A wedding is undoubtedly one of the most important and responsible events in the life of lovers, with which a number of traditions are associated. The exchange of wedding rings has existed for hundreds of years and to this day continues to be the most significant symbol of the strong union of two loving hearts. However, in the wedding ritual, engagement rings are equally important, designed for an equally exciting moment - a marriage proposal.
Today, many, confusingly, use the words “engagement” and “engagement” interchangeably, but in fact they mean different things. We understand what role each of them plays and for what reason it is intended.
What is an engagement (wedding) ring?
An engagement ring is a piece of jewelry that a man presents to his beloved at the moment when he proposes to her. Most often, the long-awaited moment happens in a special setting and unexpectedly for the chosen one. If a positive answer is received to the main question, the future spouses will be officially announced about the decision to start a family.
From the moment of receiving the ring and accepting the proposal, the woman is considered engaged and, according to tradition, puts the jewelry on the ring finger of the hand. The engagement ring, as a symbol of this promise and devotion, is worn by the future bride until the wedding ceremony.
In terms of design, engagement rings can be different, but the most common type of jewelry is with a central jewelry stone (diamond or any other), which can be either the only one in the jewelry composition or framed by smaller crystals.
Symbolism of the engagement ring
In the old days, the engagement ring was given not just as a gift, it was a real financial obligation to the family of the future bride. The fact is that earlier young girls were supported by their parents before marriage, and after that by their husband.
At the same time, the engagement ring performed two functions at once: the first was that, by demonstrating the jewelry, the young girl made it clear that she was no longer considering marriage proposals, and the second - the product was a symbol of the social status and wealth of the future spouse.
What is an engagement ring?
Unlike engagement rings, wedding rings have a different role. If the first is presented before the wedding and is intended exclusively for the future bride, then the second is purchased for both future spouses - they are exchanged directly during the wedding ceremony and worn after the celebration.
Compared to engagement rings, engagement rings tend to be more concise in design, without the presence of a central, prominent gemstone. If the engagement ring is usually chosen by a man, then the engagement ring is most often purchased by the future spouses together, choosing a set of items similar in design.
Since the engagement ring is worn on the same finger as the wedding ring, many brides prefer to wear the ring on the ring finger of the other hand for the duration of the wedding ceremony, and then move it back.
Symbolism of the wedding ring
Despite the ancient roots dating back to the 3rd century BC, wedding rings have not lost their original meaning and relevance today. So, the round shape of a wedding decoration, which has no beginning and end, symbolizes the infinity of love between two hearts, marital fidelity and strong marriage bonds.
How to wear an engagement and wedding ring?
It often happens that after the wedding, the newly-minted spouse cannot decide which of the rings to wear - engagement or engagement. After all, the first, as a rule, has a brighter and more noticeable external performance, and the second symbolizes a new status to a greater extent.
Modern wedding fashion allows you to wear both types of rings at the same time. It is only important that the products worn together fit comfortably on the finger and are combined - they are made of the same metals and of a similar shape, since harder metal or protruding edges of one ring can spoil the surface of another over time.
Well, jewelers thought about it in advance, so today you can find jewelry sets consisting of engagement and wedding rings, they are combined in design, materials and generally complement each other. This is perhaps the most convenient solution of all, but it is relevant only if the man is sure in advance of a positive response to his proposal.
If the engagement ring was presented in an unexpected manner, then later, when choosing paired wedding rings, try to choose the most suitable product in terms of design.
