You're standing in a jewellery shop, looking at two beautiful rings. One's got this stunning diamond that catches every bit of light. The other's simpler, elegant in its own way. And you're thinking: which one's which? Do I need both? How does this all work?
We have these conversations every single day at Marlows Diamonds. Someone will walk into our Birmingham showroom, a bit nervous, clutching their phone with fifteen different Pinterest images. "Help," they'll say. "I'm confused."
You're not alone in that. The engagement ring and wedding ring thing trips up loads of people. So let's walk through it together, shall we? No confusing jargon. Just straightforward answers to help you make choices you'll love for years to come.
Whether you're starting to look at engagement rings for the first time, or you're trying to work out which wedding rings will look beautiful alongside your engagement ring, this guide's here to help.
These two rings tell different parts of your love story. They work together, but each one marks a special moment.
An engagement ring arrives during the proposal. That "will you marry me?" moment. It's the one that usually gets all the attention—and there's a reason for that.
This ring represents a promise. A commitment to build a life together. Most people choose something with a bit of presence to it. Usually a diamond, though we're seeing more sapphires, emeralds, and other gorgeous stones these days.
Here's what sets engagement rings apart:
• You give or receive one during the proposal
• There's typically a centre stone that draws the eye
• The design often has more detail than a wedding band
• You start wearing it the moment you say yes
• In the UK, it goes on your left hand, fourth finger
When you're browsing diamond engagement rings, you'll find such variety. Classic solitaire engagement rings with a single stone. Detailed halo designs where smaller diamonds circle the main one. Each style has its own personality.
Some people know exactly what they want. Others prefer working with us on something completely unique through our bespoke engagement ring service. Either way works beautifully.
Wedding rings get exchanged when you're standing there, saying your vows. The "I do" rings. Unlike engagement rings, which traditionally go to one partner, wedding rings are for both of you.
These tend towards simplicity. That doesn't mean they're plain—though some are, and that's lovely too. They're designed to sit comfortably beside your engagement ring, complementing rather than competing.
What makes wedding rings special:
• You exchange them during your wedding ceremony
• Both partners traditionally wear one
• Designs are often more streamlined
• They can be simple metal bands or include diamonds
• They represent the continuous circle of your marriage
Our wedding rings for women collection runs from traditional bands to styles with diamond accents. And men's wedding rings have come such a long way—there are so many great options now beyond the basic gold band.
Let's talk about what people are actually choosing right now. Because while some styles stay popular year after year, others come and go with the seasons.
Solitaires keep their place as favourites for a reason. We've been selling them at Marlows since 1951, and they remain our bestsellers.
There's something special about a single diamond on an elegant band. It focuses all the attention on the stone itself. And because the design's so timeless, you won't look back in ten years thinking "what was I thinking?"
Why solitaires stay so popular:
• They're elegant without feeling overdone
• The diamond gets to be the star
• They pair beautifully with any wedding band style you choose later
• You can pick from different settings—four claws, six claws, bezel
• If you're not completely sure about your partner's taste, they're a safe bet that still feels special
Our solitaire collection includes everything from contemporary minimalist settings to designs with vintage touches.
Halo rings have really taken off in the past few years. The centre diamond gets surrounded by a circle of smaller ones, creating this beautiful sparkle that makes the whole ring look larger.
What makes halos so appealing:
• Your centre stone appears about half a carat bigger than it actually is
• All those tiny diamonds create amazing sparkle
• They work wonderfully if you love vintage looks
• They offer great value compared to buying a larger solitaire
• They photograph beautifully (which matters for that announcement!)
Vintage-inspired pieces are having their moment too. Art Deco elements, Edwardian filigree, delicate milgrain details. These rings feel like they carry stories with them.
Some couples want their ring to reflect who they are as individuals. Something that feels distinctive.
We're seeing interest in:
• East-west settings where the stone sits horizontally (gives a modern, architectural feel)
• Coloured gemstones taking centre stage—sapphires in particular
• Asymmetrical designs that play with traditional expectations
• Mixed metals like rose and white gold together
• Nature motifs with organic, flowing lines
Multi-stone engagement rings have this lovely appeal. Trilogy rings with three stones representing past, present, and future? People love the meaning behind them.
The metal you choose affects how the ring looks, how it wears, and what you'll spend.
Metal Type | Durability | Care Needed | Skin-Friendly | Works Well For | Investment |
Platinum | Outstanding | Minimal | Yes | Active lifestyles | Higher |
18ct White Gold | Very good | Some (re-plating) | Usually | Contemporary style | Moderate |
18ct Yellow Gold | Very good | Minimal | Usually | Traditional warmth | Moderate |
18ct Rose Gold | Very good | Minimal | Usually | Romantic aesthetic | Moderate |
Platinum's wonderful if you want something that lasts and lasts. It's denser than gold, incredibly durable, and keeps its colour. White gold gives you a similar silvery look for less investment, though it benefits from occasional re-plating. Yellow and rose gold both have this warmth that's making a comeback with younger couples.
Want to learn more about choosing metals? We wrote about why platinum works so well compared to 18k white gold.
Wedding bands used to mean one thing: plain gold. These days? So many beautiful options.
Women's wedding bands offer wonderful variety now.
Styles people are choosing:
• Plain bands – Beautifully simple, pairs with anything
• Diamond eternity bands – Diamonds all the way around for continuous sparkle
• Half-eternity rings – Diamonds on the visible top half (comfortable and lovely)
• Pavé-set bands – Tiny diamonds set close together
• Curved bands – Shaped to nestle perfectly against your engagement ring
Our women's wedding ring collection includes diamond bands for those who want extra sparkle, and plain bands for timeless elegance.
One tip: if your engagement ring has an unusual shape, bring it along when you're choosing your wedding band. That way you can see how they'll sit together.
Men's wedding rings have evolved wonderfully. There's real choice now.
Popular options:
• Classic plain bands – Still the favourite, available in different widths and metals
• Diamond-set bands – A few diamonds for subtle interest
• Textured finishes – Brushed, hammered, or matte instead of high polish
• Two-tone designs – Combining metals for contrast
• Durable alternatives – Titanium and tungsten for hands-on work
The men's wedding ring collection we stock includes diamond-set options and plain bands. If you work with your hands, we can help you find something that stands up to daily wear.
Comfort matters tremendously for men's rings, especially if you're new to wearing jewellery. A comfort-fit band with a slightly rounded interior makes such a difference.
Some couples love coordinating their bands. Others prefer completely individual styles. Both approaches work beautifully.
Ways couples approach this:
• Matching bands – Same design, perhaps different widths
• Complementary styles – Similar elements tailored to each person
• Individual choices – Different designs that each person loves
We've helped couples who wanted everything identical, and couples who wanted completely different styles. There's no "should" here—just what feels right for your relationship.
UK ring traditions have interesting history behind them. Understanding them helps, even if you decide to do things your own way.
In Britain, both rings traditionally go on your left hand's fourth finger. The ancient Romans believed this finger had a special vein running straight to your heart. Medically speaking, that's not quite accurate—but it's a lovely tradition that's stayed with us.
What happens on wedding day:
Some brides move their engagement ring to their right hand temporarily before the ceremony. This lets the wedding band go on first, closest to the heart. After the vows, the engagement ring comes back to join it.
Others keep everything in place and simply add the wedding band on top. Either way works perfectly.
Modern approaches we're seeing:
• Couples wearing rings on whichever hand feels comfortable
• Switching which ring sits on top based on preference
• Creating new traditions that feel meaningful to them
• Choosing a single ring that serves both purposes
• Wearing rings on different hands
These traditions offer guidance, but they're flexible. What matters is what feels meaningful to you.
Left hand, fourth finger remains the UK standard. But there's growing openness to personal preference.
Why the traditional choice stays popular: It's what most people in the UK expect to see. It keeps both rings together. Your rings are visible when you shake hands with your right.
Why some people choose differently: Left-handed individuals sometimes find the right hand more comfortable. Cultural background might suggest something different. Personal preference matters. Job requirements might influence the choice.
Comfort and meaning—those are what truly matter.
Let's get practical. How do you actually choose these rings confidently?
For diamond engagement rings, understanding the 4Cs helps you make informed choices.
Cut:
This determines your diamond's sparkle factor. A well-cut diamond captures light beautifully and sends it dancing back out. Choose Excellent or Very Good cut grades for wonderful sparkle.
Colour:
Diamonds get graded D (completely colourless) through Z (light yellow tint). - D, E, F look completely white - G, H, I, J appear white to most people and cost considerably less - K onwards shows warmth in the stone
Here's something helpful: in a setting, most people can't distinguish between E and G colour. Choosing G or H gives you more diamond for your budget.
Clarity:
This measures tiny marks inside the diamond. The scale runs from FL (flawless—very rare) down to I3 (marks you can see).
VS2 or SI1 grades offer wonderful value. These diamonds look perfect to your eye but cost significantly less than higher clarity grades.
Carat:
This measures the diamond's weight. One carat equals 200 milligrams.
Something interesting: a beautifully cut 0.90 carat diamond often looks larger than a 1.00 carat stone with mediocre cut. Diamond prices jump at certain weights (0.50ct, 1.00ct, 2.00ct), so choosing just below these points saves money while giving you similar visual size.
For more detail, our diamond rings complete buying guide goes deeper into these concepts.
There's this old guideline about spending three months' salary. You can let that one go. It came from a 1930s marketing campaign.
Spend what feels comfortable for your situation. What you can afford while still feeling good about other priorities in your life.
Ways to maximise your budget:
• Consider lab-grown diamonds—they're chemically identical to natural diamonds and cost 30-50% less
• Choose just under carat milestones (0.90ct rather than 1.00ct)
• Focus on cut quality first—it affects sparkle more than size
• Look at VS2 or SI1 clarity grades
• Halo settings make your centre stone appear larger
At Marlows, our Birmingham location in the Jewellery Quarter offers exceptional value. We often save people 30-40% compared to high street prices.
Sizing and Comfort Considerations
Getting the size right makes a real difference to how much you'll enjoy wearing your ring.
Achieving good fit:
• Fingers change size with temperature (warmer makes them larger)
• Try rings on at different times of day
• Wider bands fit more snugly than narrow ones
• When between sizes, going slightly larger works better
Comfort elements to consider:
• Comfort-fit bands (rounded on the inside) feel better for all-day wear
• Lower profile settings catch less on clothing
• Smooth interior finish matters
• Weight should feel balanced on your finger
Most jewellers offer complimentary resizing within the first year, including us. Our ring size guide offers additional help with sizing questions.
Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: Understanding the Investment
What influences pricing:
• Metal choice (platinum costs more than gold)
• Diamond quality across the 4Cs
• Where you purchase (independent jewellers often offer better value)
• Design complexity
• Natural versus lab-grown diamonds
Thoughtful ways to work with your budget:
1. Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter offer excellent value
2. G or H colour diamonds look beautiful and cost less than D or E
3. VS2 or SI1 clarity provides eye-clean stones at better prices
4. Choosing just below carat milestones saves money
5. Lab-grown diamonds offer identical beauty for less investment
Most people do, yes. Some brides move it to their right hand temporarily during the ceremony, allowing the wedding band to go on first. Afterwards, the engagement ring comes back to sit on top. Others keep it in place throughout. Both approaches work beautifully.
Absolutely. That's the traditional approach. Your wedding band sits closest to your heart, with your engagement ring on top. Many people choose rings designed to fit together beautifully. If your engagement ring has an interesting shape, you might want a curved wedding band that nestles against it perfectly.
Around £2,800 in 2025, though this varies widely based on personal choice and circumstances. London averages run slightly higher, around £3,200. Regional areas typically sit around £2,400-£2,600. The important thing is choosing what feels right for your situation rather than following arbitrary guidelines.
They can, but there's no requirement. Some couples love matching bands. Others prefer styles that complement each other while reflecting individual taste. Modern approaches favour rings that work together whilst honouring each person's preferences. What matters is that you both love what you're wearing.
Yes, if that appeals to you. Some people choose a single ring for both purposes. This works particularly well if you prefer simplicity, lead an active lifestyle, or simply like the idea of one meaningful ring. Eternity bands or diamond bands can serve this dual purpose beautifully.
Platinum offers wonderful durability and won't change colour over time. It's hypoallergenic and feels substantial. 18ct gold (white, yellow, or rose) also performs beautifully and costs less. White gold looks similar to platinum but benefits from occasional re-plating. The "best" choice depends on your lifestyle, aesthetic preference, and budget.
UK couples typically invest £400-£1,500 for women's bands and £300-£1,200 for men's. Wedding rings are usually simpler than engagement rings, so they often cost less. Choose based on what feels comfortable within your overall wedding budget rather than following formulas.
There isn't one. People use these terms interchangeably. "Wedding band" perhaps gets used slightly more for simpler rings, whilst "wedding ring" works as the broader term. They both mean the ring you exchange during your wedding ceremony.
It's becoming more common, though it's still not standard practice. Some couples exchange engagement rings, whilst others stick with traditional approaches. LGBTQ+ couples have really opened up these possibilities. There's no right answer—just what feels meaningful to you both.
Notice the jewellery she already wears. Does she prefer silver-toned or gold metals? Delicate or substantial pieces? Modern or vintage styles? Her friends or family might offer helpful insights. Think about her lifestyle too someone who works with their hands might appreciate a lower-profile setting. Remember that most jewellers offer exchanges if needed, so you can feel confident taking that step.
Choosing these rings is meaningful because you'll wear them every single day, year after year. Understanding how engagement rings and wedding rings work together helps you make choices that truly reflect your relationship.
Whether you're drawn to classic solitaire engagement rings, sparkling halo designs, or something completely unique and personal, there's something perfect waiting for you. The same goes for wedding rings—whether you want simple elegance or something with diamonds.
At Marlows Diamonds, we've been part of this journey with couples for over seventy years now. Three generations of jewellers, countless beautiful love stories. We're in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter. Come visit us whenever you're ready. Our team genuinely enjoys helping people find rings they'll treasure, and we'll work within whatever budget makes sense for you.
These traditions offer wonderful guidance, but your relationship is unique. Traditional or contemporary. Natural or lab-grown diamonds. Matching bands or individual styles. The right choice is whatever makes you both happy and represents your commitment to each other.
Ready to begin? Visit our Birmingham showroom, explore our collections online, or give us a call. We're here to help you find engagement and wedding rings you'll love wearing for a lifetime.
About the Author: This guide comes from the jewellers at Marlows Diamonds, drawing on over seventy years of experience helping thousands of UK couples find their perfect rings.
Get in Touch: - Birmingham: 0121 236 4415 - WhatsApp: +447535425059 Visit us: Find our showroom here
