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It’s no secret that wedding rings and engagement rings are rather important symbols of love and marriage. Serving as tangible mementos representing a lasting commitment, these rings have a long-standing history steeped in tradition and symbolism. Let’s find out more about what makes them play such an important part in romantic relationships.

Engagement and wedding ring matching blue sapphire ombre pave band with blue sapphire and diamond toi et moi ring

What's the difference between a wedding ring and an engagement ring?

The quick and simple answer is that an engagement ring is traditionally given during a proposal. One person tends to get down on one knee, they drop it in the Champagne glass, hide it in a chocolate torte (you get the drift), and it’s meant to symbolise ‘the promise of marriage’. It typically features a band with a centre diamond or gemstone and is usually carefully chosen to include details that are meaningful to the couple. The person who accepts the proposal then wears the engagement ring as a symbol of their upcoming nuptials. So far, so good. 

An engagement ring is usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand from the moment of the proposal until after the wedding. Then it can either be paired with a matching or complementary wedding ring or brought out for more special occasions and treated as a sort of keepsake.

Rose gold engagement ring wedding ring pair

As for wedding rings, they’re exchanged between two people during their marriage ceremony. Commonly, worn on the fourth finger on the left hand, they’re often regarded as a tangible symbol of wedlock. Beyoncè perhaps put it best in her hit song back in 2008 (we know you know the words). However, as time passes, traditions change and nowadays some people redefine this long-standing custom, and opt to wear their ring on any finger of their choosing.

In summary, the main difference lies in the timing of when they’re given and their purpose. To put it simply: the engagement ring signifies a couple’s plan to marry, they’ve locked it down emotionally but haven’t had the party or sorted out the legalities just yet. The wedding ring marks that formal union and symbolises the commitment made during the actual wedding ceremony. Together, these rings represent different stages of a relationship and are often worn together to highlight this unity throughout the marriage. While there are set traditions and customs, it’s completely up to each couple on how they choose to display their rings (if at all).

Andres Wedding

What do wedding rings symbolise?

Wedding rings can mean many things to many different people. They can be seen as a symbol of security, a way of celebrating a relationship and even a way of notifying the external world that you’re taken. Their shape and the traditional symbolism associated with wedding rings typically represents that eternal kind of commitment, and many married couples choose to uphold these traditions in how they ‘utilise’ them. People get excited to pick their own ‘symbols of unity’ so that they can wear them every day and feel more connected to their partner. As if an invisible string ties them together threaded through their shimmering bands. 

They also hold a lot of cultural and personal significance, often carrying traditions, family heritage, or religious meanings that deepen their symbolic value even more. Ultimately, wedding rings serve as enduring symbols of partnership, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey together.

How much does a wedding ring cost?

The majority of a wedding ring’s price is made up of the cost of the metal used.

Metal is charged by weight, so the wider the band and the heavier the design, the more expensive the ring will be. For a narrower, daintier band, the price point will be lower.

Platinum and 18ct gold wedding bands are the most popular, not just for their appearance, but also because the rings need to be durable enough to withstand everyday wear. Based on the cost of these metals, your wedding ring is likely to be over the £500 mark if you’re choosing a platinum or 18ct gold piece. The price of a diamond wedding ring or sapphire wedding ring will be higher than a plain wedding band.

Who buys the wedding rings?

The answer to this completely depends on each couple and the cultural customs they choose to follow. In the most basal Western traditions, the person proposing typically buys the engagement ring, and then both partners tend to purchase each other’s wedding rings or choose and buy them together. 

Some couples opt to share the cost of the wedding rings, viewing it as a joint investment in their future. Cultural variations exist of course, where, in some instances, the couples’ families might buy both rings or gift them with heirloom jewellery. Most modern practices see couples shopping for wedding rings together to ensure they both get rings they love within their price point. Ultimately, who buys the wedding rings is a personal decision, influenced by chosen traditions, financial situations and loads of other little factors that might crop up in a relationship.

Wedding ring

How to wear your wedding ring

An engagement ring is usually worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, known as the ring finger, from the moment of the proposal until after the ceremony. Wedding rings also tend to be worn on the same finger, creating a bridal set. This tradition originates from the Ancient Greek belief that the veina amoris (love vein) connects this finger directly to the heart. Now that the traditional stuff is out of the way, it is always good to remember that the choice of which hand or finger to wear one’s wedding ring on can depend on a host of factors personal to the person wearing it. 

Typically, in Western Culture, the wedding ring is worn closest to the palm of the hand so as to be ‘closest to the heart’ and the engagement ring will sit above it on the finger.

What about the wedding?

This begs the question – do you wear your engagement ring during your wedding ceremony? There are a few easy options to ensure your ceremony runs smoothly.

The first is that you keep your engagement ring on, place the wedding ring on top during the ceremony, and then switch the rings around after the ceremony. Some people actually prefer this as a long-term solution as it provides extra security for the engagement ring.

Alternatively, you could slip your engagement ring onto your right hand for the duration of the ceremony and place it back onto your left hand when it’s over. Or, you could give your engagement ring to a member of your family or wedding party for safekeeping for the duration of the ceremony.

Some people choose to wear only a wedding ring, some just an engagement ring, some both and some neither. It’s all up to you, as to what feels right.

How to find your wedding ring size?

It’s worth noting that around 40% of rings end up being resized, so, as long as you can get a rough estimate by following these basic ring size guidelines, you’ll get a pretty close idea. If you don’t measure the exact correct size the first time, not to worry. We can resize rings within two sizes up or down of the originally crafted size.

Use our Ring Size Guide to find your ring size.

Curved wedding band oval engagement ring sq copy

Should wedding rings match?

Some people would never wear an orange top and red trousers or mix polka dots with houndstooth. Some embrace colour clashes, layering and colourblocking, and just like fashion, jewellery has no set rules. You can choose to have a matching wedding ring set with your partner, have a wedding ring that matches your engagement ring – or none of the above.

When choosing a bridal ring set, the most important thing to remember is your comfort, personal style and price point. Do you want your set to have similar styles? Do you want them to sit flush next to one another? Do you want them to feel mismatched in a curated way?

There are two ways of thinking about how wedding rings ‘match’. The first is whether to match both spouses’ wedding ring designs, and the second is whether to match the wedding ring to the engagement ring design.

Loads of couples choose to connect their designs in some way, be it an almost identical design, the same precious metal choice, or a small engraving or gemstone that symbolises the two wedding rings are a pair. Whatever your ultimate preference, below are some things to consider:

Matching Wedding Rings

If you’re the type of couple who likes ‘twinning’ then getting a matching set of bands should be super appealing.

You can achieve this by opting for matching finishes and metals or you can go with subtle variations, like with our Bay and Bayberry designs where the rings mimic each other, but feature stones that differ in colour.

If you go for a bespoke moment, your wedding bands could feature the same engraving, leaving no question as to who is with whom. Having personalised rings that can reflect your one-of-a-kind partnership is a beautiful way to celebrate your marriage. Each time you look at your specially designed ring, you can think fondly of the love that you share.

It also gives you and your other half a chance to express your individual style, with the opportunity to create complementary rings and the ability to combine your wedding band and engagement ring into one fluid design. Your wedding rings should reflect a story that’s truly yours, not anyone else’s.

If you’re looking for a ‘match’ in terms of a wedding band design that seamlessly goes with your existing engagement ring, you’ve got all sorts of options. Many of our engagement rings have matching wedding ring designs to ensure a flush and cohesive fit.

Sometimes an engagement ring design won’t allow for a straight wedding ring to sit flush against it. This is where technology comes in and we can use a 3D scan of your engagement ring to ensure your wedding ring will hug the contours of your engagement ring design and sit comfortably on your finger.

Then we have eternity designs, curved bands or stand outs. Whatever you’re after – there’s a way to curate a look to suit your style.

Ladies and mens wedding ring set hammered mens band ladies blue sapphire diamond scallop wedding band

Non-Matching Wedding Rings

Lots of people who get married prefer to celebrate by showcasing their individuality and getting something they like, which means it might not be the same style as their spouse’s piece. But, as we know, your wedding ring doesn’t have to match your partner’s, plus, it doesn’t need to ‘traditionally’ match your engagement ring either. 

You can also have a collection of rings (worn together or alone) that’s called a ‘suite’ of rings that are all symbolic of a moment or life milestone.

The rings are worn to achieve a certain type of look or finish on the hand with a few stand-out rings that can be worn on different fingers or smaller, daintier bands that are stacked to achieve a more edited look. They can be matching or intentionally mismatched bands, they can be crafted in lab grown diamonds or natural diamonds, it can be a diamond ring or a polished metal ring with no gemstones – it’s totally up to the wearer and can be worn in a mix-and-match kind of way.

Actress, Blake Lively, wears an engagement and wedding ring set that does not match or sit flush up against one another. We don’t know whether this was a style or logistic-based choice, but either way, it’s safe to say that her engagement and wedding rings have a beautiful overall finish.

Compromise and Creativity

Many couples like to find a middle ground, selecting rings that complement rather than match perfectly. They might choose different wedding ring styles but use the same metal or incorporate subtle design elements to create a connection between their rings. This approach allows for personal expression while still indicating they’re a set.

Whatever direction you choose to go, it’s important to communicate and pick something that ticks your particular boxes.

What are the most popular wedding band metals to choose from?

Platinum

Platinum is known for its cool white sheen and its hypoallergenic properties, and it’s platinum wedding bands that are the most popular choice for bridal jewellery. This metal requires a low level of maintenance, with almost 60% of our customers opting for platinum wedding rings.

Yellow gold

18ct yellow gold is likely famed for being the most established of the precious metal options. Yellow gold wedding rings appeal to those who are drawn to the deliciously rich appearance when also retaining a sense of tradition associated with this warm hue.

Rose gold platinum wedding band unisex ring

White gold

18ct white gold wedding rings appeal to anyone who likes the feel of gold mixed with the colour and brightness of platinum. Almost identical to platinum in appearance, white gold is plated with rhodium to give it that bright white appearance. This means that with normal wear, white gold will require replating every 1-2 years (unlike platinum).

Rose gold

Synonymous with warmth, 18ct rose gold is a soft, blushy metal choice known for looking excellent on all skin tones. Rose gold wedding rings are the second most popular choice amongst our customers. Popular with all genders, they can be styled in both romantic or edgier ways, depending on the accompanying gemstones and finish.

What are the most popular wedding ring styles?

Plain Wedding Bands

Plain wedding bands will stick around for a super long time. Sleek and simple, they’re characterised by a smooth metal finish without any embellishments. They’re a classic for a reason.

Chunky Wedding Bands

Chunky wedding bands are a bit more bold and substantial. They showcase a wide and thick design, often ranging from 5mm to 10mm in width. Current trends include mixed metals, unique textures, added gemstones and custom engravings.

Slim Wedding Bands

Slim wedding bands are a minimalist choice, with an understated design. They usually range from 1mm to 3mm in width, offering a whisper rather than a scream.

Custom diamond baguette wedding ring yellow gold

Diamond Wedding Bands

Diamond wedding bands are known for that continuous line of diamonds that enhance the shape and size of the engagement ring’s centre stone, making them a dazzling addition to any bridal set. 

(pictured)

Pavé Wedding Bands

Pavé wedding bands  have a continuous line of small diamonds or coloured gemstones and are designed to catch the light from every angle. They add brilliance, texture and heaps of personality.

Channel Set Wedding Bands

Channel set wedding bands are known for that row of small diamonds or gemstones that are set into a channel within the band. The stones sit flush with the metal surface, creating a seamless look that protects the stones from damage and loss.

Baguette Wedding Bands

Baguette wedding bands feature rectangular step-cut diamonds known for their clean lines and understated light refraction. Current trends include mixing baguette diamonds with other shapes like round or princess cuts to create some seriously eye-catching designs.

(pictured)

Bezel Set Wedding Bands

Bezel wedding bands feature a protective metal rim that decoratively surrounds each gemstone. This setting style provides exceptional security for the diamonds and adds distinct character to any ring design.

Sapphire Wedding Bands

Sapphire wedding bands come in a variety of colours, including pink, yellow, green, and even colourless, each offering an opportunity to create the most unique piece of jewellery.

(pictured)

Curved Wedding Bands

Curved wedding bands are uniquely designed to complement the shape of an engagement ring, featuring a gentle curve that sits perfectly against the ring. They pair very well with various engagement ring styles, creating a cohesive and elegant look.

Chevron Wedding Bands

Chevron wedding bands have a V shape design, offering versatility to suit different tastes. The chevron shape adds a unique twist to traditional wedding bands, and allows for more whimsical shapes to be accommodated too.

(pictured)

Twisted Wedding Bands

Twisted wedding bands are known for their interwoven strands of metal that create a rope-like or braided effect. Current trends include stacking twisted bands with other rings for a layered look. We love.

Matching wedding ring band set with round diamond brushed finish and polished finish

What wedding ring textures and finishes are usually available?

We may be used to seeing wedding rings that feature traditional polished metal, but, there’s a whole host of metal finishes you can add to your design with each finish achieving a totally unique look.

Matte

Matte finished rings are smooth to the touch like polished rings, have less of a reflective sheen. They’re known for their delicate brush marks, creating a textured surface, a bit like a fogged mirror.

Sandblasted

Here we see a noticeably coarse finish that’s entirely comfortable to wear. It’s grainy to touch but creates a ruggedly textured, unpolished look.

Hammered

Boasting a shiny polish, the hammered finish provides a dimpled look as if a hammer was used to pound each dimple on the ring’s surface. An interesting way of incorporating texture.

Brushed

Brushed rings feature deep wire brush like marks that resemble fine hairs and are often chosen by those that don’t want a polished finish.

Metal Finishes

What wedding band widths do we offer?

The width of a wedding band impacts the overall presence of the ring on the finger – that stands to reason. Our classic collections range from 1.6mm to 3.4mm for ladies’ designs, and from 3mm to 6mm for mens’ designs. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear whatever width you want.

While these widths don’t sound very large, when scaled on a finger, you’ll see it provides a substantial amount of coverage. If you’re into bold, chunky designs, go with a thicker band. If you love dainty, subtle jewellery, stay under 3mm. Visit our band width guide if you’d like to try out different widths on your own hand.

Mens Court TH

What wedding band profiles are there?

The profile refers to the shape you would see if the band of the ring were cut at a cross-section. There are a variety of wedding band profiles available.

Court profile for wedding bands

Perhaps considered the most traditional profile, a court band has a soft rounded curve on the inside and outside of the ring. It’s often referred to as ‘comfort fit’. As the name name suggests, it’s a very comfortable ring profile indeed.

D-shape profile for wedding bands

The outside of a D-shape profile is identical to a court ring. However, the inside of the band is flat and sits flush up against the finger, creating a ‘D’ shape to the band’s profile. Makes sense. This ring profile is often recommended to wearers who are particularly active or work using their hands.

Sweet pea yellow gold two row diamond pave knife edge wedding rings sq

Flat profile for wedding bands

Flat profile rings are almost the opposite to a court profile. They feature flat edges on all sides of the ring, creating a more geometric, sharp silhouette.

Bevelled profile for wedding bands

Bevelled ring profiles have a contemporary finish. The inside of the band is flat, but the outer edge has angled edges.

Knife edge profile for wedding bands

A knife edge profile features a sharp (within reason) edge that runs along the band and divides the ring into two slanting parts that meet at the centre ‘knife point’. Don’t worry, they’re perfectly safe to wear.

(pictured)

Concave profile for wedding bands

A concave ring has the smooth interior of a flat profile, with a softly dipped curve on the ring’s exterior.

Engraving inscription wedding ring

Engraving the wedding bands

Engraving your wedding bands adds a personal touch, making them even more meaningful and unique to each couple. This can be done in two different ways.  First is engraving an inscription on the inside of the band. It could be your initials, a meaningful date, your favourite movie quote – whatever is personal and important to you and your partner.  The second way is to engrave a pattern on the outside of the band that’s visible when worn. You could go for something geometric, floral or completely abstract. Your choice.

This customisation turns a simple band into a cherished and one-of-a-kind keepsake. Remember to consider the practical aspects: the size and width of your wedding band determine how much text can be engraved, and readability is key, especially for longer inscriptions. Your consultants will be able to assist you with this, but it’s good to have options and alternatives.

Organic inspired swirls twirl platinum wedding ring set

Bridal rings sets

Bridal ring sets is a term very much open to interpretation. It can cover a whole host of scenarios, all as sentimental and personal as the next. Let’s explore the two most popular understandings of a bridal ring set.

The first understanding of a bridal ring set is a combination of two rings: an engagement ring and a wedding band that are usually worn as a pair after marriage

The second interpretation is when each wedding ring is designed or chosen with the intention of being a matching set for the couple – where both rings share a similar design element or overall aesthetic.

Whatever you choose, make sure it suits you both down to the ground.

How to match your engagement rings and wedding band?

There are no rules as to how you should wear your rings, but sometimes getting some guidance and being shown different options can help you make an informed decision. Here are our guides on how to match different styles of engagement rings with wedding bands to maximise the impact of both:

Wedding rings to match Ovals

Wedding rings to match Pears

Wedding rings to match Trilogies

Wedding rings to match Halos 

Wedding rings to match Marquise

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