Weddings are a celebration of love, and love doesn’t follow a script. For LGBTQ+ couples, choosing wedding rings isn’t about tradition for tradition’s sake. It’s about finding pieces that resonate with who you are, how you love, and the story you're building together.
At Greenwich St. Jewelers, we believe your rings should reflect that journey. Whether you're drawn to timeless bands or unconventional designs, want to match perfectly or express individual styles, this guide is for you. From engagement rings to wedding bands, from finger placement to customization tips, we're here to support every couple in crafting symbols as unique as their connection.
This isn’t just a shopping guide. It’s a love letter to the beauty of choice, identity, and personal expression.
Rethinking Tradition: Wedding Rings and LGBTQ+ Couples
For generations, wedding rings have followed a narrow set of expectations—who buys the ring, who wears it, what it should look like. But tradition isn't one-size-fits-all, and for many LGBTQ+ couples, that’s part of the joy. You’re not bound by convention, which means you get to define what your rings symbolize, how you wear them, and what they say about your partnership.
Some couples embrace long-standing traditions with a twist, while others create something completely their own. You might both wear engagement rings. You might exchange identical bands or choose completely different styles that reflect each of your personalities. The beauty lies in the intention.
Instead of asking, "What are we supposed to do?" ask, "What feels like us?" That shift opens up space for authenticity, creativity, and a deeper kind of meaning.
Whether your love story is minimalist or bold, classic or contemporary, your rings are a powerful way to tell it.
Do Same-Sex Couples Wear Engagement Rings?
Yes, and in a variety of ways. Some LGBTQ+ couples both wear engagement rings. Others choose just one. Some skip the engagement ring entirely and wait to select bands together closer to the wedding. There's no single right answer, which is exactly what makes the experience so personal.
Engagement rings are about intention and celebration. For many couples, exchanging rings is a shared promise, not just a proposal. For others, one partner might take the lead in planning the moment. And for couples who don’t see themselves in those traditions, the beauty lies in crafting something new.
At Greenwich St. Jewelers, we've helped couples create matching engagement rings, custom designs for one another, and meaningful heirloom-inspired pieces that tell a shared story. However you choose to mark the moment, the most important thing is that it feels true to you.
Which Finger Is the Ring Finger for LGBTQ+ Couples?
Traditionally, engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. Many same-sex couples choose to follow this convention, but others opt for a different finger or hand entirely based on personal meaning, culture, or style preferences.
There’s no rulebook here. Some couples each wear rings on opposite hands to distinguish engagement from wedding bands. Others might choose the right hand as a subtle signal or family tradition. And in some cases, couples intentionally switch it up to reclaim the symbolism in a way that feels empowering.
The key is to decide what works for you both. The placement of your ring should feel comfortable, significant, and reflective of your relationship. It’s not about where it's worn—it's about what it represents.next
Choosing Your Rings: Matching, Mismatched, or Custom
There’s something beautiful about choosing wedding rings that reflect your relationship, your style, and your story. For LGBTQ+ couples, that often means deciding between matching bands, individually distinct designs, or something completely custom.
Matching Wedding Bands vs. Personal Styles
Matching rings can feel like a visual symbol of unity. They reflect a sense of shared commitment and continuity, which many couples find meaningful. But matching does not mean identical. You might opt for the same metal with different finishes or matching engravings inside different ring silhouettes.
On the other hand, mismatched rings let each partner fully express their personal taste. This option often works best when style preferences differ or when you want to incorporate different materials, textures, or gemstone accents. It is also a great way to represent balance and individuality within your partnership.
Both paths are equally thoughtful. It’s just about what resonates with you.
Custom Designs and Engraving Ideas
Custom rings offer a blank canvas. You can co-create designs from scratch or modify existing styles to make them your own. Maybe you want to incorporate birthstones, a shared motif, or a symbol that represents your story. Maybe it is a subtle nod to where you met or a design detail inspired by your favorite place.
Engravings are another powerful way to personalize your bands. Some ideas we love: coordinates of a special location, lyrics or quotes, nicknames, or dates in Roman numerals. Your rings do not have to look alike to be deeply connected. They just need to carry meaning that matters to you.
Ring Sets for Engagement and Wedding
For couples who both wear engagement rings and wedding bands, coordinating sets can be a thoughtful touch. Some choose a ring stack where the engagement ring pairs perfectly with a curved or contoured band. Others mix textures and shapes across both rings for a layered, collected feel.
Ring sets can be complementary without being identical. Think of them as different chapters in the same story, each piece bringing its own meaning to the journey.
Design Inspiration for LGBTQ+ Couples
Finding rings that feel true to you starts with inspiration. LGBTQ+ couples often bring an incredible sense of creativity and meaning to their ring choices, blending personal style with symbolic touches that tell a deeper story. Whether you are drawn to classic craftsmanship, bold design, or something totally unexpected, your rings should be a reflection of you.
Designers to Explore: Chris Ploof, Bleu Royale, WWAKE and More
At Greenwich St. Jewelers, we partner with designers who understand that jewelry is personal.
Some favorites for couples looking for meaningful, standout rings include:
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Chris Ploof: Known for Damascus steel and meteorite rings, perfect for couples who want symbolism rooted in strength and history.
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Bleu Royale: Offers refined wedding bands with unique finishes and detailed craftsmanship, ideal for modern minimalists.
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WWAKE: A beautiful option for couples who want delicate designs, organic shapes, and a strong focus on responsible sourcing.
There are no limits. Whether you want mixed metals, hammered textures, diamond accents, or unexpected materials, the goal is to find a design that feels like your own tradition.
Metals, Stones, and Styles That Tell Your Story
Gold, platinum, meteorite, mokume gane, diamonds, sapphires, and even rough gemstones all have stories to tell. Some couples select stones that reflect birth months, shared experiences, or milestones. Others choose metals that suit their daily style, from brushed white gold to rich yellow gold.
You might choose a sleek, minimal band or a ring with ornate hand-engraving that adds a secret message only you and your partner know. You might love the symbolism of two different stones joining together or prefer clean, modern lines that feel timeless.
The most important thing is that your rings speak for you in a way that feels natural and deeply personal.
Practical Tips for Ring Shopping Together
Shopping for wedding rings as a couple can be one of the most exciting parts of the journey. It is a chance to slow down, explore your options, and create something that feels uniquely yours.
Shopping as a Couple: What to Expect
Before you visit a jeweler or browse collections online, it helps to have an open conversation about what each of you envisions. Are you both drawn to classic bands, or do you lean toward something more unexpected? Would you prefer rings that match, coordinate, or stand completely apart?
Expect to try on a variety of styles and materials. Even if you think you know what you want, seeing different textures, colors, and shapes in person can shift your perspective. Stay flexible and have fun with the process.
A good jeweler will listen carefully, offer thoughtful suggestions, and help you uncover the designs that feel most natural to you. At Greenwich St. Jewelers, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, consultative environment where every love story is honored.
Sizing, Timing, and Budget Considerations
Give yourselves plenty of time to find or create the perfect rings. Ideally, you should start shopping at least three to four months before your wedding. This timeline allows for custom designs, resizing, engraving, and any unexpected adjustments.
When it comes to sizing, remember that your fingers can change slightly throughout the year with temperature and activity. A professional jeweler will ensure a proper fit and guide you on considerations like comfort fit bands or wider designs that may require a different size.
Budget is important too, but it should not overshadow the experience. Decide together what feels comfortable, and remember that meaningful details and craftsmanship often matter more than the size or price of the ring itself. Your rings are a lasting investment in your shared story.
Wedding Ring FAQs for Same-Sex Couples
Do Both Partners Wear Engagement Rings?
Many LGBTQ+ couples choose to exchange engagement rings as a shared promise. Some have one partner propose and present a ring, while others propose to each other with rings that reflect personal styles. There is no rule you have to follow. It is about what feels meaningful for your relationship.
Which Finger Is the Ring Finger for LGBTQ+ Couples?
Traditionally, the fourth finger of the left hand is used for both engagement and wedding rings. Many same-sex couples embrace this tradition. Others choose a different hand or finger to reflect personal preference, cultural background, or a desire to create their own meaning.
Where and how you wear your ring is entirely up to you.
Can LGBTQ+ Couples Wear Matching Rings?
Yes. Matching rings are a beautiful way to express unity. Some couples choose identical bands, while others match through shared elements like metal type, texture, or stone accents. Whether your rings mirror each other or stand apart, the connection between them is what matters most.
Can We Design Our Own Rings?
Absolutely. Custom designs allow you to create rings that are deeply personal. You might incorporate shared symbols, special dates, complementary stones, or engraving that speaks to your journey together. Custom rings tell a story no one else can replicate, making them an especially meaningful choice for LGBTQ+ couples forging their own traditions.
