wedding band with round diamonds for a balanced look. The overall style of your engagement ring, such as classic, vintage, or modern, should also be considered when selecting a matching or contrasting wedding band style.
Band Types
There are various band types available, including classic plain metal bands, notched bands, diamond bands, ring jackets, and open bands. Classic plain metal bands are timeless and elegant, perfect for those who prefer a minimalist and traditional style. Notched bands have a small groove or cutout, allowing them to sit comfortably and stylishly alongside your engagement ring. Diamond bands add sparkle and glamour, while ring jackets enhance the appearance of your engagement ring by surrounding it with additional diamonds or gemstones. Open bands offer a modern twist with a gap at the top, which can be left empty or adorned with gemstones.
Practical Considerations
In addition to style, it is essential to consider practical factors such as comfort, durability, and maintenance. Select a wedding band that fits your lifestyle and daily wear. Consult a qualified jeweller to receive expert advice and explore custom options that reflect your unique style and preferences.
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Adding gemstones
Gemstones have been a part of wedding and engagement rings since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, who are believed to be the pioneers of the ring-giving custom, often wove their rings out of reeds, plants, and middle-class materials such as bone, leather, or ivory. As the tradition evolved and spread to other cultures, more precious materials like metals and gemstones came into play.
Today, there are numerous ways to incorporate gemstones into your wedding band and engagement ring. Here are some ideas to consider:
Stacking Bands
Stacking bands are versatile and customizable, allowing you to mix and match different designs, gemstones, and textures. You can stack your wedding band and engagement ring on the same finger, creating a unique and personalized look. This style gives you the freedom to showcase your individuality and flair by mixing and matching different gemstones.
Ring Jackets
Ring jackets are bands that surround your engagement ring on either side, enhancing its appearance. They often feature additional diamonds or gemstones, adding extra sparkle and creating a distinctive look. Ring jackets are a great way to showcase the unique silhouette of your engagement ring, especially if it has a unique shape like a marquise diamond.
Open Bands
Open bands have a modern and contemporary look with an opening or gap at the top. They can be left empty or adorned with diamonds or gemstones. This style is particularly suitable for marquise or oval-shaped engagement rings as it beautifully showcases their shape. If you're looking for a subtle touch of sparkle, consider an open band with a row of small diamonds or gemstones that mirror the shape of your engagement ring's centre stone.
Gemstone Settings
When choosing a gemstone for your wedding band or engagement ring, consider the setting type. Prong settings are the most popular as they allow the most amount of light to shine through the stone, resulting in a greater sparkle effect. However, keep in mind that prong settings are less protective, so they work best with harder gemstones like diamonds. For softer gemstones, choose a more protective setting like a bezel setting, which can be tweaked to make it suitable for combining with wedding bands.
Gemstone Choice
The type of gemstone you choose will depend on your personal preference and the overall style you want to achieve. Diamonds are always a popular choice for wedding bands and engagement rings as they are the hardest gemstone and invite almost any setting type. If you're looking for a pop of colour, consider gemstones like sapphires, rubies, or emeralds. You can also match the gemstones in your wedding band to the ones in your engagement ring for a cohesive look.
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Wearing rings on separate hands
There are no rules dictating how wedding bands should be worn, and many people are wearing their wedding rings however they please. Some couples are making their own traditions, with some wearing their rings on separate hands.
In some cultures, such as India, the left hand is considered impure or unlucky, so the wedding band is worn on the right hand. In Germany and the Netherlands, it is also customary to wear the wedding ring on the right hand. In Turkey and much of Eastern Europe, it is common practice to wear the engagement ring on the right hand and the wedding ring on the left. Some Jewish-Americans also wear wedding rings on their right hand.
Some people choose to wear their engagement ring on its own, without any distractions, making the opposite hand the logical home for the wedding band. Those with short fingers may not like wearing more than one ring on the same finger, so they might wear the engagement ring on the left hand and the wedding band on the right.
Some people also wear their rings on separate hands for practical reasons. For example, if you are left-handed, you might worry about damaging your engagement ring, so you could wear it on your right hand and your wedding band on your left. If you work with your hands a lot, you might decide to wear your rings on a chain around your neck.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to bind your wedding band and engagement ring together. One common method is soldering, which involves melting metal into the gap between the rings to fuse them together. Another option is to use a ring adjuster that clips or winds around the two rings. Some people also use ring snuggies or thin ring sizers to keep their rings together.
No, it is not necessary to bind your wedding band and engagement ring. Many people choose to wear their rings separately, either on different fingers or hands, to prevent damage or discomfort.
There is no definitive rule on which ring should be worn on top. Traditionally, the wedding band is placed on the left-hand ring finger first, followed by the engagement ring. However, some people prefer to wear their engagement ring on top, especially if they received it first. Ultimately, it is a personal choice.
When selecting a wedding band to match your engagement ring, consider the shape, metal, gemstones, and other features of your engagement ring. You may choose a plain wedding band that complements your engagement ring's design, or opt for a contoured band that fits neatly around any centre stones or settings. Mixed-metal bridal sets are also gaining popularity, allowing you to create unique combinations.
Traditionally, wedding bands and engagement rings are worn on the left-hand ring finger. However, this is not a rule, and you can choose to wear your rings on separate fingers or hands, or even on a necklace, depending on your personal preference and comfort.
