Which Finger Does Your Engagement Ring Go On?

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In some traditions, engagement rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand, as is the same for wedding rings.

In Western cultures, the engagement ring is the classic symbol of love and commitment. It serves as a statement that two people are engaged to be married (hence the name), and has become an essential to many proposals across the globe.

As both the engagement ring and the wedding ring are worn on the same finger, when getting married, you’ll have a few options on how to wear both items. It’s common for people to stack both rings on the same finger, the wedding ring placed on the bottom of the finger whilst the engagement ring is worn on top of this.

This is common practice, as it means the engagement ring can be taken off without needing to remove the wedding band, which superstition dictates should never be taken off once married.

On the day of your wedding, before walking down the aisle, it might be best to wear your engagement ring on your right hand. Then, once the ceremony is over, you can seal the wedding band in place by sliding the engagement ring on top of it.

Whilst these may be the more traditional ways to wear an engagement ring, many people do not follow these rules. As with any item of jewellery, it’s important that you wear an engagement ring the way you like best, especially given that it’ll be with you for a lifetime!

 

Why Are Engagement Rings Worn on the Left Hand?

Proposing with an engagement ring is a tradition dating back to ancient Rome, where it was the custom to provide the bride with a ring, serving as a promise of marriage soon after.

The engagement ring is placed on the ring finger of the left hand as the Romans believed a vein ran from this finger directly to the heart.

Whilst engagement rings are worn on the left hand in many Western cultures, in areas such as Brazil and Colombia, it is instead initially placed on the right hand, and then switched over to the left after the exchanging of vows.

 

What Finger Does Your Wedding Ring Go On?

Like an engagement ring, most people wear their wedding band on the left hand ring finger. For this reason, the finger is often referred to as the wedding ring finger.

As is the case with the engagement ring, the tradition of wearing the wedding band on your left hand’s ring finger dates back to the Roman times, where it was believed that a vein ran from this finger directly to the heart – thereby making a ring on this finger the perfect symbol of love.

Whilst the engagement ring is typically only worn by the partner who gets proposed to, both usually wear the wedding band, which is exchanged on the day of the wedding during the ceremony.

Although it’s certainly traditional in the UK for people to wear their wedding band on the left hand, many other cultures opt for a different style. In Germany for example, the wedding ring is placed on the right hand ring finger, whilst the engagement ring is worn on the left.

 

Why Do Some Wear Wedding Rings on Their Right Hand?

Although some Western traditions dictate that the wedding ring should be worn on the ring finger of the left hand, there are others who, down to preference or their own traditions, will place the ring on their right hand.

Below is a list with just some of the countries that commonly wear this ring on their right hand:

 

  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Austria
  • Denmark
  • Poland
  • Russia
  • Greece
  • Spain
  • Portugal

 

Many wear their wedding rings on their right hand due to tradition – in India, for example, the wedding band is worn on the right hand as it was considered that the left hand is impure and unclean.

The wedding band can also be worn on this hand simply down to preference. After all, it’s your wedding ring, and you should choose to wear it however you want!

 

Is It OK Not to Wear an Engagement/Wedding Ring?

Both engagement and wedding rings are a beautiful way to symbolise your love and commitment to one another, however, they’re not for everyone. There’s a range of different options you can choose to signify your undying love, some using other items of jewellery such as a bracelet or a necklace.

Whichever way you do it, it’s important to symbolise the promise of commitment you make to your partner, your way – whether that’s through a bespoke engagement ring, another special piece of jewellery or otherwise.

 

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We specialise in Hatton Garden engagement rings, building on 40 years of experience in the Hatton Garden diamond trade, we can find you the perfect ring for your loved one or help you build one completely bespoke and tailored to your individual tastes.

To speak to one of our friendly advisors today, simply email as at harmony@hattongardendiamond.com or call us today on 020 7404 9202.