What Hand Do Engagement Rings Go On
Getting engaged is an exciting time in anyone’s life, and one that often comes with a gorgeous ring to mark the promise of eternal love.
Whether you’re newly engaged or you’re getting close to your wedding, knowing on which hand to wear your engagement ring can be tricky. This is especially true when it comes to where you should wear your ring during your wedding ceremony!
The engagement ring has traditionally been worn on the fourth finger, or ring finger, on the left hand. But how did that become the finger of choice for wearing rings to symbolize engagement and marriage?
THE ORIGIN OF THE LEFT RING FINGER TRADITION
Wearing rings on the left ring finger dates back to the ancient Romans. They believed there was a vein that ran directly from the left ring finger to the heart, which they called the Vena Amoris (“Vein of Love”).
Although this connection between the left ring finger and the heart has since been proven false, the practice stuck and has been carried down in many cultures.
Some cultures, including Russia and Greece, wear their engagement rings on their right hands, on the ring finger.
HOW TO WEAR ENGAGEMENT RINGS AND WEDDING BANDS
How you wear your engagement ring or wedding band depends on what stage your engagement and marriage is at. The ring you wear your ring on, and the way it is positioned, differs from engagement to during the wedding to the years following your marriage.
Here’s how most people choose to wear their engagement rings and wedding bands at each stage:
AFTER THE ENGAGEMENT, BUT BEFORE THE WEDDING
When a couple gets engaged, the engagement ring is seen as a stand-in for the future promises made - and rings exchanged - at their wedding.
Because of this, the engagement ring is worn on the same finger as the wedding ring. So, if you plan to wear your wedding ring on your left hand, wear your engagement ring on your left hand, and vice versa.
DURING THE WEDDING CEREMONY
Because there’s an exchange of rings during the wedding ceremony itself, knowing where to wear the engagement ring for a couple of hours can be confusing.
Prior to your wedding ceremony, switch your engagement ring to wear it on the opposite hand for the duration of the ceremony. The wedding band is traditionally worn closer to the heart (closer to the base of the finger), and your new spouse needs to be able to easily slip the band onto your finger.
Moving your engagement ring to your other hand during the ceremony allows your spouse to put the ring on your finger without having to move the engagement ring.
Alternatively, you can elect to not wear your engagement ring during the ceremony at all.
AFTER THE WEDDING CEREMONY
Once the ceremony is over, move the engagement ring back to the hand where you previously wore it. If you have a wedding band, wear the engagement ring on the outside of the wedding band.
EXCEPTIONAL ENGAGEMENT RINGS AT WINDSOR FINE JEWELERS
Whether you’re looking for a traditional solitaire or something more unique, trust Windsor Fine Jewelers for all your engagement ring needs. Come see us at our Augusta, Georgia, location!
Related Articles