Engagement rings and wedding rings are often worn on the same finger, but there are some complications with wearing two rings at once.
Wearing a separate wedding band and engagement ring can result in the rings rubbing on each other and causing pain.
The easiest way to avoid this damage to yourself and the rings is to fuse the two rings together.
The most common method to keep your wedding rings and engagement rings together is soldering. This process results in the two rings being permanently fused. Other non-permanent methods include using a ring guard, an insert ring, or a ring connecter.
While many people choose to wear both their wedding band and engagement ring together, there may be days when they prefer to wear only one.
Although soldering is the most common method, it does not allow for the rings to be worn separately.
Learn what options you have to keep your bands together below!
Soldering Wedding Rings Together
Soldering your wedding bands together offers both pros and cons. Before we discuss what those are, let’s first explain what soldering is.
When you take your rings to a jeweler to be soldered, a metal alloy is melted and then used to fuse the two rings together.
This permanent solution keeps rings from spinning, scraping, or separating from each other.
Depending on the type of metal your ring is made from, soldering your engagement ring and wedding band together only costs about $30 to $70.
In addition to being a pretty inexpensive option, soldering your rings together will save you the cost of maintenance.
Two separate bands will spin, separate from each other, and scrape against each other. This can lead to problems and damage down the road.
While rings rubbing against each other may not sound like an issue, it can result in scuff marks.
These scuffs damage both the appearance and integrity of the band.
Wearing two separate rings will also impact your comfort. As the rings spin, they will not align properly and can also pinch your skin.
Soldering your engagement ring and wedding band together prevents scraping and allows you to wear them both comfortably.
The rings will always be aligned perfectly too!
While soldering your bands together offers many benefits, there are also a few reasons you may not want to go through with this process.
The biggest con with soldering is no longer having two separate rings.
Some enjoy unifying the engagement ring and wedding band forever with soldering; however, others prefer the freedom to wear the two separately at times.
After soldering the bands together, this option is relatively non-existent.
If you solder your engagement ring and wedding band together but later decide you prefer them apart, the process to separate the two could damage both the rings.
Before deciding to solder your bands together, think if there are any circumstances in which you might prefer them to be apart.
For example, if you want a smaller ring, but still want a symbol of your marriage, you may only want to wear the wedding band on some days.
If you conclude that you prefer two rings but still want to avoid scraping, pinching, and spinning bands, then you should use a less permanent option from the section below!
How To Keep Rings Together (Without Soldering)
While soldering wedding rings together is relatively inexpensive and does a great deal to protect your individual rings, it is not the right option for everyone.
For those who want to keep the option to separate the rings every so often, there are a few methods to hold the rings together that are not permanent.
1. Insert Ring
One simple solution to keeping the engagement ring and wedding bands together is to purchase an insert ring instead of a wedding band.
An insert ring is essentially two spaced-out wedding bands that are connected on the bottom.
The engagement ring is then slid into the gap between the two bands securely.
Assuming the ring fits snuggly inside the wedding band, there will be no scuffing or pinching.
The bands will always be aligned with the engagement ring.
Although not as simple as a traditional wedding band, an insert ring can be worn separately and still look beautiful on its own.
If an insert ring looks too bulky for your style, there are other options you can use to connect the two bands: a ring connector or a ring guard.
2. Wedding Ring Guard
Ring guards, also known as ring enhancers, are similar to ring inserts.
However, instead of encasing the engagement ring on both sides, a ring guard is designed to fit snuggly along the contours of the actual ring to prevent separation and rubbing.
Ring guards can be purchased in place of wedding bands and can often be more ornate.
If you are looking to add some extra personality to your ring, then a ring guard is an excellent option.
Keep in mind that when wearing a ring guard, the two bands are not actually connected.
Additionally, a straight band will not have a curve for the ring guard to fit into.
Ring guards are best used with bands that have some curves.
Because ring guards and insert rings are an additional purchase, these may not be the right choice if you already have a wedding band.
If this applies to you, use a ring connector instead!
3. Wedding Ring Connector
Ring connectors’ primary function is to help loose-fitting rings fit better.
A small piece of flexible plastic is wrapped around the bottom of the ring to create a tighter fit.
Wrap a ring connector around both of your bands to hold them together.
For a more secure hold, use a ring connector made for a wider band.
If you frequently take your bands apart, you may need to replace the ring connector as it gets damaged.
This option may not work if both your engagement ring and wedding band are tight-fitting.
Adding a ring connector will make both rings feel smaller and could therefore cause discomfort.
However, if both rings are slightly large, using a ring connector will not only hold them together but will decrease the chances of one or both falling off.
While some claim hot gluing the bands together is a good solution, do not do this!
Wedding bands are made of precious metals and stones that could be tarnished by glue.
Gluing the rings together will not last long nor look good.
There are multiple ways to keep your wedding band and engagement ring together.
Having the rings joined together or giving them a tighter fit will reduce the damage done to your precious rings so that the symbols of your marriage will always stay pristine!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my rings from spinning without soldering?
There are several ways to keep your rings from spinning.
1. Use jewelry glue to keep your ring in place.
2. Use a ring guard to wrap around the ring to keep it from spinning.
3. Adjust the size of your ring so that it fits perfectly well on your finger.
4. Put the ring in a vice to keep it in place.
How to keep stacked rings from spinning?
One way to prevent stacked rings from spinning is to use a sizing bead or sizing ball. This is a very small bead that is placed between the two rings.
It helps to prevent the rings from slipping and sliding around your finger.
Alternatively, you can have the rings soldered together. This will ensure that the rings do not move at all.
When to solder wedding rings together?
If your rings are sliding around your finger, then it might be time to solder them together to prevent them from becoming damaged.
It is generally recommended that wedding rings be soldered together after they have been worn for a few months.
How to connect three rings together?
There are several ways to connect three rings together:
1. Use jewelry pliers to open and attach jump rings, using a split ring connector which is like a mini key ring that can be opened and closed with a pair of pliers.
2. Use a wire-wrapping technique to secure the rings together.
