Engagement Ring, Wedding Band, Promise Ring: The Differences

The words get used loosely, so here is a clear guide to the three rings people most often ask about.

The engagement ring

An engagement ring is given when two people agree to marry. Traditionally it features a diamond or other stone and is worn from the proposal until the wedding. Many people continue to wear it after the wedding, often together with a wedding band. In India, an engagement is often marked with a ceremony where rings are exchanged, called a sagai or ring ceremony in many communities. See ring ceremony (sagai) jewellery ideas.

The wedding band

A wedding band is exchanged during the wedding and worn from then on. It is usually simpler than an engagement ring: a plain band, or one with small stones. Couples often choose matching bands, though they need not match. See matching couple rings and bands: ideas.

The promise ring

A promise ring is a ring given as a pledge of commitment before an engagement. It might mark a relationship milestone, a promise to stay together through a period apart, or a commitment to a future engagement. It is less formal than an engagement ring and often simpler and more affordable.

How they fit together

• Engagement ring: the diamond ring given at the proposal.
• Wedding band: added at the wedding. Often worn next to the engagement ring.
• Promise ring: sometimes worn on a different finger or hand, and sometimes replaced by the engagement ring.

Which hand and finger?

Customs vary by family and community, and by what you prefer. There is no single rule in India. See which hand for the engagement ring in India?.

Wearing them together

If you wear an engagement ring and a wedding band together, look for bands that sit flush against each other. A low-set engagement ring with a straight band sits neatly. A tall setting may need a band with a curve, called a contoured band, to sit flush.

Do you need all three?

No. Many people have only an engagement ring, or only a wedding band, or exchange rings once at an engagement and again at the wedding. There is no obligation.

Choosing each

• Engagement ring: put your effort into the stone and a setting that suits her life. See why solitaire engagement rings stay timeless.
• Wedding band: choose a metal and width that match the engagement ring or your daily needs. See wedding bands for men: gold and platinum.
• Promise ring: choose a simple design that carries meaning.

Metals

If you plan to wear rings together, matching the metal reduces wear from rubbing. Mixing metals is also fine. See mixing metals: gold, white gold and platinum.

Budget

Plan for each ring in the order you will need it. A modest ring now and an upgrade later is a common approach. See engagement ring budget: how much should you spend?.

Common questions

Should the engagement ring and wedding band match? They do not have to. If they will sit together, check that they fit flush and that the metal is the same, so one does not wear the other.

Do I need a promise ring first? Not at all. It is a choice, not a step.

Who buys which ring? Customs vary. Some couples buy rings for each other, and some families give them.

Start looking

Book an appointment to see rings and bands together, or browse our diamond rings.