A precious circle loaded with symbolism and a plain gold band is the most popular pattern.

Most weddings involve three rings, the all-important rock given by the groom-to-be to mark the engagement and wedding bands for both of you. Not all grooms wear a wedding band, though numbers have increased in recent years. You can have three completely different rings, or a suite made by the same jeweller.

For the bride, an engagement and wedding ring made together will usually sit more comfortably on the finger, without the problem of friction, possible damage to the settings and excessive wear. Usually made of precious metals, such as gold, platinum or silver, wedding rings are often engraved on the inside, either with names and dates or a special message of love; increasing their symbolism and sentimentality.

The groom’s ring is usually wider and more masculine than your feminine version, but it isn’t mandatory. If you want something more ornate, or he does, that’s up to you. There aren’t any rules, either, about whether you should wear your engagement ring as you walk down the aisle. Some brides wear it on the third finger of their left hand and the groom puts the wedding ring on above it. Others choose to wear it on the right hand, some don’t wear it at all and others leave it in the care of their bridesmaid or mum during the ceremony and put it on afterwards.

On a daily basis, most women put their wedding ring on first, with the engagement ring on top, hopefully to be joined in years to come by an eternity ring. If, however, the engagement and wedding ring don’t sit easily together, some wear the engagement ring on the third finger of the right hand instead.