For centuries
When going to a jewelry store, remember that this ring may become a family heirloom in the future and be passed on to descendants through many generations. Therefore, begin to approach the choice of product with all seriousness. Most likely, few gentlemen will be able to immediately answer the question of what is the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring. Meanwhile, there are many rules by which it is customary to choose this or that product.
The ring is a sign of endless love. But there is a difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring. What does it consist of and where did our tradition come from - giving a ring also for engagement?
What is an engagement ring? How is it different from a wedding?
What wedding would be complete without rings? Rings speak of symbolic language about love and the strong union of two hearts. Time passes, eras and fashions change, but wedding rings remain unchanged. An engagement ring, designed for the most exciting moment - a marriage proposal, is no less proof of love.
A little history. The tradition of giving engagement rings has not existed forever, it was “invented” by Duke Maximillian when he decided to get married. In order to back up his words with deeds, he sent an expensive ring with a large diamond along with the marriage proposal. His plans were crowned with success, and a new beautiful tradition was born for future generations.
Today, the choice of engagement rings is extremely diverse. Manufacturers regularly update their range and vary precious inserts and materials. Please remember that an engagement ring is not a wedding ring. If a classic design was chosen as a wedding ring, then white gold is the best choice for an engagement ring. This material will emphasize the grace of a woman's hand.
Wedding and engagement rings are distinguished by the presence of an insert. Unlike wedding rings, engagement rings are more luxurious and therefore contain stones and large inserts. Clear or white diamonds are often used as inserts. Diamonds are placed both around the perimeter of the jewelry and in the center of the entire composition. Due to their high value, it is not surprising that engagement rings become heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation.
After getting engaged, wedding rings come into play. Here the classics rule the roost: yellow or white gold and a diamond cut for a man and a not too pretentious ring with precious inserts for a woman. When choosing rings, it is necessary to take into account the shape of the fingers and the entire hand: for example, a small hand with thin fingers and large rings are incompatible.
An interesting option is bi-alloy rings. The product consists of rims made of white and yellow gold, connected to each other. Such jewelry is very popular today.
A wedding is not just a significant event. Every couple wants everything to be individual at the special moment. At the same time, many people want their wedding to be different from a series of formulaic ceremonies. The same goes for rings. A great way to make your engagement ring unique is to have it engraved. Not only words are engraved (for example, “with love,” etc.), but also drawings: figurines of angels, images of hearts. The level of modern technology allows laser engraving even on precious stones included in the composition of the ring. What better way to express the infinity of your love than engraving on a magnificent diamond that is almost timeless.
Betrothal still existed in Rus'. At its core, the ritual was a modern engagement with a marriage proposal and the blessing of the parents. Many people nowadays ignore this wonderful tradition, but no fewer people return to their roots and go to jewelry stores in search of that very ring that will become a symbol of their future happiness.
According to the canons of the church, a wedding ring cannot be placed on the ring finger. Therefore, you cannot wear it together with your engagement finger on the same finger. Historically, engagement rings were worn either on the middle finger or on the left hand.
Perhaps there are as many visions of engagement rings as there are jewelers. Masters often create real masterpieces that will take your breath away. These elegant diamond rings are waiting for their future owners in store windows. And here beauty begins to fight prejudice. The thing is that it is customary for us to choose modest and even inconspicuous engagement rings. People say: “This ring will be worn with an engagement ring and should not be better than it” or “a girl should be modest and not look like a decorated Christmas tree.”
Ubiquitous fashion dictates its own rules, and now, as they say, white gold rings are “in trend.” It is incredibly true to diamonds, allowing master jewelers to fully realize their talent.
When deciding how to wear your engagement ring, consider this: what beliefs you hold. Every culture and religion deals with this differently. For example, our ancestors, receiving a family engagement ring as a gift, never put it on the same finger as their wedding ring. At the same time, in England, where the tradition of engagement is very strong and is still alive, a woman has the right to wear the engagement ring given to her by her groom wherever she pleases.
One thing is for sure: in order to preserve pleasant memories for a lifetime, take your choice seriously, but don’t hold back your imagination and don’t be too categorical in your selection.
PaXaN 2012-01-11 06:08:44
Comments
Matchmaking or engagement?
Indeed, in Rus', engagement was successfully replaced by matchmaking. When the bride is wooed and the wedding festivities begin, not a single guy should look at her differently than at someone else's future wife. But in the West, everything happened a little differently. The proposal was made (and is being made today) without special rituals and contracts. Offering his chosen one a happy future together, the man put a ring on her ring finger. If the girl agreed, she left a piece of jewelry on her finger, indicating that she was now a bride. Naturally, in case of refusal, the ring was returned back to the gentleman.
Although today both in the West and in Russia it is customary to celebrate an engagement, during which it is publicly announced that the lovers are now officially the bride and groom, which is confirmed by the presence of special engagement rings.
Basic rules for choosing wedding rings
When choosing a ring, you should pay attention to its quality. Conduct an experiment by throwing a ring from a height onto a flat surface; if the ring is cast and of good quality, it easily bounces off the surface with a characteristic ringing sound. If a dull sound is not heard when falling, then the ring is made of a metal alloy. There should also be a marking on the inside, the so-called brand. The sample and the manufacturer's mark must be clearly printed on it.
Trying on the ring should be done in the afternoon, because wearing it will cause your fingers to swell over time. After putting the ring on to try it on, try a few simple movements to make sure the ring is comfortable to wear. Even if you are satisfied with the appearance of the decoration, if there is the slightest discomfort when wearing it, discard the accessory. Since if you walk with the ring for a long time, a callus may form on your finger. If you choose the wrong size, then a very narrow model will be difficult to fit over the bone, and will be difficult to take off and put on if necessary, but a wide one, on the contrary, will ride on your finger and can easily be lost.
To determine the size of a finger, jewelry stores have a special device. Outwardly, it looks like a set that includes many rings. The size parameters are different, depending on the characteristics of each person's fingers. If your fingers are long and thick, you can wear a ring with an average width of 7 mm. People with fingers of average thickness and length can choose rings that are 5-6 mm wide. On short and thin fingers, rings with a width of 2 to 3.5 mm look best.
It is worth noting that rings for newlyweds do not necessarily have to be paired, because both the bride and groom are individuals, each of whom may have individual preferences. In order for the rings to be worn by both spouses without taking them off, they must like them. Therefore, if opinions on the design differ, then there is no point in arguing about it. It’s enough just to look for models that will have similarities in appearance with each other. So, a man can choose a more strict solution for himself, and a woman can choose a more elegant one that suits her style.
The Orthodox store PravLife offers a wide selection of engagement and wedding rings. Among the huge number of options offered, we are confident that you will be able to find the most suitable one, depending on your personal wishes and planned budget. In our catalog you will find jewelry made from different materials and different sizes. In addition, we guarantee their high quality and low prices, which will make shopping in our online store pleasant and profitable for you at the same time. We also offer delivery throughout Moscow and Russia, so you don’t have to visit all the jewelry stores in your city, but place an order from anywhere in the country. Thus, you can spend the time saved on other important matters related to preparing for the upcoming special event.
On which hand?
It is customary for Orthodox Christians to wear the product on their right hand. This is explained by the fact that the right side is considered the side of the angels. It is customary to make the sign of the cross with the right hand; accordingly, a sign is placed on the finger of this hand, confirming the endless love of the young. It makes no difference: the engagement ring and the wedding ring are all on the right hand, only in order of priority, since it is not customary to wear such rings together. Sometimes on special occasions you can wear both of them - but this is done very rarely. If the style and material suit the rings, they can be placed on one finger, but usually the wedding ring remains in its rightful place, and the engagement ring is placed on the ring finger of the left hand.
Types of rings
In order not to make a mistake in choosing a ring, you need to understand the specifics, purpose and features of both types. An engagement ring, for example, is a piece of jewelry that the groom gives to the bride long before the wedding in order to communicate his intentions to her, regardless of what decision the girl ultimately makes.
Engagement ring
If the girl agrees to the proposal, she puts on an engagement ring and wears it until the exchange of rings at the wedding ceremony. An engagement ring is a ring in two copies that is exchanged between the newlyweds at the wedding and (ideally) worn for the rest of their lives without taking it off.
Wedding rings
Engagement ring and wedding ring: what is their difference?
The traditional engagement ring is made of gold and adorned with a small diamond. Although today you can choose many variations of this jewelry. Everything is limited only by the imagination of the future spouse and the financial component. Luxurious products are allowed to be presented as a gift to the chosen one, as well as more modest accessories. The diamond can be replaced with any other stone; however, you can even purchase engagement rings created using mixed media (silver, gold and precious stones).
What is the difference between a wedding ring and an engagement ring, which design is preferable? A wedding ring is worn after marriage and must be worn constantly. Traditionally, wedding rings have a smooth, even surface and are not encrusted with precious stones. There should be no ornate patterns on such a ring. The smooth smooth surface of the product symbolizes an even and calm married life. Today's newlyweds sometimes don't adhere much to traditions. Future spouses are happy to purchase wedding rings with engraving and various design solutions. Modern rings can be decorated with stones. However, there is a law thanks to which a pair of rings will look harmonious: the wedding jewelry of the spouses must be created in the same style.
What is the difference between engagement rings and wedding rings, except for the time of wearing and the external design of the products? At least in that engagement rings can be worn either in pairs (bride and groom), or only the bride wears the ring. But both spouses should wear wedding bands, in this way demonstrating to others that they are one.
What should an engagement ring be like?
It is traditionally believed that newlyweds' rings are made of yellow gold. This metal is strong and durable, this is exactly what relationships should be like in a newly-made family. If the surface of the jewelry is smooth, then the couple’s life will be without worries and problems, so you should not choose products with a large number of stones, engravings and carvings.
According to symbolism and signs, the wedding ring should be gold and smooth, without any frills
However, if you are not too superstitious, do not hesitate to buy the rings that you like. In the end, these products should be worn without taking them off for many years; they should please and remind you of the happiest day in your life.
Jewelry inlaid with stones looks exquisite, each has its own meaning:
- citrine promises optimism and balance;
- emerald promotes fertility;
- pomegranate brings passion and devotion to a couple’s relationship;
- ruby protects against misfortunes and also symbolizes strong love.
Ring with emerald
Engagement ring with citrine
options for engagement rings are also not uncommon. Inscriptions are made on the inside of the product, most often these are:
- lovers' initials;
- wedding date;
- words and phrases about love (“together forever”, “you and me”, “my love” and others).
There are other unspoken rules associated with the choice of engagement rings:
- you need to buy them at the same time and in the same store;
- you can use the rings of your parents or more distant ancestors, but only on condition that they were happily married;
- In the old days, the choice and purchase of wedding rings was solely the responsibility of the groom, but modern couples more often prefer to visit a jewelry store together.
The choice of an engagement ring should be approached responsibly, taking into account your own preferences, as well as the knowledge and traditions accumulated by your ancestors
How not to miscalculate the size?
Having finally understood how engagement rings differ from wedding rings, you can begin to act.
Most likely, a man or guy who is about to propose to his one and only wants to present an engagement ring as a gift as a pleasant romantic surprise. How can you find out the size of your beloved's ring finger?
Method one: quietly take the girl’s favorite ring and run with it to the jewelry store. They will help you choose the right product based on the size of this ring. Remember the disadvantages of such actions. Not every girl will be able to correctly interpret such behavior; this is fraught with many unpleasant moments for both of you.
Method two: wrap a thread around the sleeping girl’s finger and then rush to the store with this thread. However, consultants can tell you that such “taking measurements” is not correct. There are anatomical features of the finger joints and many other nuances.
Method three, four, five - civilized
- Use an easier way to find out the size. A few months before the intended purchase, directly ask your loved one about it, write down the size of the ring and wait time. Of course, at first the young lady will think and wait - when will you give her a gift in the form of a ring, after all, it’s not for nothing that you found out the size? But after three or four weeks, she will completely forget about what she told you and stop expecting a gift. Meanwhile, you will choose a ring and propose to her.
- about the size of the ring to the girlfriend of her chosen one, she will certainly be able to quietly find out this secret and transfer the secret data to you.
- Twist your beloved's ring and try to put it on your little finger, be sure to remember the place where the ring is put on. Better yet, mark it discreetly. Now you know the size, what is the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring, what is the difference between them. The next step is to go to the store and ask to take measurements from this part of the finger to start choosing a ring.
Tips for choosing
To make a successful choice, you need to know your chosen one well. The ring should fit into her lifestyle and highlight the bride’s individual qualities. Modern jewelers offer models of vintage, avant-garde and modern styles. For a romantic nature, a ring decorated with a ruby in the shape of a heart or flower is suitable. A lover of ethnic motifs in music and in life will be happy with a ring of this type. It is worth remembering that a thin ring is better suited for thin fingers, and if the bride has more curvaceous figures, then the ring should be massive.
Can't decide on a style and direction? There is always a classic - an engagement ring set with one or more diamonds.
What should engagement rings look like?
The founder of the Tiffany & Co jewelry house, Charles Tiffany, personally designed the Setting solitaire ring, intended for engagement, and which later became a classic. Solitaires are products decorated with one large stone.
People call such rings single rings. The name emphasizes that the product has only one large stone, but it can be set off by a scattering of small stones.
Setting looks at the same time laconic and sophisticated - a faceted diamond is fixed on the smooth surface of the ring with six claws.
The author's revolutionary approach was that the stone is not hidden in the frame, but rises above it. In this way the beauty of the stone cut was emphasized. Jewelers all over the world began to develop this design for engagement rings.
A ring presented to a girl on her engagement day can be made of different materials: silver, platinum, gold of various shades - white, yellow, red and pink. It can be decorated with precious and semi-precious stones of various cuts.
The stone can have a variety of shapes: square, rectangular, oval and round. The most romantic option is a heart-shaped pebble.
