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Bands have been well acknowledged in betrothals and marriages since ancient times. In fact, it would be difficult to imagine completing engagement and wedding ceremonies without any band to attest that such events really happened. Due to their enduring presence, the use and purpose of wedding ring and engagement ring are often confounded with each other. However, it should be taken into consideration that although they are commonly seen worn by married women, they have contrasting characteristics in many aspects.

In order to identify the differences of wedding ring and engagement ring, let's take a closer look at their individual functions. Simply, an engagement ring is the band given by the man to the woman prior to their marriage to signify the engaged status of their relationship. On the other hand, wedding bands are jewelry pieces exchanged by the couple during their wedding ceremony to seal their marriage vows, and serves as indication that the wearers are bound by marriage. After the wedding ceremony and into the future, both the bands are worn on the same finger, this applies to women since men do not wear engagement bands though there are engagement bands intended for men.

Between the two mentioned bands, many couples invest more on their engagement bands than on their wedding bands. In fact, an engagement ring is more attention-grabbing than a wedding ring because it is somehow a silent announcement of the soon-to-be married status of couples. Engagement bands traditionally have prominent center stones that are commonly constructed from fine diamond jewelry. Today though, it is no longer a requisite to have diamond engagement ring as other precious stones can also be used as central accents such as ruby, sapphire, and opal to name a few.

Meanwhile, wedding ring is the exact opposite of engagement ring in terms of design and finish as it is often plain and simple, or sometimes appear as less accentuated with gemstones. However, the design of the wedding bands is always dependent on the couple's choice; there are couples who also use fine diamond jewelry for their wedding bands, though this is not always the case as the plain finish of such band represents the sanctity of marriage. Traditionally, both wedding and engagement bands are worn on the left finger between the index and pinkie fingers because according to belief the said finger on the left hand has the vein that is directly connected to the heart which is called as vena amori. Though there are some cultures that place their wedding and engagement bands on the ring finger on the right hand.

Wedding and engagement bands are usually purchased separately from each other. They could also be purchased as a set; hence, some wedding bands are as intricately designed as the engagement bands they come with. However, if you are to purchase each piece separately, remember that you are going to wear them everyday, so when you select the shape of the stone always consider your lifestyle. Diamond may be hard, but it is most likely to chip off or break especially if its edges are pointed; it would be more appropriate to pick bands that have round brilliant cut stones embedded in them as they are more likely to last longer.

In general, wedding ring and engagement ring are two important jewelry pieces that symbolizes two of the most important stages in the relationship of couples""engagement and marriage. They vary greatly in terms of function, purpose and design. Regardless of their many differences though, it is undeniable that both of them are built upon the concept of representing undying love, as seen from the round finish of the bands and their material makeup. They also serve as material seals that strengthen the symbolism and sentimentality of devotion of the couples.