How To Wear Your Wedding and Engagement Ring

bridge showcasing how to wear your wedding-and engagement ring together

Not sure how to wear your wedding and engagement rings? Traditionally, the wedding band goes first, closest to the heart, with the engagement ring on top. At Stelios Jewellers, we design our wedding bands to fit uniquely with your engagement ring, creating a unique bespoke set. Some clients opt to wear their wedding band on the other hand to allow their engagement ring to sit on its own, alternatively they can be worn together as a set. 

A Brief History of the Ring Finger Tradition

The custom of wearing wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand has its origins in ancient history, stretching back over millennia. The practice is often attributed to the Egyptians who held the belief that a vein known as ‘vena amoris’ extended from this particular finger straight to one’s heart, embodying love and marriage. It is this age-old sentiment that established why wedding bands are worn where they are today.

It was also within ancient Egypt that exchanging rings began as an emblematic act of love. Rings crafted from plaited reeds or leather carried symbolic significance with their unending loops representing infinity. This ritual was later embraced and modified by Romans through ‘fede’ rings which featured two clasped hands symbolizing trust and pledged loyalty between partners. 

Nowadays, while many still favour diamond engagement rings for their timeless allure, numerous couples seek out distinctive coloured gemstones and styles to capture their unique relationship when selecting both engagement and wedding bands.

Bursting with character, our range of coloured engagement rings are available in a set of regal shades that will leave heads turning. At Stelios Jewellers, each coloured engagement ring has been exclusively created with style and uniqueness in mind.

3 engagement ring examples with diamonds

Wedding Band or Engagement Ring First? Exploring the Options

By tradition, the engagement ring is typically worn after the wedding band on the same finger, which places the wedding band closer to one’s heart. This signifies that commitments made during a marriage ceremony are held closest to your affection. Nevertheless, contemporary conventions have shifted to accommodate personal preferences regarding how these rings should be adorned.

Alternatively, some individuals opt for wearing their engagement ring and wedding bands on separate fingers due to comfort considerations or stylistic decisions when they find that stacking does not suit them well. Others might alternate between displaying their engagement and wedding rings depending on the various ensembles or events they attend.

It’s also common for some individuals to position an engagement ring between two coordinating stackable bands for both aesthetic balance and practical wearability. The secure placement of each piece ensures stability while contributing to a harmonious look.

Curious about the traditional and modern practices of wearing your engagement and wedding rings? Dive deeper into the fascinating world of ring etiquette by reading our detailed blog post, “What Goes First, The Engagement or Wedding Ring?” to explore more and find the perfect way to showcase your love story.

Traditional vs. Modern Ring-Wearing Etiquette

In many cultures, the engagement ring is worn on the left hand, with the wedding band placed beneath it after the ceremony. This traditional order signifies that the wedding band, representing the marriage, is closest to the heart. Some brides temporarily move their wedding and engagement rings to the right during the ceremony to make space for the wedding band.

Modern practices, however, offer more flexibility. Some brides choose to wear engagement rings on one hand and their wedding band on the other. Others may opt to hand their engagement ring to a trusted individual for safekeeping during the ceremony, ensuring a smooth ring exchange.

Cultural differences play a significant role. In some regions, it is customary to wear the wedding ring on the right hand instead of the left. Whether you follow ancient customs or modern trends, the most important thing is that your rings reflect your unique love story.

Do You Have to Wear Both Rings Together?

Numerous couples elect to don both the engagement ring and wedding band simultaneously, usually positioning the wedding band nearer to their heart. This conventional configuration elegantly represents the vow taken at the time of their nuptial celebration. Some brides prefer wearing only their engagement ring on their special day and then modify this arrangement post-ceremony by placing the wedding ring closer as a sign of commitment.

stacking gold engagement wedding-ring example with diamond

Creative Ring Stacking and Mixing with Other Jewellery

Combining various rings to create a unique stack is an excellent method for showcasing one’s individual taste in jewellery. At Stelios Jewellers, we design our wedding bands to fit uniquely with your engagement ring, creating a unique bespoke set. Some clients opt to wear their wedding band on the other hand to allow their engagement ring to sit on its own, alternatively they can be worn together as a set. 

There is no right or wrong way to wear your rings, your comfort and personal taste are what matter most. Another trend is the ability to mix and match and dress your rings up or down depending on how you feel or if you’re going to an event. Our designers can create a set that can easily be re-shuffled to create the look that you want for that particular event. Stackable wedding bands have become increasingly popular, allowing for a personalized and unique look.

Making a Statement with Non-Traditional Ring Displays

Our designers and jewellers love creating bespoke pieces of jewellery. By working with our jewellers and designers, you can create a bespoke piece of jewellery as unique as your love story. Stelios travels the globe to source unique coloured gemstones and the team is always keeping up to date with new technology and materials.

The collaboration between client and jeweller creates a unique bespoke piece.

personalized diamond and emerald engagement ring example

Personalizing How You Wear Your Love Story

Nowadays, brides play a more active role in selecting and crafting their engagement rings, resulting in an array of unique and personalized designs. Many brides choose to wear only one ring for comfort, rather than sporting both an engagement ring alongside a wedding band. Couples are increasingly opting for rings that suit their personal taste as opposed to conventional matching sets.

At Stelios Jewellers, we acknowledge the significance of tailoring your engagement and wedding bands to encapsulate your individual love journey. We specialize in creating custom diamond engagement rings that truly represent your distinctive narrative.

If you opt to don your engagement ring on another finger or transform it into a pendant necklace, our team is here to assist you in fashioning a piece that’s perfectly suited for you. Discover our selection and let us collaborate with you on designing a ring that effortlessly embodies your devotion in the most singular manner possible.

At Stelios Jewellers, we are here to assist with all your engagement ring needs, please visit jewellery stores in Perth and experience expert guidance and bespoke designs to ensure your rings perfectly encapsulate your love story.

 

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