You’re entering a new chapter of your relationship, and as the new owner of an engagement ring, you have probably already considered wedding bands. Should I wear the rings separately or get a wedding ring set? Which ring should I first put on the finger? Can I add more than one stacking ring?

These are just a few questions you might have asked yourself. And you’re not alone, as brides have sought the same answers for decades. While the decision almost entirely depends on your personal preferences, you can still choose to follow tradition.

Traditionally, a wedding band is placed first, followed by the engagement ring. Still, there is no rule you are obligated to follow regarding wedding customs. As a matter of fact, modern brides are choosing to ditch tradition in favor of choosing wedding ring sets that best fit their lifestyle. Small details like this help make the special day uniquely theirs. At Aurelius Jewelry, they specialize in creating custom stacking rings that fit engagement rings purchased with them or at any other jeweler. Thus, they are always ready to stack up your or your loved ones’ engagement ring for any occasion.

Stacking rings let modern brides express their style and pay tribute to special life events. Stacks also allow for experimentation with different metals and gemstones. For example, if you have a classic white diamond in a white gold band but want to spice it up, consider pairing it with a yellow or rose gold wedding ring for some contrast.

How to wear a wedding ring set?

As mentioned earlier, the wedding band of the set is traditionally worn under the engagement ring so it can be kept closer to the heart. When your engagement ring is completely symmetrical, you can stack the band on the top or the bottom—or switch it up whenever you feel like it!

However, some wedding ring set designs just look more cohesive when worn with the wedding band on top. Imagine an elongated gemstone with diamond accents on the bottom part—it would naturally make more sense to balance out the design with a diamond wedding ring that would fit around the less busy part of the main stone. Take this ring with kite moss agate for main stone of the engagement ring and diamond around it in combination with an open wedding ring band featuring diamonds. It’s a gorgeous combo!

The open band gently hugs the kite’s tip and mirrors the engagement ring’s curve. Furthermore, the intentional empty space between the bands emphasizes each ring as an individual piece and makes the set feel less bulky when worn together. You might also interpret them as a symbol of your relationship—two individuals brought together in marriage.

Are there more ways to wear a wedding ring set?

Many brides also choose to wear their rings in the order they have received them, putting wedding bands on second since the engagement ring stole their heart first. When the nature of their work or lifestyle doesn’t allow for comfortable ring wear, they can also (temporarily) put them on a chain necklace and turn the ring set into a pendant. Moreover, some get more than one stacking ring and alternate depending on how they feel on a particular day.

If the sound of that got you excited, you should definitely think about building a custom three piece ring set! The third band is often gifted to the bride as a surprise on the wedding day, either by her betrothed, mother-in-love, or another family member. This tradition allows for a lot of symbolism, as many different meanings can be ascribed to each stacking ring. One can symbolize your wedding, and one can be worn to celebrate the birth of your first child or the first anniversary as a married couple, for example.

Adding more than one stacking ring to create a layered effect also lets you play with ring styles. Not only can you combine different metals and stones, but you can also alternate plain bands, textured or bedazzled bands, or ones of different widths. You could even stick to a theme and choose stacking bands that share one or more design elements with your engagement ring to keep the stack cohesive.

What if wearing a wedding ring set is not your style?

Don’t fret; wearing your rings with separate fingers is a common decision. Especially if the engagement ring design is so unique that you can’t match it perfectly with any stack. In that case, brides usually go for (often wider) simple wedding rings with a more classic feel or a sparkly eternity wedding band.

Again, you can forego tradition and get a wedding band with unconventional elements like sculpted gold details and colored gemstones like this nature inspired ring that features leaf shapes and makes this emerald wedding ring, a dream ring for brides that love the nature.

In conclusion, while the wedding band doesn’t have to perfectly match, it does look beautiful when both rings in your set have complementary details like matching gemstones or gold type. Of course, it is never too late to add a second stacking ring.

Whether you are newlywed or you are celebrating your fifth anniversary, or want to do something for a special occasion, jewelers at Aurelius Jewelry are always ready for any challenge. Their customer support agents and designers will help you out with your decisions and prepare lively previews of your soon-to-be-created precious jewelry pieces.

And finally, don’t be afraid to switch up the order of rings in your stack and play with different styles.

GRAZIA & ITP Media Group newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.