The Difference Between an Engagement Ring and a Wedding Ring

For many couples, the moment an engagement ring is slipped onto a finger marks the beginning of something unforgettable. But what comes next — the wedding ring — carries its own deep meaning and tradition. While both rings are symbols of love and commitment, they serve distinct roles, tell different parts of the story, and are often designed in complementary ways.

At Diamond Lab, we help couples across Australia navigate these two major decisions with clarity, confidence, and elegance. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know — from when to give each ring to how they differ in design, style, symbolism, and cost.

Whether you're just starting your journey or finalising your bridal set, this article will give you the full picture.

1. What Is an Engagement Ring?

An engagement ring is traditionally given when a couple decides to marry — typically during a proposal. It marks the promise of marriage and begins the transition from partnership to lifelong commitment.

Features of an Engagement Ring:

• Usually features a centre stone, often a diamond or moissanite

• Designed to be eye-catching — a statement piece

• Given at the time of engagement

• Worn on the ring finger of the left hand in most Western cultures

• Symbolises the proposal, promise, and intention to marry

At Diamond Lab, our Engagement Ring Collection includes everything from classic solitaires to custom masterpieces — all available with premium lab-grown diamonds or moissanite.

2. What Is a Wedding Ring?

A wedding ring (or wedding band) is exchanged during the wedding ceremony itself. It’s a symbol of the marriage itself — of unity, partnership, and the shared journey ahead.

Features of a Wedding Ring:

• Usually a simpler design, without a prominent centre stone

• Often a metal band — plain, pavé, or eternity style

• Worn after the wedding, typically on the same finger as the engagement ring

• Meant to complement the engagement ring in both style and shape

• Worn by both partners — unlike engagement rings, which are traditionally worn only by one

Wedding rings can be minimalist, engraved, stacked, or custom-designed to pair with your engagement ring. We offer complete customisation through our Custom Jewellery Design service.

3. Meaning and Symbolism

Though both rings are physical symbols of love, their emotional meanings are different.

Engagement Ring:

Represents a promise.
A personal milestone.
The spark that begins the journey.

Wedding Ring:

Represents commitment.
A lifelong vow.
The continuation of that promise — grounded in shared reality.

This difference in meaning is often reflected in the design: the engagement ring is show-stopping; the wedding ring is enduring.

4. Do You Need Both?

Short answer: no, but many people choose to wear both.

Traditionally, the engagement ring is worn on its own from the proposal until the wedding day. During the ceremony, the wedding ring is placed on the same finger — usually below the engagement ring — closer to the heart.

Some couples:

• Wear both rings daily (stacked)

• Save the engagement ring for special occasions

• Replace both with a single band that combines both meanings

It comes down to personal style, lifestyle, and values. At Diamond Lab, we help clients find a balance between practicality and sentiment.

5. Design Differences

Let’s break it down clearly:

Looking for a bridal set that matches beautifully? We can design a wedding ring to nestle perfectly with your engagement ring — no gaps, no guesswork. Start the process here:
Design Your Own Ring

6. Ring Stacking: How to Wear Both

There’s no rulebook, but here are some common approaches:

Classic Stack:

Wedding ring first (closest to the heart), engagement ring on top.

Modern Mix:

Wedding ring worn solo; engagement ring brought out for special occasions.

Fusion Band:

One custom ring that blends engagement and wedding styles into a single piece.

You can even design a curved wedding band that mirrors the shape of a fancy-cut engagement ring — especially useful for pear, marquise, or oval styles.

Explore Oval and Pear cut rings for examples that look stunning with curved bands.

7. What About Men’s Wedding Rings?

Men traditionally don’t wear engagement rings (though that’s changing), but do receive a wedding ring.

Men’s wedding bands are:

• Often crafted from platinum, white gold, yellow gold, or titanium

• Can be plain or detailed with texture, inlays, or diamonds

• Typically wider, heavier, and more minimal in design

Want something unique for your partner? Our Custom Jewellery Design team can craft a wedding band that reflects his taste and lifestyle.

8. Price and Budget Considerations

Engagement rings usually cost more due to the presence of a larger stone. Wedding bands vary in price depending on:

• Material (platinum vs gold)

• Width

• Diamonds or detailing

• Custom shaping or engraving

Here’s a rough guide:

• Moissanite Engagement Ring: from ~$2,000

• Lab Diamond Engagement Ring: from ~$4,000

• Wedding Bands (per ring): from ~$900–$2,500

Our team can help you prioritise based on your budget, and even space out your purchases.

Want to discuss pricing or timelines?
Book a Consultation

9. Can You Customise Both Rings?

Absolutely. We highly recommend it — especially if you want:

• A perfectly matched bridal set

• A ring that curves around a unique centre stone

• A meaningful engraving inside both bands

Our design experts will collaborate with you to create your ideal pair — crafted by hand here in Australia.

Start with your idea, Pinterest board, or even a sketch. We’ll turn it into a masterpiece.
Begin Your Custom Ring Design

10. Real Talk: Which Comes First?

If you're still early in the process, we recommend starting with the engagement ring and waiting to choose the wedding band until after. This allows:

• Time to see how the ring looks and feels on the hand

• Flexibility to match metals, shapes, and widths

• A smoother stacking result

We offer wedding band consultations once your engagement ring is complete — or design both at once if you’re planning a surprise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do engagement and wedding rings need to match?
A: Not at all. They can contrast in colour, texture, or even style. The key is that they feel like “you.”

Q: Can I design a custom wedding band to fit my engagement ring?
A: Yes, and we recommend it for rings with fancy shapes. We'll use CAD and renderings to shape a flawless fit.

Q: Can men wear engagement rings?
A: Yes! While less common, many men now choose to wear an engagement band. We offer gender-neutral and masculine styles.

Q: Can I upgrade or redesign my rings later?
A: Absolutely. We offer stone upgrades, band resizing, and full redesigns for anniversaries or renewals.

Q: How far in advance should we order our wedding bands?
A: We recommend 6–8 weeks before the ceremony to allow time for design and adjustments.

Final Thought

Engagement rings and wedding rings may look similar, but they mark two different chapters of your love story. One is the moment you say “yes.” The other is the day you say “I do.” Together, they represent everything your relationship stands for — and everything it will become.

At Diamond Lab, we’re here to help you make every detail personal, meaningful, and extraordinary.

💍 Ready to find your perfect rings?
Start with a Consultation or explore our
Engagement Collection today.