Not sure which hand your engagement ring should go on? You’re not alone.
With all of the traditions and stories suggesting which hand to put your ring on, it can be a bit confusing. So, does the engagement ring go on the left hand, or is there another option?
Here’s all you need to know about your engagement ring finger, including where many traditions came from.
What You Will Learn
What Does an Engagement Represent?
An engagement is a commitment between two people who are set to wed (similar to promise rings). With an engagement, the couple expresses their intention to a lifetime commitment by cementing a marital bond. About eighty percent of couples get married within a year of getting engaged. So for most couples, the proposal signals the start of wedding planning, typically months in advance of the wedding ceremony.
What Is an Engagement Ring?
An engagement ring, also known as a betrothal ring, and holds a symbolic meaning that the ring that signifies the promise of marriage. Generally, an engagement ring is presented during the proposal or after they say, “YES.” Diamond engagement rings are a very popular choice, luckily we can help your search for the perfect ring that your partner would love to wear your engagement ring!
What Hand Does the Engagement Ring Traditionally Go On?
In most Western cultures, an engagement ring is worn on the left ‘ring finger’ (the fourth finger of your left hand). The tradition of wearing an engagement ring on the left ring finger can be traced back to Ancient Rome. Ancient Romans believed this finger had a vein (Vena Amoris meaning Vein of Love) that ran directly to the heart.
However, modern medicine has revealed that each of your fingers has a vein that leads to your heart. But aside from the engagement ring, what hand does a wedding ring go on traditionally? Some couples wear engagement rings on the fourth finger on their right hand while the wedding ring goes to the fourth finger on their left — but it really comes down to the wearer’s personal preference. A lot of couple choose to get a wedding ring that complements the engagement ring on one finger.
Can I Wear an Engagement Ring On My Right Hand?
Of course, you can wear the engagement ring on your right hand if you want to. In fact, engagement rings are typically worn on the fourth finger of the right hand in many nations throughout Eastern Europe, including Greece, Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Latvia, as well as countries in Western Europe, such as Austria, Netherlands, and Germany.
Wedding rings and wedding bands, in contrast, are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand (left ring finger). This is common in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Portugal, Switzerland, Australia, and Canada. This wedding ring custom dates back to the 11th century, when men would bless the ring and place it on their wives’ left ring finger during Christian betrothal rites.
What Does a Ring On Each Finger Mean?
Engagement ring worn on different fingers has taken on different meanings over time.
For example:
Two Rings On The Left Pinkie Finger
This used to be a custom for men many years ago. They wore their wedding ring and signet rings on the little left finger to signify their marital status.
Left Index Finger
The left hand index finger was reserved for royalty, and people would kneel and kiss the ring on it.
Either Middle Finger
Although there is no specific significance here, the fact that it is the longest digit makes it stand out when rings are worn on it.
Left Ring Finger
Typically, wedding rings are worn on the left hand ring finger, and is next to the engagement ring. However, in more traditional wedding ceremonies, some choose to wear their engagement ring to the ring finger on their right hand just before they enter the church or marriage venue. This is done so their partner can freely place the wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand on the wedding day.
Do Men Wear Engagement Rings?
Yes! Men do wear engagement rings, not just same sex couples. However, what hand does a proposal ring go on for men? Most men choose to wear their engagement on the ring finger of their right hand. Men who feel uncomfortable wearing engagement and wedding rings on the same finger might choose to attach their engagement ring to a neck chain while wearing only their wedding ring.
Keep in mind that these days, there is no particular rule regarding wearing your wedding and engagement rings on the hand that you choose. Depending on your tradition and lifestyle, your personal choice is what counts.
Where to Get Jewelry Insurance
BriteCo offers affordable jewelry and engagement ring insurance that will give you comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. Our policies can be purchased within minutes online, and claims can be easily submitted on our website.
Our policy offers worldwide coverage for loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance. We also offer safe storage discounts and monthly premium options and cover up to 125% of your item’s appraised value.
Contact us today to learn more about our coverage, or use our convenient online tool to get a quote for your insurance plan in minutes.
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