Did you know that the first known use of the wedding ring can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times? Fashioned from reed and hemp, these “proto” rings were normally placed upon the fourth finger; the Egyptians thought that a mutual vein of love was found here and that the rings would bond the couple together forever.
On the contrary, engagement rings did not begin to make their presence known until the latter half of the 15th century. Often used solely by royalty, it would take hundreds of years before they began to enjoy a mainstream popularity. This is why it should come as no great surprise that there are some important differences between these two rings. Let’s take a closer look.
Outward Appearance
In the majority of cases, wedding rings tend to be associated with a much more simpler and straightforward design. This arises from the fact that they are intended to display a bond of both love and truth.
On the contrary, engagement rings can be quite ornate and they are often customized based upon the personality and preferences of the recipient. Their bands are normally thinner and they can be made from a variety of materials. In fact, these rings do not necessarily have to employ precious metals (depending upon the budget of the buyer). Their main point is to represent a promise between two individuals.
The Presence of Precious Stones
Perhaps the most striking difference between these two rings is the presence of one or more precious stones. While loose gems such as those supplied by Whiteflash diamonds are popular, other stones can sometimes be used. For example, it is not uncommon for a birthstone such as a sapphire or ruby to be set within an engagement ring. These stones can also be used in combination with diamonds in order to create a multicolored appeal. Once again, this is often based around unique preferences.
Although traditional wedding band designs (such as pavé or plain) are defined by their rather Spartan appearance, it is still possible to choose a ring with small stones embedded within its band (known as a channel-set band). This can be a great idea for those who wish to compliment the design and features of their engagement ring. Also, please keep in mind that the terms “wedding ring” and “wedding band” can be used interchangeably.
Intention
Finally, the intention of each ring is quite different. As mentioned earlier, wedding bands are meant to signify the immortal bond of loved that is formed during matrimony. Engagement rings represent a promise to cement this bond sometime in the future; even if this may happen to be years away.
Although each of these rings is associated with its own set of unique qualities, they are both excellent ways to express one’s love and devotion. Whether you prefer a rather plain design or the glitter of precious stones is more suitable, there is no doubt that you will find what you are looking for.
