Traditional engagement rings typically have one dominant stone, which either stands alone or is surrounded by additional smaller stones. An engagement ring is usually given as part of the proposal, or if not, at an early point in the engagement.
By contrast, a wedding ring is traditionally a plain metal band or a diamond-encrusted eternity band that you receive when you exchange your vows during the wedding ceremony and wear from then on.
Typically, there's also a fairly significant price difference between engagement rings and wedding rings; even if the wedding band has inlaid diamonds or other gemstones, their total carat weight is generally less than that of the engagement ring.
You can, of course, throw tradition out the window. According to Taylor Lanore, former public relations director for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds, brides are having more of a say in the choice and design of their rings.
And not only are they parting with tradition, but they're opting to diversify their engagement and wedding ring selections. "People are doing whatever they want, and wedding bands offer the opportunity to have more flair," she says.
Traditionally, you wear your engagement ring and wedding ring together on the fourth finger of your left hand. As far as how to stack them, tradition holds that you'll wear the wedding band inside the engagement ring so that it's closer to your heart (aww).
That being said, some brides opt to wear their engagement ring on one hand and their wedding band on the other, especially if they're very diverse rings that can't be easily stacked.
Lanore suggests that couples pick out wedding bands at least two months before the wedding. "That way, you can account for any last-minute wedding planning details that might pop up, and your rings are already in production."
If you're unsure about the kind of wedding band you want initially, wear your engagement ring for a few months before you choose the wedding ring.
Your preferences might change, so take your engagement ring for a spin to get a better grasp of the wedding band you're envisioning closer to the wedding day.
Ultimately, this really comes down to personal preference. If you like the traditional look, then yes, of course. Whether you're adding an eternity band set with pavé diamonds or a plain metal band,
a wedding ring and engagement ring pairing is a timeless and beautiful look. And a recent trend that shows no sign of waning is building a ring stack of three (or more!) bands, often with mixed metals and styles.
Of course, it's perfectly fine if you'd rather wear just one ring to symbolize both your engagement and your (future) married status. Here are a few sensible reasons why some brides opt to wear just one ring:
Single rings can be more comfortable and less fussy than a wedding band and engagement ring combo—and can look absolutely stunning all on their own.
It's one less ring to have to worry about losing (which is especially important if you're a bit scatterbrained).
You also don't have to worry about two rings perfectly matching; it can sometimes be tricky to find a wedding band that pairs with your engagement ring if they're not purchased as a set.
The funds that would typically be allocated for both an engagement ring and wedding band can be invested in a single, standout ring.