Engagement rings and wedding rings are different both in appearance and symbolism. Generally engagement rings are worn prior to marriage to signify one’s engaged status. The most common engagement rings are diamond solitaires, though engagement rings can be any color or choice of stone depending upon taste.

Like wedding rings, engagement rings tend to be worn on the left hand ring finger. They are often purchased alone, or they may be sold as part of a set. When the person is married, the wedding ring portion of the set is added and tends to be worn below the engagement ring on the ring finger of the left hand.

Wedding rings can also be sold separately from engagement rings and may be comparatively simple in design. Simple gold or platinum bands are still quite popular for both men and women. It’s a good idea to choose from engagement rings that will fit with a wedding band, or alternately to purchase a set if the ring has any designs that might make it incompatible with a simple band.

Some wedding rings, especially in a set can also be quite elaborate. They may include diamonds or other stones that set off engagement rings beautifully. If engagement rings have peculiarities in shape and are not sold in a set, an alternative to purchasing a band that does not match is having one designed to fit with the engagement ring.

Further, often engagement rings and wedding rings that are designed to go together may be welded in the back to reduce friction of the rings rubbing together. Friction will ultimately wear the rings down, particularly if they are 14 karat gold or higher. Most jewelry stores can perform this simple operation a few days before a marriage takes place so women do not have to be without their engagement rings for long.

It is generally customary for women to wear engagement rings. There are male engagement rings but these are less common. Generally both new husband and wife will wear wedding rings. Unlike engagement rings, wedding rings are usually not worn until after a marriage has taken place. While a diamond solitaire on the left ring finger may indicate a lady’s engagement, a simple band worn on the left hand ring finger by either a man or a woman signifies that the person is married.