One thing is certain: both engagement and wedding rings symbolise eternal love. But, engagement ring vs wedding, what is the difference in price, style, etc.? In terms of appearance, the difference is becoming less and less pronounced. In the past, however, it was traditional for an engagement ring to feature a solitaire diamond and a wedding ring to be a gold band without precious gemstones. These days anything is possible, but you may still prefer to take tradition and etiquette into account.

Browse our extensive collection of diamond engagement rings

 

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Engagement ring vs wedding ring - exchanging the rings

The main difference between wedding rings and engagement rings is, as the names suggest, is that engagement rings are exchanged when couples get engaged while wedding rings are exchanged during the actual wedding ceremony. In some countries, like Sweden, both the man and the woman wear engagement rings and only the woman receives a wedding ring at the ceremony. In others, like the US and UK, it’s the other way around.

How are engagement and wedding rings worn, traditionally?

Are you still thinking about how to propose? Then you are probably looking for advice on finding an engagement ring. But once you have found the perfect engagement ring, which finger should you be putting it on? If you go traditional, the engagement ring will be on the left hand. We owe this custom to the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, who believed that the -"vena amoris"- ran through the left ring finger, a love vein that is connected directly to the heart. A myth, but no less romantic all the same.
Marriage remains the most important journey of discovery that people can undertake.
This also means that wedding rings are worn on the left. Although that choice is often dictated by your religion or country of birth. Some women also choose to wear engagement and wedding rings on the same hand.

How do you wear engagement and wedding rings on the same hand?

If your intended decides to wear their engagement and wedding rings on the same finger, they can choose either matching or contrasting ones. For matching rings, first look at the diamond on her engagement ring. Have you chosen a solitaire engagement ring with an eye-catching round brilliant? A classic, which goes really beautifully with a slimmer eternity ring, set all round with smaller diamonds. You could combine different precious metals to create a beautiful and striking contrast.
Engagement ring vs wedding ring: Woman wearing a BAUNAT solitaire diamond engagement ring and eternity ring on her finger
Fancy mixing white gold or platinum with yellow or rose gold? The possibilities are endless! It is even perfectly possible to wear an engagement ring as a wedding ring. For example, you can get an engagement ring engraved following the wedding or choose a wedding ring with a gemstone (or more!).

Browse our unique collection of engagement rings

It is perfectly possible to wear an engagement ring as a wedding ring.

What if she does not like wearing rings?

Not every woman likes wearing rings. Plus, wearing an engagement or wedding ring is not allowed with some jobs for hygiene or safety reasons. In which case, you could give her a necklace so she can wear her rings close to her heart. Or what do you think about other diamond jewellery as an alternative to engagement rings? You could, for instance, go for an engagement bracelet and have it engraved with the question "will you marry me?".

Another advantage of the engagement bracelet is that you do not have to jump through hoops to find out her ring size without her knowing. And this means you gain time for getting ready for the proposal.

Watch this video to see how to choose the right ring size

Engagement ring vs wedding ring – price

Another difference in engagement rings and wedding rings are their price. You may assume that a wedding ring would be more expensive, but it is actually the other way around. As wedding rings tend to feature fewer, smaller or even no diamonds, they tend to be less pricey than engagement rings. Plus, engagement rings really are the showstoppers, given they are the centre of a romantic proposal, so of course you want to spend a little more on them!

Are you still looking for the right ring?

Are you still busy thinking about engagement ring vs wedding ring and looking for the right ones? That is completely understandable: it is not easy to remember everything in our extensive diamond rings collection. So do not hesitate to ask BAUNAT’s experts for advice. They can help you find the right ring(s) with an appointment in person. Book an appointment at one of our showrooms.

As a wedding ring or as an engagement ring?

Browse all our diamond rings

What else should I know?

Buying an engagement or wedding ring should not be rushed. It should always be a fully considered decision which you need to think about carefully. You will find more information in these blogs about which hand is best to wear engagement and wedding rings on, what the meaning behind it is, and advice on buying a wedding ring. Find out all you need to know here.

Frequently asked Questions

Can you buy an engagement ring without knowing the size? Tips on measuring for an engagement ring.

  • How can I secretly measure their ring size?
  • How do I go about measuring my loved one’s finger?
  • When is the best time to take their measurements?

Buying a diamond or gold engagement ring is a beautiful way of showing your love, but it is no mean feat. Even if you know which rings they love and have decided on a detailed design, you still need to figure out your loved one’s ring size. Can you buy an engagement ring without knowing the size? Unfortunately not, but there are ways you can measure their ring size without them noticing!

How can I secretly measure their ring size?

What if you would like to surprise your intended with a gold or diamond engagement ring? Can you buy one without knowing the size? How can you buy a diamond ring as an investment that fits them like a glove as well? There are various ways to find out their ring size in secret. The best way is to borrow a ring from their jewellery box that you are sure fits them perfectly (making sure that they wear it on the right finger!). Place it on a piece of paper and trace the inside of the ring with a pencil. Using a ruler, you can then measure the diameter. With this approach, there is a bit of a margin of error; it is often difficult to determine the widest point of the circle, as a ring is seldom perfectly round.

How do I go about measuring my loved one’s finger?

Do they know you are planning to buy them a new ring? This makes matters a lot easier and means you do not have to buy an engagement ring without knowing the size. You can measure their finger easily using BAUNAT’s free synthetic ring sizer or by downloading our paper version. This method results in a reliable measurement, and you will be sure you are using the correct measurement unit. If you are unsure about the accuracy of your measurements, you can always have the ring size measured professionally at BAUNAT.

You do not buy a gold or diamond ring every day. With a professional measurement, your ring will undoubtedly be the ideal size.

When is the best time to take their measurements?

We have established you cannot really buy an engagement ring without knowing the size. But when should you measure their finger? Which time of day is perfect for a professional measurement? It is best to measure the finger’s circumference in the evening. By the end of the day, their fingers will be warmer, resulting in a larger circumference than at other moments. The difference may not be visible to the naked eye, but it will make a difference regarding ring size.

Now you know that you cannot do it without knowing the size, how can you buy the perfect gold engagement ring for them? Which diamond ring will suit their style? Discover BAUNAT’s extensive collection or contact our diamond experts for a tailor-made jewel

What is the correct hand for my engagement ring?

The correct hand and finger for your engagement ring or wedding ring will depend on your faith, your region and practical considerations. The choice for your ring is completely personal.

Learn more about the correct hand for your engagement ring or ask BAUNAT’s diamond experts for advice.

 

What different styles of diamond engagement ring settings does BAUNAT offer?

For engagement rings, different types of settings are possible. You can find BAUNAT’s most used ones below:
 
    1. The solitaire prong setting has one single diamond held in place by prongs, so it catches the most light.
    2. The pavé setting positions many diamonds in a row so closely that hardly any metal is visible, resulting in a brilliant shine.
    3. Channel setting is a method where diamonds are suspended between two rails of metal, called channels.
    4. The bezel setting is a traditional, labour-intensive technique where the metal surrounds the diamond and forms a frame around the stone.

    1. The Prong setting

    The solitaire prong setting has one single diamond that acts as the centrepiece of the ring. Claws position the centre diamond so it catches the most light. BAUNAT diamond engagement rings either have four or six claws. A setting with four claws makes the diamond appear more square-like while one with six claws makes it appear more round.

    The name ‘prong setting’ refers to the so-called ‘claws’. The prong setting is most commonly used for engagement rings worldwide. This setting is also suitable for almost all shapes of diamonds.

    The claws can be very thin or wider and can be finished in a round, square, or pointed shape. This depends on the design of the jewel and the style of each goldsmith.

    Order this white gold prong setting engagement ring today.

    The advantages of the prong setting:

    - The diamond catches the most light
    - The prongs are small, therefore a larger part of the diamond is visible
    - The diamond in the ring is easy to clean
    - Claws in white gold or platinum are barely visible on the white diamond 

     

    2. The pavé setting

    The term 'pavé setting' comes from the French language and translates as ‘paved’. The individual small diamonds in a pavé diamond ring resemble tiny paving stones, hence the name. In an engagement ring with a pavé setting, small diamonds are placed next to each other and fixed with small prongs that look like beads. These claws are worked out directly from the gathering point of the metal. This way, hardly any metal is visible.

    The advantages of pavé setting:

    - The many small prongs make the diamonds sparkle, although only small diamonds are used
    - The price of a ring with many smaller stones is considerably lower than a ring set with one big diamond

     

    3. The Channel setting

    Channel setting is a method where diamonds are suspended between two rails of metal, called channels. The diamond is put in place, and the metal on top is pushed down, tightening the diamond.

    This way, we create a continuous line of diamonds.

    Channel settings, together with pave settings, are commonly used for diamond alliance rings and wedding bands. At BAUNAT, most of our designs with channel settings have princess-cut diamonds, but we can also use round or baguette diamonds (tailor-made).

    Discover this channel set round diamond engagement ring.

    The advantages of the channel setting

    - Because the diamonds are placed next to each other, it gives the impression of continuous brilliance
    - The surface is very smooth
    - These rings can be combined with other ring designs easily

     

    4. The Bezel setting

    The bezel setting is a traditional, very labour-intensive goldsmith technique. The metal surrounds the diamond and forms a frame around the stone. There is another precious metal strip (frame), which supports the diamond in the socket. The bezel engagement ring setting is particularly well suited for round cut (brilliant) or oval diamonds.

    The advantages of the bezel setting

    - Because of the border of the precious metal, the diamond is protected against damage
    - The bezel is open at the bottom, creating a higher radiance and more fire
    - Because of the metal surrounding the diamond, it will appear larger than it actually is
    - Because of the fact that there are no prongs, this setting will not get stuck behind any clothing

    Choose your favorite setting with your BAUNAT ring.

    These are the most common setting methods. Of course, BAUNAT can also offer other types of settings in her tailor-made jewellery. Please contact info@baunat.com in case you are interested in a tailor-made jewel with a different diamond setting.

    Related information:

    1. What collections are available?

    2. What to consider when choosing the perfect engagement ring?

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