Engagement Ring vs Wedding Ring: What's the Difference?

​Engagement rings versus wedding rings - how are these bridal rings different? Shopping for your bridal ring set may seem overwhelming - each unique ring is labeled under different terminology, making the selection process even more confusing. With so many options of diamond engagement rings perfectly made to match or delightfully complement-contrast each other as they grace your finger, which diamond wedding rings will you need to accomplish your dream bridal look?

This brief blog post will serve as a guide introducing jewelry terminology focusing on wedding rings, bridal sets, engagement rings, and everything in-between.

Streamline your wedding ring shopping experience by learning the different types of bridal rings, making the final purchase effortless and exciting. Experience the joy accompanied by choosing the ultimate engagement ring and wedding band for your personality and lifestyle.

Promise Rings

Promise rings refer to keepsake heirloom-worthy rings gifted to a significant other. They are a romantic way to celebrate your commitment with a heartfelt gift and proudly showcase it to the world every day. Promise rings are the perfect jewelry choice for expressing how much someone means to you.

Promise rings are available in different mountings and styles - really, any ring can be a promise ring.  Most often, promise rings are marketed as dainty diamond rings with small accent stones on the top. Promise rings may feature sapphires, rubies, birthstones, or pearls, for example. Promise rings can be diamond bands, gemstone bands, or a simple gold or platinum band. Since they are much simpler with smaller stones, these rings are sold at much lower price points than engagement rings.

Shopping for a promise ring along with your significant other is an exciting experience. Make it a surprise gift of affection for any holiday, birthday, or anniversary occasion. Giving a promise ring to someone you are dating is a thoughtful gesture that will be recognized by everyone close to you as a special moment in time.

Promise rings are a great way to celebrate your relationship at the 6-month mark or whenever it seems suitable. Every relationship's growth is unique for each couple. Promise rings are frequently associated with younger couples, but a promise ring is actually given by many who want to express they are dating.

A promise ring does not necessarily signify an engagement or an upcoming wedding date, but it may.

Engagement Rings

Engagement ringsimply an impending marriage sometime in the future. Unlike a promise ring, an engagement ring is an official statement of a deeply committed relationship status of longevity--years spent growing life together.  

You can easily tell apart an engagement ring from a wedding ring because engagement rings usually feature a central, raised diamond attached to the band, while wedding rings typically feature a simple band. 

An engagement ring (left) vs a wedding ring (right)

Engagement rings are considered to be big purchases because of their poignant meaning and price range. Engagement rings are thoughtfully considered, custom-designed, and play an important part in the household budget.

Diamonds remain the most popular stone for engagement rings. Solitaire or single stone engagement rings are the most popular style for engagement rings. Round-cut diamonds, oval-cut diamonds, cushion-cut diamonds, and princess-cut diamonds are some of the most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings.

Engagement rings are available in vintage or contemporary mountings. Halo or cluster styles display incredible fire and brilliance with multiple stones artfully arranged on the band.

Lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and colored stones like sapphire are frequently used in engagement rings.

14k and 18k gold in rose, yellow, white, two-tone, or tri-color mountings are popular options for fine metals. Platinum is a luxurious choice, perfect for those who love white metal.

Wedding Rings

Wedding rings or wedding bands are part of the wedding ceremony and are exchanged between two partners in front of the wedding guests.

Wedding rings are worn by both men and women. They are sometimes purchased to match with identical styles, stones, finishes, and metal colors, showing off a long-lasting commitment with their seamless blend of harmonious unison when the couple is seen out together. 

However, wedding rings worn by both partners do not need to match. Many couples choose their favorite style, which may be very different from their partner’s wedding ring.

Choosing a wedding ring makes a stylish statement about your personality. It also must fit your work and lifestyle. For example, if someone works with their hands, wearing a wedding ring with multiple stones may not be the best fit.

Wedding rings are available in many different metals such as platinum, gold, two-tone, and tri-color designs sparkling with diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, diamond simulants, and colored stones. They may feature engraved patterns in the metal or different textures and finishes (sandblasted, satin, bright shine).

Comfort is key! A wedding band is worn frequently and must be comfortable enough to wear throughout the day and night. Make sure your ring size is comfortable by allowing room for hand and finger movements, weight, and weather fluctuations. These are all vital considerations in making the final purchase for your wedding ring.

Wedding Rings & Engagement Rings: Purchased Individually

Engagement rings and wedding bands are often purchased separately. Shopping for a wedding band includes trying on several styles. Both wedding and engagement rings may contain the same shaped stones and color metal, beautifully complementing each other.

Wedding ring shopping is just as exciting as shopping for an engagement ring. Wedding rings are the final touch to any bridal ring set and wedding ceremony.

Two-Piece Bridal Ring Sets

Is shopping for both an engagement ring and wedding band too time-consuming for the bride? Engagement rings and wedding bands are frequently custom-made to match and purchased as a complete set. No additional ring shopping is required. For help finding the perfect match for your engagement ring, call us at 1-888-9RITANI or chat now.

A 2-piece diamond bridal ring set features both rings that have identical styling. Both bands may sit side by side, or an engagement ring may fit into a ring guard. A ring guard has two bands on the top with a strip of metal connected to the bottom. An engagement ring is placed inside the space between the bands and slipped on the finger.

How Much Money Should You Spend on a Wedding Ring?

Suitable price points are personal to the couple. Wedding rings are often much less expensive than engagement rings. There is no right or wrong amount to spend on a wedding ring. 

How Much Money Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?

The Knot's 2021 Jewelry and Engagement Ring Study found that the average amount spent that year on a natural diamond engagement ring was $6,800. 

Do you want to splurge on your wedding ring or engagement ring? You may also spend as much as you are comfortable with - after all, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With many payment options available, such as layaway or virtual monthly payment programs, indulging in your dream diamond engagement ring is suddenly within your reach. Having flexible payment programs in sizable payment amounts allows you to enjoy your gorgeous ring guilt-free.

Shopping at Ritani: Customized Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands

Ritani offers a wide variety of engagement rings and wedding bands that are customizable using different shapes, sizes, and quality diamonds. By customizing your engagement ring from start to finish, you can easily select the stone and setting within your price range. Contact us today, and we will assist you in building your engagement ring.