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At first there were wedding rings, then there were engagement and wedding rings and now there are all-in-one rings.
The all-in-one ring bridal ring trend has seen a rise in popularity and it’s easy to see why. Convenient, affordable and easy to wear, a single ring to take the place of both the engagement and wedding ring makes a lot of sense.
Let’s take a look at the trend of choosing one ring for your engagement and wedding ring and some amazing ring designs to inspire you.
Is It Ok to Wear One Ring for Your Engagement and Wedding?
Our readers often ask us whether it’s ok to have one ring as both the wedding and engagement ring.
The answer, quite simply, is yes.
In the past, there may have been specific dos and don’ts when it came to wedding customs, but today, anything goes. In the modern era, it’s all about personality, individuality and expressing yourself. Staying true to yourself is more important than following a tradition that means little to you.
If you and your partner see no issue in wearing one ring for your engagement and wedding, and if what others say really doesn’t bother you, then that settles the question.
Why Would You Choose One Ring for Your Engagement and Wedding?
There are many reasons that you might wish to wear just one ring. Here are some:
- Some people just don’t like to wear jewelry, especially rings on their fingers and having to wear two bridal rings would just feel uncomfortable. It might interfere with their work, especially if they use their hands a lot like nurses or athletic, outdoorsy people.
- It’s often a good financial decision to choose one ring instead of two. The average bridal set costs about $6000 or both the engagement and the wedding ring. One carefully chosen ring could slash that average into half.
- One ring to rule them all…. There’s something about having ‘the’ ring as opposed to two rings, a single ring that combines elements and symbolism of both your engagement and wedding ring. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you know what we mean!
- You’re a trendsetter and you want to do something different when it comes to your bridal rings. Why do something the way it’s always been done? Why not spice things up a bit and get people talking?
All-in-One Ring Designs
If you’re going for a combined engagement and wedding ring design, you could go two ways about it. First, you could go the minimalist route and opt for a simple, not very ornate band that quietly represents your marriage and commitment. Second, you could go for a stunning ring because if you’re getting just one ring, you want it to kick ass. Either way, what you do want is for your ring to be meaningful and symbolic, and possibly unique and eye-catching too. Here are some ring designs to inspire you:
1- Combines Popular Elements
Choose a ring that combines the elements of both the engagement and wedding rings. The ring below has several diamond simulants of various shapes set along a simple gold toned band, combining elements of three stone rings and eternity bands.
2- Looks Like Two Rings but Isn’t
Choose a ring style that looks like two rings but is actually a single ring cleverly crafted. The ring could have a crossover design or a twisted eternity style.
- An Antique Ring
If you opt for an antique ring, the best way to wear it would be to wear it alone. It can be really difficult to match a modern wedding band to an antique engagement ring and a benefit of wearing just the single ring is that it would keep the focus on it.
4- A Dual Natured Ring
An excellent idea for an all-in-one engagement and wedding ring is a band that contains two main elements. For example, two gemstones or two metal tones would be some ideas where you symbolize the duality of the ring using carefully chosen materials. The gemstones you choose could be birthstones or simply your favorite stones.
5- A Fede/Gimmel Ring
In the past, the concept of one ring for both the engagement and wedding ring was quite popular as evidenced by the existence of fede, or gimmel rings. These amazing rings consisted of two or more metal hoops linked together to form the image of two hands either clasped or holding a heart.
The hoops were taken apart and one was worn each by the groom and bride-to-be to signify their betrothal. After the wedding, the different hoops would be assembled together to form one ring again, signifying their new unity.
Some Final Thoughts…
While it might seem like we’ve always worn diamond engagement rings, the truth of the matter is that diamond engagement rings are a relatively recent tradition, becoming popular around the early to mid-20th century thanks to de Beers intense marketing campaign. Wedding rings have a much longer history.
But with the increase in the popularity of one ring for both the engagement and the wedding, couples are sidestepping the created need for two rings.
And if you were wondering what the rules are for wearing an all-in-one ring, the answer is:
There are no rules on how to wear an all-in-one ring because this concept is only just becoming popular. You can choose how you want to flaunt it.
