Wedding bands are exchanged during the wedding ceremony as a symbol of the union of marriage. They are usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand and are traditionally plain bands of gold or platinum, although modern wedding bands can feature stones and gems. Wedding bands are often paired with engagement rings, with the wedding band worn closest to the heart.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
When given | During the wedding ceremony |
Who wears it | Both people |
Placement | Ring finger of the left hand |
Style | Simpler in design than an engagement ring |
Usually a plain band of platinum or gold | |
Can be customised with stones and gems | |
Can be engraved | |
Can be finished with a unique texture | |
Width | Ranges from 1mm to 8+mm |
Men typically prefer a wedding band between 4mm to 7mm | |
Women typically prefer skinnier, daintier bands | |
Cost | On average, a simple 14-karat gold or platinum band costs around $1,000 |
What You'll Learn
Wedding bands are exchanged during the wedding ceremony
The wedding band is usually placed on the ring finger of the left hand, which is said to be chosen because the ancient Egyptians believed that the vein in this finger leads directly to the heart. The wedding band is worn with the engagement ring, but the wedding band is placed closest to the heart.
Wedding bands are traditionally simpler in design than engagement rings, often featuring a plain band of platinum or gold. However, they can also be customised with stones, gems, engravings, and other unique details. The choice of metal, width, finish, and other design elements can be tailored to the couple's preferences and their unique love story.
Couples may choose matching wedding bands or opt for bands that reflect their individual styles. The process of selecting and designing wedding bands together is a special experience for many couples, allowing them to create a symbol of their love and commitment that holds personal meaning for their relationship.
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Wedding bands are a symbol of love and commitment
Wedding bands are steeped in history and tradition, and they hold a lot of significance for couples. They are a symbol of love and commitment, and they are exchanged during the wedding ceremony to mark the official union of marriage. The tradition of exchanging rings dates back to ancient times, with the ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed to be the first to use the ring as a physical representation of love and devotion.
The wedding band is usually a simple design, often a plain band of gold or platinum, and is worn by both partners. It is often paired with an engagement ring, which is typically more intricate and is given at the time of proposal. The wedding band is placed on the ring finger of the left hand, with the engagement ring sitting on the outside, as it is believed that the vein in this finger leads directly to the heart.
The design of the wedding band can be personalised, with couples choosing to add stones, gems, and engravings to make the ring unique. The metal used is often selected to match the engagement ring, with white gold being the most popular choice. The width of the band is also a consideration, with most brides opting to match the width of their engagement ring, and men typically choosing a band between 4mm and 7mm.
The wedding band is a powerful symbol of the commitment and love shared between two people, and it is a timeless tradition that continues to be an important part of many wedding ceremonies today.
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Wedding bands are usually simpler in design than engagement rings
Engagement rings are usually given at the time of proposal, or soon after a couple decides to get married, and are traditionally worn by the person who was proposed to. Wedding bands, on the other hand, are exchanged during the wedding ceremony and are worn by both partners. They are a symbol of unity and eternal love, and are often designed to complement the flashier engagement ring.
The wedding band is usually placed on the ring finger of the left hand, closest to the heart, with the engagement ring on the outside. This tradition is said to have originated with the ancient Egyptians, who believed that the vein in the fourth finger of the left hand ran directly to the heart. While this belief has been proven false, the tradition of wearing wedding bands and engagement rings on this finger remains strong.
There is no right or wrong way to wear engagement and wedding rings, and modern couples are increasingly choosing to wear them in unique ways, such as on separate fingers or stacked with additional rings. Ultimately, the choice of how to wear these rings should be based on personal preference and what feels right for the couple.
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Wedding bands can be made from metals such as gold, platinum, tungsten, or white gold
Wedding bands are worn to indicate that someone is married and to symbolise the bond between two people. They are usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand, with the wedding band placed closest to the heart.
Wedding bands can be made from a variety of metals, including gold, platinum, tungsten, or white gold. Gold is a traditional choice and has been used since ancient times. It is combined with other metals to create an alloy, with common types including yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Platinum is a strong and workable metal that is also suitable for resizing. It is known for symbolising pure, everlasting love. Tungsten is a good choice for those looking for scratch resistance, while white gold is the most popular choice for modern couples.
When selecting a metal for a wedding band, it is important to consider lifestyle, durability, and cost. Some metals, such as platinum, are more expensive than others, like tungsten. Durability is also a key factor, as some metals are softer and more delicate, while others are hardy and highly resistant to damage. Additionally, the colour of the metal can be chosen to complement certain skin tones. For example, yellow gold looks particularly good with olive and darker skin tones, while white gold complements fair and rosy skin tones.
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Wedding bands can feature stones and gems
Wedding bands are a huge symbol of love and commitment for married couples. They can be designed with stones and gems, such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, to make them unique and more expensive. The addition of stones and gems is a matter of personal preference, but it is important to consider your lifestyle to ensure the ring is practical. For example, if you work with your hands, you may want to opt for a stronger metal such as tungsten or platinum.
There are various styles of wedding bands with stones and gems, including pavé and channel settings, which add sparkle and flair. You can also choose to have your wedding band engraved, with options such as vintage art deco designs, stars, and florals. Just keep in mind that intricate etching can be harder to clean.
When it comes to metal type, white gold is the most popular choice for wedding bands, but other hues such as yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, and palladium have also gained popularity. Couples usually choose the same metal for their wedding bands and engagement rings to keep their jewellery cohesive. However, mixing metals can add a unique touch to your wedding band.
It is recommended to start shopping for your wedding band early, especially if you want something with diamonds or gemstones. Most wedding bands are made to order, so it is important to allow enough time to avoid any unforeseen delays.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding band is a ring that is given during a wedding ceremony to symbolise matrimony. It is worn by both people and is usually simpler in design than an engagement ring.
An engagement ring is usually flashier and is worn by the person who was proposed to. A wedding band is usually simpler in design and worn by both partners.
A wedding band is worn after the wedding ceremony to signify that the wearer is married. Traditionally, the wedding band is worn on the ring finger of the left hand.
Wedding bands are traditionally made of plain gold or platinum. However, they can also be made with stones and gems, such as diamonds, sapphires, or rubies.
The tradition of exchanging rings during marriage dates back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians were the first to believe that a vein in the ring finger connected to the heart. This is why wedding bands are traditionally worn on the ring finger and are considered a symbol of love and commitment.