Jewelry Care 101: Keeping Your Treasures Shining
How to Wear a Wedding Ring Set? Tips for Perfecting Your Bridal Style
Wearing a wedding ring set might seem like one of those things that’s straightforward—slip it on, and voilà, you’re all set. But, like most things in life, it’s a bit more nuanced. When I got married, I thought I’d just figure it out as I went along. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t that simple. There’s tradition, personal style, comfort, and a surprising amount of symbolism to consider when deciding how to wear your wedding ring set. So, as part of our bridal jewelry tips, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to wear these precious symbols of love in a way that feels just right.
Understanding the Components of a Wedding Ring Set
First things first—what exactly is a wedding ring set? In essence, it’s a pair of rings that symbolize the eternal bond between you and your partner. Typically, it includes an engagement ring and a wedding band. The engagement ring, often adorned with a sparkling gemstone, is the first to make an appearance (and to create a lot of excitement). The wedding band, usually a simpler band, joins the engagement ring during the wedding ceremony, sealing the promise of forever.
Now, the beauty of a wedding ring set is in its harmony. These rings are designed to complement each other—like two puzzle pieces coming together. Some sets are perfectly matched with intricate designs, while others are more mix-and-match, allowing for a bit of personal flair. Whether you go for a classic style or something more contemporary, the idea is that these rings work together to tell your unique love story.
For example, you could consider a wedding ring set by Jaume Labro, a jewelry designer who exemplifies the artistry behind these symbols of love. Look at the picture above, and see for yourself how each ring in his collection is individually handcrafted, ensuring that no two rings are exactly alike. What makes Jaume Labro truly exceptional is his commitment to tailor-making each ring to suit the individual preferences of his clients. This attention to detail and personal touch not only enhances the beauty of the rings but also adds a deeper layer of meaning to them. It’s as if the rings themselves are a reflection of the unique bond shared by each couple, crafted with care and precision.
Wedding Ring set by Jaume Labro
Traditional Way to Wear a Wedding Ring Set
Tradition has a lot to say about how to wear a wedding ring set. According to the experts at Vogue, the most common practice is to wear the wedding band closest to your heart, on the inside of your finger, with the engagement ring on top. This order is believed to symbolize that the marriage, represented by the wedding band, is the foundation of the relationship, with the engagement—essentially, the promise that started it all—on top.
But here’s a little twist: traditions vary. For instance, in many European countries, it’s customary to wear both rings on the right hand instead of the left. And some people prefer to mix things up entirely, placing the engagement ring first, followed by the wedding band. It’s a subtle difference, but for some, it’s all about how the rings fit together visually or the personal meaning they attach to the order.
When I got married, I went with the traditional left-hand stacking, but I’ll admit, I had a moment of indecision at the altar, worrying if I’d gotten the order right. In the end, the beauty of tradition is that it offers a guideline, but it’s not set in stone. If it feels right, then it probably is.
Pros of the Traditional Approach:
- Sentimental Value: Wearing the wedding band closer to your heart is a beautiful gesture.
- Timeless Appeal: It’s a classic look that never goes out of style.
Cons of the Traditional Approach:
- Comfort: Depending on the design, wearing the rings this way might not be the most comfortable.
- Practicality: For those who lead active lifestyles, having two rings stacked together can sometimes feel cumbersome.
Alternative Ways to Wear a Wedding Ring Set
Now, let’s talk about some alternative approaches because, let’s face it, tradition isn’t for everyone. Some modern brides choose to wear the engagement ring first, followed by the wedding band. Maybe it’s because they love the way the engagement ring sparkles on its own, or perhaps they just like bucking the trend. Others might opt to wear their rings on different hands or even different fingers. I once met a bride who wore her engagement ring on her right hand and her wedding band on her left, which she explained was a way to keep them both front and center without crowding her finger.
There’s also the option of not wearing both rings together at all. Some people prefer to wear their engagement ring only on special occasions, while the wedding band stays on permanently. It’s all about what feels most comfortable and meaningful to you.
Pros of the Alternative Approach:
- Flexibility: You can switch up the order based on your mood or outfit.
- Personal Expression: It allows for more creativity and personal style.
Cons of the Alternative Approach:
- Less Tradition: If you’re a stickler for tradition, this might not be for you.
- Potential for Mismatching: If not done carefully, the rings might not look as cohesive.
So, should you stick with tradition or go alternative? My advice: do whatever makes you happiest. After all, these rings are about celebrating your love, and that’s something deeply personal.
Wear your rings in whatever way that makes you happiest. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com
Factors to Consider When Deciding How to Wear Your Set
So, how do you decide what’s right for you? There are a few things to consider. First, comfort is key. If your rings are constantly twisting around or feel too tight when stacked a certain way, it might be worth experimenting with different arrangements. Also, think about the design of your rings. Some sets are designed to fit together perfectly, like two puzzle pieces, while others look better with a bit of space between them. Check this Pinterest page for ideas.
Then there’s your lifestyle. If you’re someone who’s always on the go, working with your hands, or traveling frequently, you might prefer to wear just the wedding band most of the time, saving the engagement ring for special occasions. Personally, I find that wearing just my wedding band during active outings makes me less worried about losing a diamond in the great outdoors.
Watch this video for some more useful tips:
Matching and Styling Your Wedding Ring Set
Styling your wedding ring set is where you can really let your personality shine. Some couples opt for rings that match perfectly in terms of metal and style, while others prefer a more eclectic look. When my husband and I were picking out our rings, we chose matching bands in platinum, but my engagement ring was a vintage piece in rose gold. The contrast adds a bit of flair, and I love how each piece tells its own part of our story.
When styling your set, consider how the rings look together on your finger. Do they sit flush, or is there a gap? Is the overall effect more modern or more traditional? And don’t be afraid to add personal touches, like an engraved message inside the band or a small gemstone that has special meaning to you.
When to Wear Only One Ring from the Set
There are plenty of reasons why you might choose to wear only one ring from your set at times. Maybe you’re traveling and don’t want to risk losing a valuable piece of jewelry. Or perhaps you’re doing something hands-on, like gardening or baking, where wearing both rings could be impractical. In these cases, the wedding band often takes precedence, as it’s the symbol of the marriage itself. But for some, the engagement ring might be the one that holds the most sentimental value, and they choose to wear it alone on occasion.
I’ve found that there are days when I want the simplicity of just my wedding band, especially when I’m out hiking or at the gym. It’s a reminder of the commitment I made without the extra sparkle. And then there are days when I love the full set—the weight of the rings together feels substantial, like a tangible expression of my relationship.
Caring for Your Wedding Ring Set
Finally, let’s talk about care. Your wedding rings are likely some of the most important and valuable pieces of jewelry you’ll ever own, so keeping them in good shape is essential. Regular cleaning is a must, especially for the engagement ring, which can lose its sparkle if dirt builds up around the stone. I like to soak mine in warm, soapy water once a week and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush to keep it looking its best.
It’s also a good idea to take your rings off when doing activities that could damage them, like heavy lifting or swimming in chlorinated water. And don’t forget to have them checked by a jeweler every so often to ensure that the settings are secure and the metal isn’t wearing thin.
Final Thoughts: Making It Your Own
At the end of the day, how you wear your wedding ring set is entirely up to you. Whether you stick to tradition, embrace modern trends, or find a balance between the two, the most important thing is that your rings feel like a true reflection of your love story.
These rings will be with you through thick and thin, so wear them in a way that brings you joy. After all, they’re more than just jewelry—they’re a symbol of the journey you and your partner are embarking on together. And that’s something worth celebrating every single day.
