Jewellery can be confusing, we know. There are so many different types of rings on the market, with different styles and occasions to wear them. One of the biggest questions asked is: What is the difference between engagement rings and dress rings?
Aren’t they all just the same? Not quite!
Here is everything you need to know about engagement rings and dress rings.
Engagement rings are given during a proposal, as a symbol for a promise being made for marriage. Engagement rings are commonly worn on the fourth finger on the left hand, followed by their wedding ring upon marriage. When the couple marries, wedding rings are then worn as a symbol of their commitment to one another.
Engagement ring styles and trends have fluctuated over the years, with the rise of new designs and different stones being popularised. Since the 18th century, diamond engagement rings have been incredibly popular and have become the new norm. It is now considered ‘traditional’ for engagement rings to be diamond rings, as various marketing campaigns have propelled the popularity of diamonds.
Because of the increasing popularity of diamond engagement rings, most diamond rings nowadays are considered to be engagement rings. However, any ring given for the intent of the proposal of marriage can be considered an engagement ring.
Because of the increasing popularity of diamond engagement rings, most diamond rings nowadays are considered to be engagement rings. However, any ring given for the intent of the proposal of marriage can be considered an engagement ring. Whether you proposed with a flashy custom engagement ring or a repurposed vintage engagement ring, it’s always the intention that counts and how much you mean the proposal.
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Dress rings can be any ring that is not an engagement ring. Common characteristics of dress rings include one main stone, medium to large in size, often with other stones surrounding it. Dress rings can be worn on any other finger other than the engagement ring finger, making them versatile and adaptable with other accessories, like other rings. Often, engagement rings are worn with the accompanying wedding band, whereas dress rings can be worn with more rings if desired.
Dress rings are not typically diamond rings. Popular dress ring stones are sapphire, emerald, rose quartz, aquamarine, and citrine. Dress ring styles vary greatly, unlike most engagement rings. For example, dress rings can feature two or more different stones, whereas engagement rings typically feature one stone or the same stone, if there are multiple.
Whereas engagement rings are for proposals of marriage, dress rings are for any occasion. They can be gifted for an anniversary or a special purchase for yourself. Dress rings can be worn every day, although some designs are more suited for special occasions like big events, weddings, awards ceremonies, and cocktail parties.
Engagement rings are most commonly diamond rings, worn on the fourth finger on the left hand. These rings are often in a solitaire (single stone) design, or if there is more than one stone the stones are the same type. Engagement rings are for the sole purpose of the proposal of marriage and later are accompanied by a wedding ring.
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Dress rings can be in any design, with the most common being three-stone pieces. Unlike engagement rings, they often feature different stones in the design. Dress rings are made with sterling silver, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. Dress rings can be worn on any finger and accessorised with other rings, like in a ring stack.