When it comes to celebrating love and commitment, few traditions are as iconic – or as meaningful – as the giving of rings. But for many couples, especially those that have just started their journey towards marriage, the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring isn't always crystal clear. Do you need both? Which comes first? Are there differences in the purpose of each ring? And how do you wear them?
One of the key differences between both types of rings is the timing and symbolism of each.
An engagement ring is the promise of forever and is traditionally given at the time of a marriage proposal. It symbolizes the intent to marry and the commitment between two people to build a life together. This ring is often a surprise and is typically more ornate or elaborate. It features a central gemstone, which is most commonly a diamond, moissanite, or another precious stone. The proposal itself is often one of life’s most emotionally charged moments, and the engagement ring becomes a treasured representation of that promise. It's the ring your partner wears from the moment you propose up until, and beyond, the wedding.
A wedding ring marks the seal of the vows and is also known as a wedding band. It's exchanged during the actual wedding ceremony and represents the final step in the commitment, defining the transition from engagement to marriage. Wedding bands are usually simpler in design and worn by both partners. They symbolize eternity and unity – unbroken, continuous and enduring. While the engagement ring speaks about the excitement of what’s to come, the wedding ring honors the enduring bond of your marriage vows.
There are design differences between an engagement ring and a wedding ring, too. Engagement rings often feature a solitaire (a single gemstone), a halo (a central stone surrounded by smaller ones), or a three-stone design. They may include intricate settings, unique bands, or even coloured gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, or moissanite. Because the engagement ring is typically a surprise gift, it's chosen with the personal style of the recipient in mind – whether that’s classic, vintage, modern, or minimalist.
Wedding bands, by contrast, are normally more understated. They’re designed to be worn comfortably every day, often without a protruding stone. Classic wedding bands are made of precious metals like gold, platinum, or white gold. They also may feature subtle design elements such as engraving, small pavé diamonds or a matching profile to sit flush against the engagement ring. Some couples opt for matching bands, while others choose completely different styles to reflect their personal tastes. Men's wedding bands also come in a variety of styles that range from classic plain bands to more modern finishes like matte, brushed, hammered, or carbon fibre inlays.
One of the most common questions we are asked is this: How do you wear your engagement ring and wedding ring together? Well, traditionally in Australia and most Western cultures, the wedding ring is worn first, closest to the heart, on the fourth finger of the left hand and the engagement ring is worn on top of the wedding band on the same finger. On the wedding day, many brides will move their engagement ring to their right hand temporarily so that the wedding band can be placed on the left hand first during the ceremony. After the vows, the engagement ring is returned to its place above the band. Of course, there are no hard-and-fast rules. Some people choose to weld their rings together after the wedding for convenience and symmetry. Others opt to wear only one of the rings daily for practicality – especially those who work with their hands – or choose to wear their rings on a chain around their neck for safekeeping.
Whether you need both ring types is entirely up to you. Many couples still follow tradition by exchanging both an engagement ring and wedding band. Others take a more minimalist or budget-conscious route and choose to have only one meaningful ring that serves both purposes. This is especially popular for the couples that value simplicity or want to invest more in a single, heirloom-quality piece. What's becoming more of a modern trend is stackable bands, which is where the wedding ring is one of several rings a person can stack with their engagement ring, anniversary rings, or eternity bands over time.
What is one of the most exciting parts of ring shopping is making it personal. Both engagement and wedding rings can be customized to reflect your unique relationship and aesthetic. If you want to add engravings, you can add a hidden message, initials, or your wedding date inside the band. You can also opt for custom settings, which include bezel, claw or cathedral settings to change the look and height of your precious piece of jewellery.
Our variety of gemstone choices, from moissanite and lab-grown diamonds to sapphires and even birthstones will give your ring the personal significance it deserves. Also, you can mix metals or opt for finishes that reflect your relationship and lifestyle, whether you prefer classic gold, modern white gold, or romantic rose gold.
Create Your Perfect Ring Today
Engagement rings and wedding rings may differ in timing, design and symbolism – but together, they represent two deeply meaningful milestones in your love story. One marks the exhilarating yes that starts it all and the other seals your vows with an infinite circle of trust, partnership and devotion.
Whether you choose both rings or just one or whether you go bold with sparkle or understated with simplicity, we are here with a curated selection of premium moissanite, lab-grown diamond and precious metal rings – all thoughtfully designed, ethically sourced, and expertly crafted in Australia.
Explore our full engagement and wedding ring collections today on our website or reach out to our friendly team for personalized help in choosing your forever rings.
