Engagement Ring Vs. Wedding Band: What Is The Difference?
Love is a special bond. It is that one language that every creature understands, one emotion that every race and religion requests its followers to practice, and one chapter that every God teaches. It is that exceptional feeling that binds a couple by a strong invisible thread in such a way that their very souls feel connected.
And the next step after a person finds his soul mate and falls irrevocably in love with her is the Proposal. A proposal is a significant step in the life of any couple’s relationship. It is that one moment which every man and woman imagines to be the most special moment of their lives. And a major role to make that proposal special is played by the ring. Yes, the ring with which you propose your significant other to get engaged! The only other ring that matches the significance of the engagement ring and is given the same importance in a couple’s relationship is the wedding band.
But there are many people who believe that the engagement ring and the wedding band are the same things. They use both these terms inter-exchangeably. And if you too are one of them then you should definitely read this article because to understand the difference between the engagement ring and the wedding band and the significance of each in a couple’s relationship. So, come let’s begin!
Engagement ring vs. the Wedding band
A ring is in the shape of a circle which has no beginning or end. This is why they are used for defining milestones in the life of a relationship (like for representing engagement or marriage) because the no beginning and no end is a signifier of the infinite love that the two people have for each other. And therefore both the engagement ring and the wedding bands are a treasure to behold if you will ask any couple. The couples consider both these rings very important and cherish them dearly. But there is a vast difference between the two and that difference lies in their name, style, and significance. Let’s see how.
● On the basis of Meaning
Now an engagement ring is exactly what you deciphered its meaning to be when you heard the name. It is the ring with which a man traditionally proposes the woman he loves and cherishes to become a permanent part of his life. It is symbolic of their engagement and tells the world that the woman in question is significant in your life. While the marriage bands, on the other hand, are the rings that are exchanged between the bride and the groom during their wedding ceremony. It symbolizes the new journey that the two different people will now embark upon as one.
● On the basis of who wears it?
Now since an engagement ring is the one with which a man proposes his partner, hence it is only worn by the woman. In the case of the wedding bands though, both the bride and the groom exchange their rings and hence both the man and the woman wear them.
● On the basis of style
In terms of the style, the engagement ring and the wedding band harbor a difference too! Now the engagement rings are usually more extravagant and consist of a center stone which is usually a diamond. The first proposal with a diamond engagement ring can be traced back to the year 1477 where Archduke Maximillian of Austria proposed his betrothed the Mary of Burgandy with a diamond ring. After this, the tradition of proposing with a diamond ring got popularized amongst the European aristocracy and nobility class. However, this tradition of proposing with a diamond ring became a trend in the year 1947 amongst all societies as a result of a campaign started by De Beers that established the classic slogan, “a Diamond is Forever.” Since then the diamond’s purity and sparkle have come to symbolize the depth of a man’s commitment to his woman.
But the wedding band, on the other hand, is often a plain metal band. It is usually forged from platinum, gold or white gold.
● On the basis of symbolism
The engagement ring is symbolic of the trust, commitment, and dedication that the man harbors for his woman. It shows the pledge of love and tells the world that the woman is no more available and has been wooed by her significant someone. While the wedding band, on the other hand, is symbolic of the vows that the couples exchange during their wedding ceremony. It is a promise to stand with each other in both the good and the bad times, in sickness and in health. It shows that both the man and the woman have become one before the eyes of God and the people whom they hold dear to their hearts.
So, this how a wedding band differs from an engagement ring in terms of meaning, symbolism, style and the wearer.
How to wear them?
Since the proposal obviously happens before the marriage, hence the woman is presented with the engagement ring before the wedding band. However, on the day of the wedding, the woman wears nothing on her fingers till she is presented with the wedding band.
Photo source: Pinterest
However, after the wedding, mostly women start wearing both the engagement ring and the wedding band on the fourth finger of their left hand. The ancient Romans believed that the left finger has a vein that goes straight to the heart and they call it “vena amoris” or the vein of love. Wearing the ring on this finger symbolizes the heart and the love that a couple shares.
Now tradition holds that the engagement ring is worn outside the wedding band. This is because it is believed that the wedding band should stay closer to the heart. And this way you can show off your extravagant wedding band better too!
So, these are some important differences between the engagement ring and the wedding band and some tips on how you should wear them.
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