Promise Ring, Engagement Ring, Wedding Band and Solitaire: Which One When?

Short answer: In Turkey there are four rings around a marriage. The promise ring (“söz yüzüğü”) is a simple ring given when the families give their word; the engagement ring (“nişan yüzüğü”) is usually the wedding band itself, worn on the right hand at the engagement and moved to the left at the wedding; the wedding band (“alyans”) is the ring of marriage; and the solitaire (“tektaş”) is the single-diamond ring given at the proposal. These four are often confused, so below we explain which is worn when, on which hand, and how to choose them.

Four rings, four moments

What is a promise ring?

It is the first ring, given at the “söz”, usually between the families, with a ribbon being cut. Traditionally it was simple and slim; today most couples buy their promise rings as wedding bands, to wear at the engagement and the wedding too. That way a single pair of bands carries all three ceremonies instead of three separate rings. The most popular choices for a promise ring are a plain band and a slim half eternity.

What is an engagement ring in Turkey?

In Turkey, “nişan yüzüğü” (engagement ring) usually means the wedding band: it is worn on the ring finger of the right hand at the engagement and moved to the left hand at the wedding. The Western “engagement ring” corresponds to our solitaire. This difference explains why foreign sources describe a solitaire when they talk about engagement rings. If you want a stone-set band for the engagement, the five-stone and the full eternity are the most popular.

What is a wedding band?

It is the ring of marriage; it is put on the ring finger of the left hand at the wedding and is not taken off every day. So comfort and durability come first when choosing it. A plain band is the simplest and most durable; if you want stones, there are half eternity, full eternity and five-stone options. We compared them all: wedding band styles.

What is a solitaire?

It is a ring with a single diamond on top, and the symbol of the marriage proposal. Practice varies: many wear it on the left ring finger from the proposal on, together with the wedding band after the wedding; others wear it on the right hand with the engagement band and move it to the left at the wedding. There are three decisions in choosing it: the stone’s shape (round, oval, pear, emerald…), its carat and the gold colour. Lab-grown diamonds are especially useful for a solitaire: the same budget buys a bigger or cleaner stone. Step by step: how to choose an engagement ring. Designs: solitaire rings.

Do you need to buy all of them separately?

No. The most common arrangement is this: one pair of bands is used for the promise, the engagement and the wedding, and the solitaire is given at the proposal. So most couples need two things: a solitaire and a pair of wedding bands. Planning the budget this way avoids buying unnecessary rings and makes sure the solitaire and the bands are chosen to match.

Three rules for choosing rings that match

1. The same gold colour: If the solitaire is white gold, make the band white too; different colours on the same finger often do not look good.
2. The same band thickness: A slim band next to a slim solitaire; a bolder solitaire next to a wide band.
3. Matching stone sizes: The band’s stones should not compete with the solitaire’s stone; the band completes, the solitaire is the focus.

To see the two together, look at the real photos in our gallery or write to us with the pair you have in mind.

Frequently asked questions