The Right Ring on the Right Finger: Engagement and Wedding Rings

Wonder why the engagement ring is worn on a specific finger (i.e. the ring finger) and not somewhere else? Wonder how this tradition first got started, and why it has continued to this day? Do you know that the wearing of the engagement and the wedding ring can sometimes vary with respect to the culture and the times? Here are some key things you need to know about wearing engagement rings. Some may surprise you. In this post we will delve into the history of wedding and engagement rings, specifically focusing on aspects that help us understand the question: engagement rings on which finger? The same for the wedding rings as well.

Some Backstory on Ring Fingers and Ring Types

To start with the main event, the practice of wearing wedding rings was believed to have first originated in ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians believed that the engagement ring symbolizes an infinite connection with the world beyond. As it was believed that there was no true beginning or an end to this kind of ring; the union of marriage, and preceding that the bond that was established via the engagement ring on the finger was meant to symbolize an eternal connection between the husband and wife. It is important to note, for any students of Egyptian history, that the people of this world didn’t wear engagement rings before the wedding and only wore a wedding ring after the wedding ceremony. 

The modern tradition of wearing an engagement ring before the wedding ring arose in ancient Rome. In the classical culture of Rome, the engagement ring was presented by the groom to his future wife to show that he is committed to marrying her. The engagement ring was considered a promise ring. The fourth finger of the left hand was used as the finger for the engagement ring, for it was then believed, in the then-rising foundations of modern medicine, that the fourth finger carried a special vein that connected with the heart. So for those who may be asking: engagement rings on which finger? couples You now have an answer. Returning to ancient Rome, at the wedding ceremony, the groom and the bride would both wear a wedding ring according to the ceremony.

Ring Varieties

In the cultures of the West of old, silver rings held a prominent place as engagement rings. A practice that has not stood the test of time. For in modern times white gold, rose gold and platinum rings have also become more popular among brides. With the rise in the adoption of gemstones, diamonds as the gemstone of choice for rings soon became the most common among brides; followed by the adoption of other gemstones like emeralds, sapphires, and rubies which are also used for stylistic purposes in certain wedding rings.

In Asian countries, yellow gold engagement rings hold a very prominent place to this day. Whilst white gold has come to dominate the market in much of the West, along with rose gold. Where gold finger rings for ladies are designed with diamonds and other precious stones for the brides. However, when it comes to the type of metal, gold as the main choice remains the most popular engagement ring for ladies at Muslim weddings as well.

On Which hand Does the engagement ring and Wedding Ring Be Worn On

Modern jewellery, like fine engagement rings and wedding rings, is built on a long historical tradition, one that is often accompanied by a set of mystical beliefs that uphold their value. In both ancient Egypt and Rome, the wedding ring and engagement ring were worn on the 4th finger of the left hand. Romans, as we mentioned before, believed that the 4th finger of the left hand has a vein that carries blood directly to the heart, and they believed that this connects the ring finger directly to the heart. They wore the engagement ring on the 4th finger of the left hand believing it to be the of this vain love. They believed that it would keep their significant other, closer to their heart. 

The Egyptians too shared a version of this belief: in addition to holding the view that by both couples wearing the ring on the same finger, their union was made firm at a deeper level. With the development of modern science, it is now known that all the fingers have veins connected to the heart. However, the tradition of wearing the engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is still the most popular tradition in many countries.

Is it the Left hand or right hand for the engagement ring?

In Western countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia, the engagement ring finger is worn on the left hand. However, in some European countries like Russia and Denmark, the engagement ring is worn on the 4th finger of the right hand. So contrary to what one may think there’s no firm rule on where the ring must be placed. So for those wondering engagement ring is on which finger? The answer is that it depends: some opt to go with an engagement ring on their left hand like in the United States, or on their right hand like in Denmark and Russia.

In some cultures, notably in Asia and Africa, people don’t even wear wedding rings. In traditional Muslim weddings, they are no wedding rings. However, with the onset of Westernization, most cultures have incorporated the practice of wearing wedding rings into their ceremonies. In India, the wedding ring was originally worn on the right hand as they believe that the left hand is impure. But again, with Westernization many Indians today choose to wear their engagement rings on the left-hand ring finger.

What goes on first? The Wedding Ring or the Engagement Ring?

In most countries, people only wear the engagement ring, but in some cultures, they wear both. They treat the engagement ring as a promise ring: it is a commitment to getting married. It promises that the man is committed to marrying her. The proposal ring finger is the fourth finger of the left hand and till the wedding, the engagement ring remains on this finger.

On the day of the wedding celebration, when the wedding band is worn at the altar the engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. After the vows, the bride would wear the engagement ring on top of the wedding band. When wearing a wedding ring on the finger with an engagement ring, the wedding ring is worn closer to the end of the finger, and the engagement ring is worn after the wedding ring. This is done to symbolize the eternal connection between the husband and wife after marriage.

Sometimes, after the wedding, the bride would opt to have the two rings soldered together to form an engagement ring and a band. This is also done so that the engagement ring stays on top of the wedding ring. Unity is a strength for more than one reason, and carefully designed bridal jewellery can be just that.

What About Wedding Rings for Men?

Like women, men may also wear engagement rings, however, this practice is rare. Wedding rings for men of course have been a mainstay in many parts of the Western world and in other countries. The practice of men wearing an engagement ring is not very common, but in recent years engagement rings for men have made a comeback, as many male celebs have been featured sporting engagement rings. The likes of Ed Sheeran, Johnny Depp, Michael Buble and many other male celebrities have been seen wearing engagement rings and have brought it back to fashion. Male fine jewellery, which has been driven by the growth in men’s fashion and grooming, which are major growth industries for beauty and cosmetic firms has also fed this growth.

In Summary: A Ring and Finger for Culture and the Person

The answer: It depends. Depends on factors like Where you live; the traditions and cultures that you are a part of; your lifestyle; personal preference all help answer the question of engagement rings on which finger? Since martial traditions and customs related to ring-wearing have been around for a long time, many people rightly seek to follow them. However, there are no strict rules on wearing them. So you are free to create your own rules for ring wearing these precious rings! It’s always better to do what feels right, considering your personal preferences and lifestyle. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you feel connected and loved by your significant other. A good quality engagement ring, and later a wedding ring can help in this matter. How you wear your engagement ring can depend on a few key factors like