3 Ways to Choose a Combined Engagement and Wedding Ring (2024)

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1Choosing the Metal

2Picking the Design

3Deciding on Stones and Settings

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Co-authored byCory Schifter

Last Updated: February 5, 2023References

When picking an engagement and wedding ring set, it comes down to what you and your future spouse want. You have to decide on a metal, and then determine how much you want your wedding and engagement set to match. Budget will of course be a factor in what you choose.[1] You also need to decide what you want to do with settings and stones.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing the Metal

  1. 1

    Try yellow gold for sensitive skin. While rose gold is renowned for its durability, some people have allergic reactions to the copper in the metal. Therefore, if the bride has sensitive skin, it's best to shy away from rose gold and go for yellow gold.[2]

  2. 2

    Pick rose gold for durability. Of the traditional wedding and engagement ring metals, rose gold is the most durable. It's durable because of the addition of copper to the gold. Copper is a tough metal, making rose gold more durable overall.[3]

    • Another durable metal is platinum, which is much harder and stronger than any gold. However, because it is so rare, it is more expensive than other metals.[4]
    • Rose gold is also a great choice for a vintage look.
  3. 3

    Choose silver for affordability. Silver is one of the more affordable metals when it comes to wedding sets. However, it's not as common as gold or platinum. Like gold, it is fairly soft, so it is mixed with other metals for durability.[5]

    • White gold, while more expensive than silver, gives you the look of platinum at a more affordable price.
  4. 4

    Mix and match. While many combination engagement and wedding rings are in the same metal, they don't have to be. In fact, with the layering trend, mismatched metals on your wedding and engagement bands is trendy.[6]

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Picking the Design

  1. 1

    Decide how it will be worn. Some brides prefer to wear just the wedding band after they're married, while others wear both the engagement band and the wedding band. If the bride wants to wear them together, consider getting bands that lock into one another. They will be easier to wear, and they will coordinate well.[7]

  2. 2

    Balance the set. Having a big flashy engagement ring and a big flashy wedding band can be a little too much together. Consider showing off one or the other, and letting the other ring be a bit simpler.[8]

    • For instance, you might have an engagement ring set with a series of diamonds and then have a plain wedding band.
    • In addition, not getting stones on both bands will save you money.
  3. 3

    Customize the set. While some sets come ready-made, you also have the option of customizing some sets.[9] For example, you may get to choose what stone goes in the engagement ring, which is a way of adding a personal touch to the process.[10]

    • For example, you may want a certain cut of diamond, or you may decide that you don't want diamonds at all.
  4. 4

    Choose smaller bands to let the diamonds shine. A small band, particularly on the engagement ring, will make the diamond or other stone look bigger. Similarly, a small wedding band will help keep the attention on the large stone of the engagement ring.

    • In addition, using smaller bands means less metal, making them cheaper.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Deciding on Stones and Settings

  1. 1

    Pick a solitary setting to make it shine. If you want a simple design, pick a set that only has one stone, the diamond on the engagement ring. Doing so will allow that stone to shine. A prongs setting (small metal pieces holding the stone in place) are a good option for this type of setup, as they let light through the stone.

  2. 2

    Choose a bezel setting for wear and tear. If the bride plans to wear the set regularly (as opposed to just the wedding band), a bezel setting may be best. It protects the stone better than many other settings, make it ideal for everyday wear.[11]

    • In a bezel, the stone sits down in the metal, and it is kept in place by a metal rim around the top.
  3. 3

    Consider a pave or channel setting for extra sparkle. If the bride is all about the sparkle, then these settings are ideal. They allow small diamonds or other stones to be set around the ring, creating a very sparkly effect.

    • In a channel setting, the stones float in a small groove, held in place by the top rim. In the pave setting, the stones are set in small holes with prongs, and the stones are set right next to one another.
    • However, to make it easier to resize later, consider only going halfway around the ring.
  4. 4

    Try a tension ring setting for security. If you are worried about losing the stone, one of the most secure settings is actually the tension setting. As the ring comes around to the front, it splits around the diamond. Each side of the ring holds an edge of the diamond, and the tension of the ring keeps in place. In addition, this setting allows for most of the diamond to be seen.

  5. 5

    Go simple for active lifestyles. You may want to choose a simple wedding band for everyday wear, particularly if your work demands it. For instance, if you need to wear latex gloves because you're a nurse, doctor, or vet, you may want just a simple band. Similarly, if you have your hands in food all the time (such as a baker), you may also want something simple to wear everyday. Stones can catch on gloves, and if you have your hands in food, it can become embedded in the setting.

  6. 6

    Pick a stone that fits your style.[12] Of course, diamonds are the obvious choice for wedding and engagement rings. However, you don't need to stick with diamonds if that's not your style. You can try any stone you'd like, or even just pick a colorful diamond rather than the standard. It all comes down to what you love.

    • You can also mix stones. You can have a diamond in the center of the engagement ring, flanked by two other stones of your choice, such as sapphires.
    • Also, you may find that other stones are cheaper than diamonds.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question

    How do you pick the right diamond wedding ring?

    Cory Schifter
    Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser

    Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation.

    Cory Schifter

    Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser

    Expert Answer

    When you're looking for the perfect diamond, it's important to look at the complete picture. Rather than being a matter of going online and finding the cheapest one that matches what you want, it's more a matter of sitting down and looking to find a diamond that has something special to it. A jeweler can work with you to find the perfect ring that matches exactly what you want.

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      More References (3)

      1. http://www.jewelrywise.com/engagement-wedding/article/what-is-a-wedding-set
      2. https://www.theknot.com/content/engagement-ring-settings-101
      3. Cory Schifter. Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.

      About this article

      3 Ways to Choose a Combined Engagement and Wedding Ring (30)

      Co-authored by:

      Cory Schifter

      Jeweler & Certified Jewelry Appraiser

      This article was co-authored by Cory Schifter. Cory Schifter is a Jeweler, Certified Jewelry Appraiser, and the Owner of Casale Jewelers in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York. Casale Jewelers is known for its selection of fine jewelry, designer brands, engagement rings, certified diamonds, custom-made jewelry, and watches. Cory has over 10 years in the jewelry industry and is a certified jewelry appraiser. Cory was featured on NY1 News “Got it Made in New York” for Casale Jewelers’ custom design business and Casale Jewelers was recognized by American Express and Facebook in 2012 as one of the top five small businesses in the nation. This article has been viewed 15,766 times.

      4 votes - 75%

      Co-authors: 8

      Updated: February 5, 2023

      Views:15,766

      • Print

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 15,766 times.

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      3 Ways to Choose a Combined Engagement and Wedding Ring (2024)

      FAQs

      How do you combine engagement ring and wedding band? ›

      Depending on the shape of the engagement ring, the wedding band is sometimes contoured to perfectly fit. Other wedding sets come with a piece which can interlock the two together. This allows the rings to be completely connected while the piece is in use, and to be worn separately when the piece is removed.

      How do I choose my wedding ring with an engagement ring? ›

      Pick a style that both compliments your engagement ring, but also lets your personality shine through. A wedding band need not be plain! One approach is a very coordinated, matching look between the engagement ring and wedding ring. However, you can also go the opposite route and create a bit of contrast.

      What 3 rings are in a wedding set? ›

      The engagement ring represents the promise to get married, the wedding band represents the actual union and the third ring represents another large milestone for couples. The third ring is given after one of two events: an anniversary or the birth of a couple's first child.

      What are the most important factors for an engagement ring? ›

      Know the 4Cs

      The first tip for buying a diamond engagement ring is to know the 4Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight. Created by GIA, the 4Cs are the global standard for assessing the quality of diamonds and allow you to compare one diamond to another.

      Can you combine engagement and wedding ring? ›

      It's called a diamond wedding ring set. Combining the engagement ring and wedding ring as a wedding ring set creates a coordinated look. The wedding ring then goes on the inside, closest to your hard and the engagement ring on the outside.

      Which goes first engagement and wedding ring? ›

      And while there's a standard answer that's rooted in tradition, ultimately, the decision is a personal choice. As tradition dictates, a wedding band is usually placed first on the left ring finger, followed by the engagement ring.

      Which ring goes first on finger? ›

      Traditionally, the wedding band is placed first on the left ring finger and then the engagement ring is placed on top of it. The wedding band symbolizes the bonded commitment between you and your partner, so wearing it first keeps the ring closest to the heart.

      Should you choose an engagement ring together? ›

      Choosing an engagement ring together can often take out a lot of the stress of picking a design as couples can openly discuss style, budget, size, and more, without one having to give the other subtle hints.

      What is the best choice for a wedding ring? ›

      18-karat gold is the best composition for wedding rings. It contains 75% gold and 25% alloying metals. Thus, it has abundant pure gold to maintain its sparkling shine while having enough alloying materials to be very durable and scratch-resistant. Platinum is another popular metal for wedding rings.

      What does a 3 ring engagement ring mean? ›

      Past, Present, and Future Symbolism

      Traditionally, the three stones in a three stone ring tell the story of a couple's past, present, and future together. The ring's center stone, usually the largest in the trio, symbolizes the couple's present, while the ring's side stones represent their past and future.

      What do you call 3 rings together? ›

      Also known as trio or trinity rings, this design was first seen in 19th century Russia where the style became a popular choice for weddings. Each of the bands are made from gold in different colours but you can get these rings in one colour or two colours.

      What is the 3rd ring after marriage? ›

      Eternity rings are traditionally the third piece of your bridal ring set.

      What are the 5 C's of engagement rings? ›

      These qualities are universally described as the 5 C's – Carat, Cut, Colour, Clarity and Confidence. Understanding the 5 C's can help simplify choosing a diamond allowing you to focus on its beauty and ensuring it is the perfect fit for you or your loved one. Carat (ct) refers to the weight of the diamond.

      What are the 4 C's when buying a ring? ›

      Knowing the 4C's of a diamond—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—is essential for any buyer. These are the four key attributes that not only define the quality of a diamond but also heavily influence its price.

      What is the golden rule for engagement rings? ›

      Traditional belief (especially in western countries) is that a groom-to-be must spend his 1-3 months' salary on engagement ring.

      How much is it to get rings soldered? ›

      The cost of soldering rings can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of ring design, the type of metals being soldered, and the jeweler's pricing. On average, the cost of soldering wedding rings starts at $50, but it's best to consult with a jeweler for an accurate quote.

      What is it called when you put two rings together? ›

      What is Ring Soldering? Soldering wedding rings together is the process of fuzing two rings together to form one bridal set. Many brides choose to have their wedding rings soldered as a way of bonding their two beloved wedding bands together.

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