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Bands have figured prominently in betrothal and marriages since prehistoric times. In fact, it would be difficult to imagine completing engagement and wedding ceremonies without any band to attest that such events really happened. Because of their long lingering presence, wedding ring and engagement ring are often confused 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. To simply put it, an engagement ring is given by the man to the woman prior to their marriage in order to signify that they are bound to be married. On the other hand, wedding bands are the jewelry pieces exchanged and worn by the couple during their wedding day to seal their marital vows. 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 wedding and engagement hoops, most couples invest more on their engagement 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. Traditionally, betrothal bands have prominent center stones, most of which are made from fine diamond jewelry. Today however, aside from diamond engagement bands, couples can also incorporate other precious stones like ruby, sapphire and opal in place of diamond as the central stone as they are inexpensive but also good in quality and design.

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, couples could also use fine diamond jewelry for their wedding bands if they wish, though this isn't a usual practice as the plain appearance of the wedding ring is said to be resonant of the sanctity of marriage. The wedding and engagement bands are both worn on the left finger between the index and pinkie as tradition has it that the said finger holds the vein that is connected directly to the heart which is referred to as the vena mori. But, this is not always the case as there are cultures that place their wedding and engagement bands on the right hand.

Commonly, wedding and engagement bands are separately purchased. They may also come as a set, which is why a wedding ring can also be as elaborate as the engagement ring. If you would be purchasing these bands separately, always try to consider that you would be using them on a daily basis, so when you are to pick each piece select the shape of the gemstone that would complement 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 indeed have distinct qualities that sets them apart from each other. Regardless of these differences however, it remains a fact that these precious pieces are primarily based on the concept of undying love as seen from the round shape of the bands and their material makeup. They also serve as material seals that strengthen the symbolism and sentimentality of devotion of the couples.