Do you know the difference between a wedding ring and an engagement ring?

Engagement and wedding rings are symbols of love, devotion and commitment between two people. However, one signifies a promise and the other confirms a marriage vow.

Although both engagement and wedding rings may look similar at first glance, their meaning, design, wearing tradition and the moment of delivery differ significantly.

The engagement ring is the first step

An engagement ring is the first step on the road to marriage. It is a piece of jewellery that a man traditionally gives when he proposes. This moment is one of the most important moments in a relationship and the ring itself should perfectly symbolise this special moment.

The distinctive feature of an engagement ring is the dominant central stone, which attracts attention and expresses the uniqueness of the moment of engagement. The most popular choice is therefore an engagement ring with a diamond, whose sparkle and eternal beauty perfectly symbolise a love that is meant to last for ages.

Diamond engagement rings are characterized by a variety of designs, from classic solitaires to sophisticated variants with side stones or halo effects. The size of the central diamond, its cut, clarity and colour(known as the 4Cs - Carat, Cut, Clarity, Colour) are key factors that determine not only the look but also the value of the ring.

TIP: Read more about how to choose an engagement ring.

How to find out what to look for in an engagement ring

Unlike an engagement ring, a wedding ring symbolizes an already sealed marriage. It is a piece of jewellery that the newlyweds exchange with each other during the wedding ceremony to confirm their vows of fidelity and love. Wedding rings are usually purchased as a couple.

Gold wedding rings are a classic and timeless choice. Gold, as a noble metal that is not subject to corrosion, symbolizes the permanence and purity of the marital union. Today, you can choose between yellow, white or rose gold, or combinations of the two to create interesting multi-coloured designs.

Engagement rings are characterized by clean lines and a more subtle look compared to more distinctive engagement rings. Traditionally, they tend to be simpler in design - plain bands without stones, symbolizing the purity and continuity of the marriage bond. However, modern trends also bring variants decorated with small diamonds, engravings or interesting finishes.

How (and if?) to wear an engagement and wedding ring together

The question of how to wear engagement and wedding rings has several correct answers - depending on the traditions of different cultures and personal preferences. The most common are:

1. The traditional European way. This arrangement symbolizes that the wedding ring is closer to the heart and also 'locks' the engagement ring in place.
   
   
2. American style: the engagement ring is first moved to the right hand during the wedding ceremony to make room for the wedding band. After the ceremony, the engagement ring is returned to the left hand in front of the wedding ring.
   
   
3. The modern approach: some women choose to wear an engagement ring only on special occasions and only wear a wedding ring in everyday life, especially if their profession or lifestyle makes wearing a distinctive engagement ring impractical.

TIP: For perfect harmony between the two rings, consider purchasing a set - an engagement ring and a wedding ring that are designed to match and complement each other perfectly.

The engagement and wedding ring should last.
The material matches

When choosing materials for your wedding and engagement ring, you will mainly come across these precious metals:

• White Gold: An elegant alternative to platinum with a modern look. This is gold enriched with palladium or nickel, plated with rhodium.
  
  
• Yellow gold: a traditional and timeless material with a warm hue that never goes out of style.
  
  
• Rose gold: a romantic option with a subtle pink tinge created by the addition of copper. In recent years it has been gaining popularity.
  
  
• Platinum: Distinguished by its natural whiteness, exceptional durability and prestige. An ideal choice for setting diamonds.

While engagement rings benefit from the contrast between white metals and sparkling diamonds, wedding bands offer more variation in the combination of materials, including two- or three-color options.

In the BENY boutiques we will guide you through the selection

Choosing engagement and wedding rings is one of the most important decisions in a couple's life. At the exclusive BENY boutiques in the centre of Prague, we offer you the opportunity to view a wide collection of luxury rings in a comfortable environment with advice from our experienced experts.