Do you wear wedding band above or below engagement ring?

By Delaney Pitts

At Springer’s Jewelers, we understand that your wedding set is one of the most cherished parts of your jewelry collection, and how you choose to wear it should reflect your personality and sense of style. In this blog, we’ll explore whether you should wear your wedding band above or below your engagement ring, delving into the traditional approach, alternative arrangements, and offering some helpful tips to guide you in deciding the best way to wear your rings based on your personal style, comfort, and preferences.

The Traditional Way: Wedding Band Below the Engagement Ring

The most common and traditional way to wear a wedding set is with the wedding band placed below the engagement ring, closest to the heart. This arrangement has deep symbolic meaning, representing the idea that the wedding band, which signifies the union of marriage, should be worn closest to your heart.

Why Is This the Traditional Choice?

Symbolism: Wearing the wedding band closer to your heart symbolizes the sanctity of marriage, putting it in the most honored position.
Convenience: Placing the wedding band below the engagement ring means that once you’re married, you don’t need to remove your engagement ring to place the wedding band on first.
Custom: For many couples, this traditional arrangement is simply how they’ve seen it done by family members or friends, making it the default choice.

How to Achieve This Look

If you’re opting for the traditional approach, there are a few ways to make sure your rings sit comfortably and look cohesive on your finger:

Matching Sets: Consider choosing a wedding band that is designed to fit perfectly with your engagement ring. Many engagement rings come with matching bands that nestle together, ensuring both comfort and style.
Band Shape: Some bands have contoured designs that complement the shape of your engagement ring, ensuring that they sit flush together without any gaps.

Alternative Approach: Wedding Band Above the Engagement Ring

While the traditional approach places the wedding band below the engagement ring, some brides choose to wear their wedding band above the engagement ring. This can be a stylish and personal choice, often based on comfort, aesthetic preference, or simply breaking with tradition.

Reasons for Wearing the Wedding Band Above

Practicality: Some find it easier to wear their wedding band on top of the engagement ring, especially if the engagement ring has a larger stone or an intricate setting. This placement makes it easier to remove the engagement ring when needed, such as during activities that might require you to protect the stone.
Unique Look: Wearing the band above the engagement ring can create a more modern and unexpected look, perfect for those who like to stand out or do things differently.
Personal Meaning: For some, the engagement ring represents the promise of marriage, and the wedding band on top symbolizes the fulfillment of that promise.

How to Make This Work

If you prefer this arrangement, consider a few practical tips to ensure both comfort and style:

Comfort Fit: Ensure both rings are properly sized to sit comfortably when stacked in this way.
Band Style: A thinner wedding band worn above the engagement ring can create a sleek, balanced look without overwhelming the engagement ring.

Separating the Rings: Wearing on Different Hands

Another option that has gained popularity is to wear the engagement ring and wedding band on different hands. This choice can be both practical and fashionable, allowing you to showcase both rings individually.

Why Separate the Rings?

Comfort: Some brides find it more comfortable to split the rings between hands, especially if both rings are substantial or have large gemstones.
Showcasing Each Ring: Wearing the engagement ring on one hand and the wedding band on the other allows both rings to shine on their own, rather than competing for attention on the same finger.
Cultural Preferences: In certain cultures and traditions, it is customary to wear the wedding band on the right hand and the engagement ring on the left. For example, in countries like Germany, Russia, India, and Greece, the right hand is considered the "hand of honor," and wearing the wedding band on the right hand signifies the legal and spiritual union of marriage. By separating the two rings onto different hands, this tradition emphasizes the progression from engagement to marriage, with each ring holding its own distinct meaning.

Tips for This Look

Balanced Design: If you choose to separate the rings, consider how they will look individually. Ensure that both rings are substantial enough to stand on their own.
Personal Style: This approach gives you more flexibility to mix and match different styles or even wear your engagement ring on days when you want a more casual look without the full wedding set.

Stacking: Adding More Bands

In addition to deciding where to place your wedding band and engagement ring, many brides choose to add additional bands to create a stacked look. This trend is popular among those who want to mark special anniversaries or other milestones with additional rings.

Why Stack Rings?

Personal Expression: Stacking multiple bands alongside your engagement ring allows you to create a unique, personalized look that tells your story.
Commemorating Milestones: Each additional band can signify a milestone in your relationship, such as an anniversary or the birth of a child.
Mixing Metals: Stacking rings gives you the opportunity to mix metals, such as combining white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold, for a distinctive and stylish look.

How to Stack Rings Successfully

Coordination: When stacking multiple rings, ensure that the designs complement each other. You can achieve a balanced look by combining bands of different widths or adding a band with diamonds to add some sparkle.
Comfort: Make sure all rings are sized properly to avoid discomfort when wearing them together. Some people find that more than three rings can become uncomfortable, so it’s important to experiment with what works best for you.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no "right" way to wear your wedding band and engagement ring. Whether you choose the traditional placement with the wedding band below the engagement ring, opt for a modern arrangement with the band on top, or even separate them onto different hands, the decision comes down to your personal style and comfort.

At Springer’s Jewelers, we offer a wide selection of engagement rings and wedding bands to suit every style. Our experienced team is here to help you find the perfect rings and guide you on how to wear them in a way that feels special to you. Visit us in-store or online to explore our collection and create the wedding set that’s uniquely yours.