Wedding Band Stacking: What's The Meaning?

Three wedding bands are a growing trend in the bridal fashion and jewellery industry. The three-ring design typically consists of an engagement ring between the wedding band (closest to the heart) and a third band on the opposite side. The third band is usually given on a couple's one-year anniversary or to mark the birth of their first child. This third band is often referred to as a push present. While the choice to wear three rings may be based on a preference for symmetry or bling, it can also hold deeper significance, symbolising the three most important events in a couple's life together.

The three rings of marriage: engagement, wedding, and eternity

The three rings of marriage—engagement, wedding, and eternity—are steeped in tradition and symbolism. Each ring represents a significant milestone in a couple's journey, from the heart-pounding proposal to the lifelong commitment made during the wedding ceremony and beyond.

The engagement ring is the first ring in the trilogy, presented during the proposal. It is often flashier than the other rings, featuring a central gemstone, typically a diamond, and possibly additional decorations. The engagement ring symbolises the promise to get married and is a representation of a couple's commitment to each other.

The second ring is the wedding band, exchanged during the wedding ceremony. This ring is usually simpler in design, featuring plain metal or small gemstones. It represents the love between the couple and their lifelong union. Traditionally, the wedding band is worn first, closest to the heart, with the engagement ring stacked on top.

The third ring is the eternity ring, which is given to commemorate a significant milestone in the couple's life together. This could be to mark a special anniversary, such as the first or tenth, or the birth of their first child. The eternity ring symbolises infinite love and serves as a tangible vow renewal. There are no set rules for the eternity ring's design, and it can be as simple or bold as desired.

While the three rings of marriage are steeped in tradition, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Couples can choose to follow tradition or create their own unique symbolism. Some may opt for matching sets, while others may prefer to express their individual styles. Ultimately, the choice of rings and how they are worn is a personal decision, reflecting the couple's preferences and their journey together.

The third ring as a gift for an anniversary

The third ring, also known as the anniversary or push ring, is given to mark an important milestone in a couple's life together, such as a significant anniversary or the birth of their first child. This ring is given after the engagement ring and wedding band, which are exchanged during the proposal and wedding ceremony, respectively.

The third ring is intended to match the first two and can be customised with engravings to commemorate the occasion. For instance, the ring can be engraved with a name, symbol, image, or even a child's fingerprint. Tungsten is a popular choice for the third ring, as it is durable, scratch-resistant, comfortable, affordable, and comes in a variety of inlays, colours, and stones.

The third ring is a way to symbolise the strength and durability of a relationship, as well as the milestones and commitments made along the way. It is a growing trend among married women, adding symmetry to their ring sets and representing the different stages of their relationship.

The third-anniversary gift is traditionally leather, which represents the durability and flexibility of a relationship that has lasted three years. Leather is a versatile material, allowing for a wide range of gift options, from clothing and accessories to sentimental artwork. For instance, a couple could invest in a leather-bound recipe book to use together. Other traditional third-anniversary gift ideas include a valet tray, a weekend bag, jewellery, a personalised diary, or a keyring.

The modern third-anniversary gift is crystal and glass, which symbolise the clarity and transparency of a couple's future together. Gift options could include glassware, such as champagne flutes or whisky tumblers, or crystal jewellery, such as earrings or bracelets.

The third ring as a push present to mark the birth of a child

The birth of a child is a momentous occasion, and it is common for partners or family members to exchange gifts to mark the special event. One popular option is to give the mother an eternity ring, also known as an infinity ring, as a "push present".

Eternity rings are often given to commemorate milestone wedding anniversaries, but they have also gained popularity as "push presents" or birth gifts in recent years. The circle of the ring represents the eternal and unending nature of love and the journey through life together, making it a fitting gift to celebrate new life.

The tradition of giving a ring to mark the birth of a child dates back centuries, with early sources suggesting that the Egyptians used similar rings to symbolise eternal life and love. In modern times, eternity rings are often personalised to make them even more meaningful. For example, some people choose to incorporate gemstones such as the child's birthstone or coloured stones representing the baby's gender. Engravings, such as the child's name and birth date, are also a popular way to customise the ring.

The third ring, given as a push present, symbolises not only the couple's eternal love but also the circle of life and the start of their journey as a family. It serves as a lasting reminder of this precious moment and is often worn alongside the wedding and engagement rings, either on the same finger or split between both hands.

While the tradition of giving a push present is discretionary and not expected, it has gained renewed popularity, with celebrities like Rachel Zoe and Mariah Carey reportedly receiving jewellery as push presents.

The third ring for symmetry

Stacked wedding rings have become a growing trend among married women. The third ring is often added for symmetry, especially when the engagement ring is oddly shaped or when a plain band and diamond ring appear uneven when worn together.

The three-ring combination can be said to tell a story of the couple's relationship. Each ring represents a different stage of their journey together. The first ring, or the engagement ring, marks the couple's promise to get married. The second ring, or the wedding band, symbolises the union and commitment of the couple during the wedding ceremony. The third ring, or the anniversary or push ring, is given to commemorate another significant milestone in the couple's life, such as an anniversary or the birth of their first child.

The third ring is often chosen to match the first two rings. It can be customised with an engraving to celebrate the occasion, such as a name, symbol, image, or the child's fingerprint.

While the three-ring combination is a popular choice, some people prefer to have only two rings, with the third ring being added at a later stage, such as an anniversary or the birth of a child. Ultimately, the choice of how many rings to wear and the symbolism attached to them is a personal decision, with some couples defining their own meaning for their wedding jewellery.

Interlocking three-band rings

In addition to their use as wedding rings, interlocking three-band rings can also be worn to tell stories about family, friends or individuals. They can be given as anniversary gifts or to mark the birth of a child, and can be personalised with engravings of names, symbols, images or fingerprints.

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