George Boyle
There are many ways to couple a wedding ring to an engagement ring. Traditionally, wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand due to the belief that the 'vena amoris' or 'vein of love' ran from this finger to the heart. However, couples are increasingly expressing their individuality through their wedding rings, opting for different styles, metals, and designs. Some couples may choose to wear their wedding rings on their right hand or even on a chain around their neck. When pairing a wedding ring with an engagement ring, it is essential to consider comfort and style. Contoured wedding rings fit snugly around the shape of the engagement ring, ensuring a seamless and comfortable fit, especially for rings with unique settings or large center stones. Pavé wedding rings feature small diamonds set closely together, adding extra brilliance and complementing various engagement ring designs. Solitaire wedding rings are simple, elegant bands without additional stones, pairing beautifully with intricate engagement rings. Ultimately, the decision on how to couple wedding rings with engagement rings comes down to personal preference and comfort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding ring style | Plain metal band, diamond-encrusted eternity band, contoured, pavé, solitaire, confetti, stacking bands |
| Engagement ring style | One dominant stone, surrounded by smaller stones |
| Order of rings | Wedding ring first, then engagement ring; engagement ring first, then wedding ring; or on separate hands |
| Metal type | Matching metals, mixed metals |
| Lifestyle considerations | Durability, practicality, hand size, comfort |
| Cultural considerations | Left hand (Western countries, ancient Roman and Egyptian traditions); right hand (Northern and Eastern European countries, India, Greece, Spain, Portugal) |
| Personal expression | Individuality, personality, style |
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What You'll Learn
Soldering rings together
Soldering is a process that permanently joins two or more rings together. It is a common choice for joining wedding and engagement rings, especially when individuals want their rings to stay perfectly aligned, creating a seamless look.
The process of soldering involves the use of a metal alloy (solder) that is melted and used to fuse the rings at the joint. The process typically involves the following steps:
- The jeweller cleans both rings thoroughly to remove any oils or debris.
- The rings are positioned exactly as they should appear when worn.
- Precise amounts of solder are placed at the joining points.
- The jeweller carefully heats the area with a torch until the solder melts and flows between the rings.
- After cooling, the joined rings are cleaned, polished, and inspected for security.
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Soldering is irreversible, and once the rings are soldered, they are permanently fused, making it challenging to separate them without causing damage. This may be a drawback if you like to change your jewellery frequently or if you anticipate wanting to wear the rings separately in the future. Additionally, during the soldering process, high temperatures can pose a risk to delicate materials or heat-sensitive gemstones such as opals or pearls, which may be susceptible to damage or discolouration. Soldering is a complex technique that requires a certain level of skill and experience, and improper soldering can result in weak joints, visible seams, or damage to the rings.
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Choosing a wedding band style
Metal Type and Colour
Consider the metal type and colour of your engagement ring and choose a wedding band that complements it. For example, if your engagement ring is made of platinum, a white gold or platinum wedding band can create a cohesive look. Mixing cool and warm metals is also becoming a popular trend.
Stone Shape, Setting, and Style
Examine the shape, setting, and style of the centre stone in your engagement ring. Select a wedding band with a complementary stone shape and setting. For instance, if your engagement ring has a round stone, consider a channel-set wedding band with round diamonds.
Overall Style
Evaluate the overall style of your engagement ring, whether it is classic, vintage, or modern. Choose a wedding band that either matches or contrasts with the style of your engagement ring. For example, if your engagement ring has a low profile setting or a large centre stone, a contoured wedding band that fits snugly around it can be a perfect choice.
Comfort and Durability
It is important to select a wedding band that is comfortable to wear and does not interfere with your daily activities. Consider the durability of different metals and their maintenance requirements, especially if you use your hands a lot.
Customisation
If you want a unique wedding band, consider customisation options. Consult with a qualified jeweller to explore custom designs that reflect your personality and taste. You can also add a personal touch through engraving, choosing from various fonts and designs.
Practical Considerations
When choosing a wedding band, it is essential to set a realistic budget and consider the time required for resizing or changes. Purchase your wedding band at least four to six months before your wedding day to ensure a perfect fit.
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Matching metals
Matching the metal of your wedding ring to your engagement ring is a detail to consider when choosing your wedding band. While it is not necessary to match them, it is important to keep in mind so that they do not clash. You could opt for a more precious metal for your wedding band to put more weight behind the meaning of the ring, or simply choose different metals so you can wear your rings with any outfit.
If you are set on matching metals, it is important to select a wedding ring that complements the style of your engagement ring. For instance, if you have an 18K engagement ring, you should order an 18K wedding band. You could also consider a contoured wedding band, which is designed to fit around the shape of your engagement ring, ensuring a seamless and comfortable fit, especially for rings with unique settings or large centre stones.
If you are opting for a mixed-metal look, there are still ways to ensure your rings complement each other. You could pair your yellow gold engagement ring with a wedding band in contemporary rose gold or classic white gold. You could also mix and match accent stone shapes, as matching stone shapes can add a unified sparkle, while selecting different accent stones can create a more nuanced sparkle.
When mixing metals, the only rule is that the metals must match in hardness so that neither ring scratches the other. For example, platinum scores higher on the Mohs Scale of Hardness than gold, so pairing a platinum wedding band with a gold engagement ring would result in the gold becoming scratched over time.
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Stacking bands
When building your ring stack, you can start by choosing wedding bands that complement your engagement ring. Consider the size, shape, and metal of your bands. You can mix metals such as rose, yellow, and white gold or gold and silver for a playful expression of colour and texture. You can also add ring "jackets" around the top or bottom of your engagement ring to create a larger appearance.
If you have a rounded engagement ring, consider pairing it with a band that has a similar rounded edge. Similarly, if you have an oval centre stone, you can pair it with a band featuring small round, oval, pear, or marquise stones. Contoured wedding bands are also a great option, as they fit snugly around your engagement ring for a seamless and comfortable fit, especially if your engagement ring has a unique setting or a large centre stone.
Don't feel pressured to buy your entire stack at once. Building your stack over time can take the pressure off finding the perfect combination right away, allowing you to upgrade and experiment with different bands over the years. You can add new rings to your stack to mark special occasions, such as the birth of a child or a wedding anniversary.
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Where to wear your rings
The choice of how and where to wear your wedding and engagement rings is entirely yours. Wedding and engagement rings are often worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, due to the historical tradition that this finger contains the 'vena amoris' or 'vein of love' that leads directly to the heart. However, you can wear your rings on whichever finger you choose, and some people choose to wear rings on their right hand or even on a chain around their neck.
If you want to wear both your engagement and wedding rings, you can choose to wear them as separate rings or join them together. If you wear them separately, you can wear them in the order you received them, with the engagement ring first and the wedding ring on top. Alternatively, you could wear your wedding ring on top, closest to your heart, or wear your engagement ring on your right hand during the wedding ceremony and then switch it over to sit above your wedding band. You could also wear an enhancer-style wedding ring, which slots inside the wedding ring, allowing you to wear them as a set from the moment you exchange your vows.
If you want to join your rings together, you can get them soldered together, but this may make the pair look chunky and they may not move as easily on your hand. Alternatively, you could use a ring sizer to hold them together.
When choosing your wedding ring, it is important to consider how it looks with your engagement ring. You should try on a variety of styles to find what looks and feels best. Consider adding more rings to your bridal stack for a unique and personalised touch. Think about your lifestyle when choosing a wedding ring—if you use your hands a lot, you might want a more durable band.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can wear just one ring to symbolise both your engagement and married status.
Traditionally, it is common to choose a wedding band that matches the metal type of your engagement ring. However, mixed-metal bridal sets are becoming increasingly popular. You can also consider the shape of your engagement ring and opt for a contoured wedding band that fits snugly around it.
While wearing your rings on the fourth finger of your left hand is a common tradition, you can choose to wear your rings on separate hands or with a gap between them. Some people even wear their rings on a chain around their neck.
There is no single "proper" order, but traditionally, the wedding band is worn closest to the heart, followed by the engagement ring. However, you can reverse the order to symbolise the beginning of your relationship.
