They’re two of the most significant pieces of jewellery you’ll ever own, so we called in the expert– Erika Cronje, jewellery designer and owner of V’DODILI – to explain what you need to know about your engagement and wedding rings.
What is the difference between a wedding ring and an engagement ring?
The engagement ring is usually the more expensive of the two as it generally features a diamond or precious stone. The traditional wedding ring is a gold band and it can be plain or set with smaller diamonds or stones, but whatever you choose, it should complement the style and setting of your engagement ring. Both are worn on the left-hand ring finger, but the wedding band is often worn on its own on the wedding day as a symbol of the marriage union and commitment.
How can you combine the two rings, to wear as one setting?
It’s all about finding a combination that works for you. An engagement ring with a broad band might look a bit over the top with a wedding ring, while a delicate engagement ring can look beautiful with one or two diamond-set bands. You can wear the two rings separately, depending on your personal style and how traditional you are, or you could have them permanently attached by the jeweller.
Can you add to your rings at a later stage?
We often see couples getting engaged with a plain band or a band with one main featured stone, and then adding details or extra stones later. This is a good idea if you’re on a budget as it allows you to invest in a higher-quality feature stone later down the track.
What are the latest engagement and wedding ring trends?
There’s been a big move to engagement rings with simple designs and stones, such as a solitaire cut. Another popular look is stacking your wedding bands, which involves having a range of rings to go with your engagement ring and mixing them according to your mood. When it comes to metals, rose gold is the hottest trend. And when it comes to the stone, a lot of women are opting for Morganite instead of the traditional diamond. A pale-pink or champagne-coloured stone, Morganite is really beautiful, as long as you know that it is quite soft and can become dull and scratched with time, so it may need to be replaced and it will certainly need regular polishing at the jeweller.
Erika is the founder of V’DODILI, an online jewellery boutique that specialises in custom-made and personalised jewellery. “My designs are made to express individuality and to tell stories,” she says. Find out more at www.vdodili.co.za .
Not really into the traditional engagement rings? Check out these 19 engagement rings for the indie bride. Don’t know what diamond shape to choose? Read these tips on how to select the right engagement ring.
