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Bands have been well acknowledged in betrothals and marriages since ancient times. As a matter of fact, it would be hard to imagine having an engagement and wedding without referring to bands. Due to their long history, the use and functions of wedding ring and engagement ring are often intermingled 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.

To further outline the differences between wedding ring and engagement ring, it would be logical to start with 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 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 wedding and engagement bands, many couples prefer investing on engagement bands. As a matter of fact, an engagement ring is probably the ring that captures more attention than the wedding ring, which is appropriate as it symbolizes the silent announcement of the engaged status of the couple. Traditionally, engagement bands have protruding center stones usually made from fine diamond jewelry. At the moment however, couples need not to buy engagement bands that are accentuated with diamond stones, rather as a less expensive option they could use other precious stones such as ruby, sapphire, opal, etc., as the center stone of the engagement ring.

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. 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. Though there are some cultures that place their wedding and engagement bands on the ring finger on the right hand.

Usually, wedding and engagement bands are purchased separately. 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 might be naturally hard, but if it has pointy edges or is protruding on the ring it is more likely to chip or break off due to over usage; in such case, it would be more preferable to purchase wedding and engagement bands that have embedded round brilliant cut gemstones to ensure that they will last for a lifetime.

Overall, no other jewelry best represents engagement and marriage than the wedding ring and the engagement ring. 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 function as material seals that strengthen their vows and the symbolic meaning and sentimentality of the couple's devotion for each other.