What is the Engagement Ring Finger

Sounds like a simple question, which warrants a simple answer. But not quite. The engagement ring is one of the most special jewels a person wears, and they wear it (i.e. which ring finger) is not without controversy. Depending on the wearer, their culture, and their beliefs the engagement ring finger is not always a straightforward one.

On this Education page, we will answer the question: what is the engagement ring finger? Whilst it may seem simple enough, the subject surrounding it and the answers that emerge may surprise you. 

It All Depends!

Wasn’t expecting this response did you? Well, the first thing to consider when it comes to engagement rings and any fine or fashion jewellery for that matter is that the final decision always rests with you the wearer. Of course, when it comes to bridal jewellery like engagement rings, which are meant to join people together and carry significant meaning for both parties, the choice is not purely yours alone.

However when it comes to jewellery and gemstones, which are after all worn on the person; in order to make the wearer feel and look good, ultimately what truly counts is your tastes and preferences along with that of your partner. Generally speaking when it comes to fine jewellery, which incurs a greater cost, and especially when it comes to bridal and wedding jewellery with deep meaning for the persons involved it is advisable to follow the traditions that are associated with it.

But what traditions you may ask? Clearly there are many, and depending on what culture you are a part of this is likely to change. Right you are. This takes us to the next point.

The Cultural Factor surrounding the Engagement Ring Finger

There is no direct answer to this one. When one speaks of culture as it relates to wedding jewellery, the key point is that it depends. In the West, the tradition has been to wear the engagement ring and later the wedding ring on the left hand on what is understood as the ‘ring finger’.

The ring finger, which is the fourth finger, is the finger that sits between the middle and little fingers. One that many of us in the West have seen on the left-hand of women. Where ring finger will feature often a plain gold band, that is the wedding ring, and with it, a gemstone embellished engagement ring. For those who have not made the final lap, the finger will only feature the engagement ring.

At this point, one is right to ask why? Why do people in the West, almost everyone really wear their engagement ring and quite naturally the wedding ring on the fourth or ring finger? A good question that takes us to the next point.

The Roman Connection

The origin of the practice of wearing the engagement ring on the fourth finger, like many of our traditions in the West can be traced back to the classical age. In ancient Rome, where the formal arrangement of marriage in an institutional sense as we understand it, took shape with the practice of the exchange of rings.

The identification of the ring finger with love or passion was a key development that took place in the ancient world. Whilst the Egyptians are potentially the first to make this connection it was in ancient Rome with a citizen named Macrobius Ambrosius Theodosius the 3rd - 4th centuries made observations on the Vena Amoris, or ‘Vein of Love’ which is a vein that is supposed to run from the heart to this particular finger.

Now the said Macrobius is no Hippocrates and this special has not been identified by modern science, however the connection it implied and the tradition that grew from it has remained. And has become the predominant ring-wearing style in the West. Despite its popularity, other traditions have emerged in other parts of the West regarding the wearing of engagement rings.

Wearing the Engagement Ring on the Right Hand

Whilst the focus of this post is the finger on which the engagement ring is worn, if the ring is worn on a different hand (other than the left) it will confuse everything.

The idea of wearing the engagement on the right hand is interesting in this regard since it is not the most popular choice. But historically, and even today in present times, the practice of wearing it on the right hand has continued in various ways. The notable consideration when it comes to the wearing of engagement rings on the right hand is that the location (or finger) remains the same. So the fourth finger on the right-hand remains the place to wear the ring.

At this point, the reader may wonder why people wear the ring on the right hand. Well, at this point the same question can also be asked of the practice of wearing on the left hand. The Roman tradition notwithstanding. Well, in some cultures the left hand is viewed negatively. And this is done for a variety of reasons. In certain traditions, the left is associated with negative forces or even bad luck. At the same time the fact that the human heart is located on the left-hand side counters this view.

At this point, it is worth mentioning the practice of wearing rings on the right hand over the years has given rise to the practice ‘right hand rings’. This is a special ring-wearing practice, overwhelmingly in women, that is not connected to bridal jewellery, and should not be confused as such. Nonetheless, the practice of wearing engagement rings on the right hand persists. Major nations like Russia and India wear the engagement ring on the ring finger of the right hand.

Wearing Engagement Rings on Two Fingers 

Making matters more interesting is the flexible practice of changing the location of the ring depending on what stage you are at in your relationship. Welcome to Brazil, where the couple wears metal bands on their right hands, up until they make their way to the alter, after the ceremony is concluded the ring switches hands to the left. In countries like the Netherlands, it is the opposite that takes place.

In Conclusion

Whatever the culture or tradition the main point is that the engagement ring is here to stay. Whether it is right or left, hand or finger, the point is the idea of solidifying your romantic union with a precious fine jewel has remained and will do so for the future. And when one speaks of the modern jewellery industry, and goes back to the dominance of the Anglo-American world, from the time of King Edward VI of England who in an edict in the 16th century made the left-hand ring finger the official choice for the wedding band, and with it, the engagement ring has followed in that tradition. And will set to continue.