The choice of wedding rings is one of the most important decisions in wedding planning. These rings, symbols of an eternal union, are also an artistic expression of the love that binds two people together for life. However, before the wedding ring, there is often another ring that is just as symbolic: the engagement ring, the first promise of a future commitment. Both of these rings will stay with you for the rest of your life, so choosing them shouldn't be a matter of chance. That's why in this guide you'll find all you need to know about wedding rings and engagement rings, as well as advice and elements to consider when making your choice.
The symbolism of wedding rings and engagement rings
Wedding rings, these infinitely circular rings, represent eternity, total union and perfection. Their shape, without beginning or end, reminds us that marriage is a timeless promise, an infinite loop of love and complicity. This tradition, present in our societies since ancient times, has its origins with the Egyptians, who associated the round shape with eternity. But it was the Romans who established the left ring finger as the finger dedicated to wearing the wedding ring, believing that a ‘vein of love’ (vena amoris) linked this finger directly to the heart.
Engagement rings came later. We owe the birth of this new symbol to European royalty. Often adorned with precious stones from the groom's family (thus demonstrating his royal or noble social status), it marked the couple's public commitment before their official union. Today, the engagement ring is the symbol of a promise of a life together made at the time of the proposal.
Choosing an engagement ring: elegance and symbolism
Choosing an engagement ring is an emotionally charged moment. This timeless piece of jewellery should reflect not only the wearer's taste, but also the couple's history and identity. Here are a few points to consider:
1) Choosing the stone
An engagement ring is traditionally a solitaire, and more specifically a diamond solitaire. Because of its exceptional hardness, the diamond evokes solidity and durability: it will be as eternal as your love story. It is a classic, universal stone whose purity and translucent colour lend themselves to elegant, timeless settings.
It should be noted that the quality of a diamond is assessed according to the following 4 criteria:
- Caratage - i.e. its weight (expressed in carats)
- Clarity - i.e. its purity due to the absence of imperfections
- Colour - i.e. the absence of shades of grey, brown or yellow
- Cut - i.e. the way in which it has been cut, which should enhance its natural brilliance as much as possible.
There are other gemstones to choose from, such as sapphire, emerald and ruby. These coloured stones offer elegant, bold options with different meanings: the sapphire conveys the values of honesty and fidelity, the ruby promises passion and commitment, and the emerald is the expression of a happy, blessed marriage. These gems can be used for both classic settings and more creative designs.
Whatever stone you choose, you need to take the carat size into account to find the most harmonious piece of jewellery for your future fiancé(e)'s hand.
2) The precious material
An essential decision that influences both the aesthetics and durability of jewellery. Gold remains a safe bet, available in three shades: yellow, timeless and classic; white, modern and discreet; and pink, soft and trendy. Platinum, on the other hand, seduces with its rarity and exceptional resistance, perfect for a ring that will stand the test of time without alteration. Each metal has its own characteristics in terms of colour, strength and care, so you can find the ideal ring that will enhance the stone you have chosen and stay with you for a lifetime.
3) The design:
Minimalist or sophisticated, classic or resolutely modern, pavé or not, the ring must suit the lifestyle of its future owner. The solitaire has a timeless, elegant and refined design, featuring a central stone mounted on a simple ring. This motif can be applied to a Solitaire Epaulé, which enhances the main stone with side diamonds for added sparkle. In a slightly more elaborate style, the Halo setting enhances the central stone with circular pavé around it.
For more daring designs, there is the trilogy ring, which represents the couple's past, present and future through three precious stones, which may or may not be identical. Vintage Art Deco-style models also appeal, with their chiselled details and period inspiration.
Finally, it is possible to have a made-to-measure engagement ring, a guarantee of a unique, personalised jewellery creation in which engravings or singular motifs can be used to add a unique sentimental touch.
Tips for choosing your wedding ring
The wedding ring is just as significant as the engagement ring, because it will be with you every day of your life. To choose the perfect wedding ring, here are a few essential criteria:
1) Consistency with the engagement ring:
If you plan to wear the two rings together, make sure they go well together in terms of design. A simple gold or platinum wedding ring, for example, complements a more ornate engagement ring.
2) The precious material:
While it's common to choose the same metal for your wedding ring as for your engagement ring to maintain an aesthetic unity between the two pieces of jewellery, it's perfectly possible to choose another metal for a beautiful two-tone effect.
For wedding rings, gold remains a must. While yellow gold is considered the most classic and timeless, white gold is considered more modern, while rose gold offers a softer, more glamorous shade. You can also turn to platinum, which will win you over with its rarity, purity and exceptional strength. Hypoallergenic, it is ideal for sensitive skin and will not tarnish over time.
3) Style and comfort:
As the wedding ring is a piece of jewellery that you will wear every day, it is essential that it combines aesthetics and comfort to best suit your lifestyle.
As well as the width of the ring itself, it can take on different shapes: the profile can be oval, rounded or square. A wide range of finishes are also possible: polished, matt, faceted, satin-finished, chased, etc.
Classic and timeless, the polished gold wedding ring is seductive in its sobriety, while a diamond-set model adds a touch of sparkle. Shape also plays a key role: a domed wedding band will offer a soft, pleasant feel, while a thinner or flat ring will suit those looking for discretion and modernity.
It is customary to have the inside of the wedding ring engraved with the name of the couple, their wedding date or any other declaration of love you wish.
Michaud, your jeweller of choice for these precious moments
A wedding is one of the most intimate and sacred moments in a couple's life, and wedding rings are the ultimate symbol. The choice of engagement rings and wedding rings is more than just a piece of jewellery: it reflects love, complicity and the promise of a shared future. Once these rings are on your finger, they will become a tangible reminder of a unique commitment: to love and be loved forever.
At Michaud we offer you a wide choice of wedding rings from the Michaud Collection, with designs ranging from the most classic to the most daring as well as delicate engagement rings featuring fancy diamonds and sumptuous precious stones. And if you can't find what you're looking for in our selection, we can also work with our jeweller to create the ring of your dreams.
Also in shop, discover our partner Meister, the Swiss expert in wedding rings and engagement rings, during an exceptional experience with the Meister tray, a unique personalisation tool that transforms the creation of your wedding ring into a unique and interactive moment. You will be unveiled a vast selection of creations with innovative designs and bold gold combinations, embellished, if you wish, with diamonds or coloured stones, or with creative textured finishes. Thanks to its traditional expertise, Meister allows you to explore an infinite number of styles, profiles, widths and finishes, to be combined according to your desires. These fully customisable jewels also allow you to give free rein to your imagination and add your engraved signature, fingerprints or any other love poem to the inside of the ring.
Looking for a particular brand? Come and try on Chopard wedding rings. Unique in their kind, they are inspired by ice cubes and offer a resolutely contemporary geometric design, with or without diamonds. Chopard's Ice Cube wedding rings are the perfect fusion of sophistication and originality for those looking for a wedding symbol that is both classic and avant-garde.
Don't hesitate to come and see us - we'll be delighted to advise you!