Our Guide to Couples Rings

With over 50 years of experience in the jewelry business we've seen jewelry traditions move to match the changing times. But one constant through all that has been the love people share with one another and their desire to display devotion through jewelry.

Are couples rings traditional?

One tradition that we've seen grow over the years is that of 'couples rings'. And while some may think of couples rings as a uniquely modern tradition. but exchanging rings before marriage has a long history across Europe. Rings with meaning and significance like the Claddagh or 'posey rings' have been exchanged between couples for centuries.

We've heard tell that it's also customary for couples to exchange rings in South Korea after 100 days of being together as a symbol of their devotion. In Argentina and Chile, many couples exchange rings to show their commitment, with some going on to use these rings in any future wedding ceremony. So it seems couples rings have a cosmopolitan appeal and are traditional for many cultures.

What do couples rings Mean?

Love is universal but no two relationships are alike. So it's unsurprising that couples rings have broad significance and meaning that encompasses that diversity. Eternity, love, and loyalty are common themes for many. And as both partners receive and wear a band, couples rings can be seen as a strong statement of equality. They are often given and received as a symbol of love and commitment.

What's the difference between an engagement ring and a couples ring?

First off there needn’t be any distinction between couples rings and engagement rings. Many couples worldwide exchange rings to signify commitment and often go on to use those rings in their marriage ceremony. But for many people the term “engagement ring” conjures up images of a gemstone set ring given to one member of a couple to signify an intention to marry.

And this is the only real distinction. With a couples ring, both people in the relationship get in on the bling. And the design choices are all down to the couple. Couples rings can be paved with gemstones, be simple unadorned bands, or anything in between.

But they do often have secret or meaningful details - hidden messages of love shared between a couple. And like engagement rings, couples rings are exchanged to signify commitment. That may mean marriage in the future but doesn’t have to.

We've noticed that the trend for couples rings has really taken off of late, perhaps amplified by people being apart from family and friends. Many are nostalgic for family traditions and are looking to the future as they establish their own family unit. Couples rings are a connection between these modern love stories and new family traditions and heirlooms.

What do couples rings look like?

Couples Rings can be as varied as the wonderful relationships they symbolize. So really they can be whatever the couple wants them to be! Matching or not, many couples choose to have one design aspect that overlaps to accommodate both partners preferences.

Couples Rings Trends

If all of these possibilities sound a little daunting, below are some trends that we have spotted.

A Perfect Match

Matching rings show not just that you are in committed relationship but who with! They are the badge of a very exclusive club with just two members. And again the possibilities for matching rings are endless, so long as the couple share similar tastes in jewelry!

Engraved

The modern look of these matching Sterling silver rings belies the ancient roots of Ogham, the thousand year old Irish alphabet used for the engraving across each band. These rings get bonus points for the engraving being written in a script few will be able to decipher - a secret code just between two.

Traditional Yellow Gold

We find many like to give a nod to the traditional wedding "band of gold" with their couples rings. Again there are a myriad of styles to choose from. But we think the sentiment and symbolism of these Tree of Life rings is perfect for a couple looking to establish their own family tree.

Mixed Metals

For the couple that can't decide on which metal to choose - they can have it all. Mixed metal rings are a stylish and popular choice.

This pair of Ogham 'Mo Anam Cara' rings combines white and yellow gold to great effect. Mo Anam Cara is gaelic for 'My Soul Mate.' Written in Ogham, this Irish sentiment is a fitting and private message for a couple to exchange with their rings.

A Common Theme

But what to do if a couple shares most everything but their taste in jewelry? In our experience, many link their couples rings choice through one design feature like symbolism, gemstone choice, or metal.

Matching Symbolism

Irish and Celtic Jewelry is suffused with deep meaning and symbolism perfect for Couples Rings. The Claddagh, representing Love, Loyalty and Friendship and the Celtic Knot, representing eternity and strength are popular choices given their fitting symbolism.

The Trinity Knot, known to many as the Celtic Lovers Knot, is a perfect example of an ideal symbol for a set of couples rings. With a broad range of choices including silver, gold, white gold, two-tone, or gemstone set, a couple can choose different rings that represent their past, present and future together.

Matching Gemstones

And for those that want their Couples Rings to really pop, there is always the option to choose matching or complimenting gemstones.

The diamond accents in these Celtic Knot Rings tie these two different designs together for a dazzling pair of couples rings.

How to choose couples rings?

Everyone will have their own approach to making this important purchase. Some will pick rings out together, others might pick their own ring, and still others go for the element of surprise, picking their partners ring for them. There is no one right way to make this decision.

Couples Ring Buying Tips

But we do have several tips for those searching for their perfect Couples Rings.

Buy from a Trusted Source

We would always recommend whether buying from us here at My Irish Jeweler or another source, make sure you work with a reputable business. A reputable jeweler will have excellent reviews and recommendations across several independent platforms (e.g. Facebook, Google, reviews.io etc.). Make sure to check them to see experiences of past customers. This will give a reflection of what you may expect if you give them your custom.

Think about your Priorities

Before making such a big purchase, it can be a good idea to think through what you are looking for. Metal choice, gemstones, symbolism, durability and fit are all things to consider.

Keep an open mind

Wether you know exactly what you are looking for or have a heads that are spinning from all the possibilities, take advantage of working with a reputable jeweler and draw on their knowledge and expertise. Customers that get in touch us via email, phone, or by booking a virtual appointment often have one idea in mind and end up falling for completely different rings.

Have Fun

Taking that next step in your relationship is an exciting and joyful time. Make sure to enjoy the process and have fun picking out these important and symbolic rings that you will share for your lifetime together.