Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since ancient Rome! Accordingly, couples handcrafted braided plants and reeds to exchange and wear as a symbol of love and marriage. Seems straightforward, right? If you've decided to wear your engagement and wedding rings on the same finger, you may be wondering about stacking. This balance signifies a status change from engaged to married. Let’s explore how location, culture, history and tradition influence where people wear their engagement rings. Different cultures have different meanings associated with each finger. Furthermore, diamonds didn’t enter the engagement ring arena until the 15th century. A practical explanation for wearing an engagement ring on the left hand. For example, depending on where you live, the cultural values of your community, history and tradition of the region; you might wear engagement rings on your right or left ring finger. An engagement ring is worn to signify the promise of marriage and commitment between two individuals. Vena Amoris isn’t actually real, however it’s a romantic, time-honored ritual meaningful enough to retain its tradition. Nowadays people wear their engagement ring on the ring finger of their left or right hand. However, this is the standard in most English speaking countries. During many western wedding ceremonies, the engagement ring initially worn on the left ring finger gets switched to the right ring finger to make space for the wedding band. People believed that the vein from the heart travelled through that finger. For example unlike in Ireland and the UK where the engagement ring is worn on the 4th finger of the left hand, in countries like India, Russia, Norway, & Germany, the word “left” means “sinister” in Latin and as such, the left hand was seen as unlucky. These rings are made of iron, stainless steel, or any metal at all. A ring is presented as an engagement gift by a partner to their prospective spouse when they propose marriage or directly after a marriage proposal is accepted. In some countries, women aren’t the only ones who wear engagement rings. Halo vs. Solitaire Engagement Rings: How To Choose Your Forever Ring! All things considered, there isn’t a right or wrong way for wearing an engagement ring. Right! The tradition of wearing fine jewelry to denote pending nuptials wasn’t made a standard until the last few hundred years. Perhaps the most common way to wear them, this tradition stems all the way back to an idea from the Ancient Egyptians, who believed we had a vein leading directly from the left ring finger to the heart. Religion, spiritual or cultural values may influence one person to wear their engagement ring on the right hand, and another to favor the left hand. Even then, diamonds and precious stones were reserved for royalty. Tips on How to Wear Your Engagement and Wedding Ring Rings on the Left Hand. How did the diamond work its way into the homes of common folk? Does that mean I can wear it on either hand? This tradition is commonly followed in Russia, India, many Scandinavian countries, as well as some East European and South American countries. In some European cultures, the ring finger on both the right and left hands are interchangeable, and there’s no distinction between the two. In the US and much of North & South America, the ring finger is most commonly associated with wedding symbolism: a band on the right fourth finger indicates engagement, while a band on the left fourth finger indicates marriage.That said, nearly all men opt for a simple gold or silver band for their wedding/engagement rings. In today’s modern world, you can get as creative or unique as you like. Engagement rings are a centuries-old tradition representing everlasting love and lifelong commitment. After the wedding ceremony, many women will place the ring on their left hand, as is the custom in the modern, Western world, but there are also plenty who will wear the wedding ring (and engagement ring) on the right hand on the ring finger. In India and Spain for example, the engagement and wedding rings are usually worn on the right hand. Personally, I don’t like the look of it and I don’t like the feel and because of that, I don’t wear one. Before we get to the great debate of engagement ring fingers, here’s a brief overview of the history of engagement rings. They can choose to wear it on either. Although the engagement ring is typically worn on the left hand, the tradition is mixed up a bit during the actual wedding ceremony. Catholics also commonly wear their engagement and wedding rings on the right ring finger. Prior to modern science, the ancients believed in a vein called “vena amoris.” They also believed that this “vein of love” connected the fourth finger on the left hand with the heart. Sometimes, it may be more practical for you to wear your ring on a certain hand as per your lifestyle. Since most people are right-handed, there is a certain practical sense to wearing an engagement ring on the left hand. For example, if you are left-handed, wearing the ring on your right hand will offer more protection to the ring and keep it safer from impact and blows. Whether you choose to wear your engagement ring on the right or left hand, what’s important is to have a ring that compliments your sacred union. Which is it, then: left or right? In fact, in Chile and Sweden, men wear engagement rings on their right hand until they’re married. All this goes to show that there are many rules and traditions on the right engagement ring finger depending on your region, culture and religion. However, where it is placed distinguishes it from being just another ring on your hand. Wearing the engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is common in many countries, English-speaking and otherwise. When you wear an engagement ring, you’re partaking in a cherished tradition of publicly announcing your intent to marry. Promise rings can be worn on any finger, however people usually wear their promise rings on the ring finger of their right hand so it is not confused with an engagement or wedding ring. Unfortunately, the Romans weren’t so romantic. Whether you choose to wear your engagement ring on the right or left hand, what’s important is to have a ring that compliments your sacred union. In Russia, Germany, Norway and India, engagement rings are worn on the right hand. As previously mentioned: Ancient Egypt, and also Rome. An engagement ring is a ring indicating that the person wearing it is engaged to be married, especially in Western cultures. Wearing a ring on your middle finger is a very bold choice that gets you noticed and maybe it can even be a conversation starter. An engagement ring and wedding band receive less wear than if worn on the dominant hand. As you’ll see, culture and religion largely determine the chosen finger for the engagement ring. As you can see, the ways in which one can wear a wedding band is as diverse as wedding ring styles themselves! In some countries, the engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger of the right hand. Elizabeth Taylor wore a right-hand ring to make room for a bigger, better left-hand ring. Call it religious folklore, but the latin origin of the word ‘left’ means sinister or evil. A circle symbolizes everlasting love, and an engagement ring is a beautiful token of the underlying promise of love and marriage. In the early aughts and prior to the legalization of same-sex marriage, we saw examples of lesbian and gay couples using a wide variety of options for their engagement and wedding rings. Fashionable Jewelry for Older Ladies – A No-Nonsense... Wishbone in Jewelry – Meaning and Symbolism, Fashionable Jewelry for Older Ladies – A No-Nonsense Guide, Symbols of Strength and Power and What They Mean in Jewelry. Wearing your wedding ring on your left ring finger stems from an old belief that it contained a vein that connected to the heart, an edict that England's King Edward VI made official during the 16th century. For men, there is no rule regarding the appropriate hand for the ring. Some Jewish and Brazilian cultures also switch ring hands following the wedding ceremony. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage. There s nothing as timeless and elegant as silver colored... Everything you need to know about Jewelry, What's new in the world of all things sparkly, Emerald .50ct Platinum Finish Solid Real (not indian that turns your finger, 18 K White Gold Engagement Diamond Ring Size 7 - H61 - R11575, 18 K White Gold Engagement Diamond Ring Size 7.5 - H62 - R11578 -1, RE SELLERS DEAL THREE RINGS SIZE 6.5 TR 800. While these rings have come to represent individuality and single womanhood, the ring's meaning may change depending on who purchases it. In much of North and South America, the ring finger is most commonly associated with wedding symbolism: a band on the right fourth finger indicates engagement, while a band on the left fourth finger indicates marriage. We’ve covered the left ring finger. In countries such as the UK and the US, where the left ring finger tends to be earmarked for love and commitment, wearing a diamond ring on the right hand makes it clear that it is not an engagement ring. In many cultures and countries, wearing an engagement ring on the right hand is preferred. This is classified as a ring of professional status. The neologism "mangagement ring" is sometimes used for an eng… A ring is an ornament that is worn on the fingers. Attribute it to good ol’ mythology. As far as we know, there is no specific or historical reason for this tradition. If the negative connotation of the word left is enough to manipulate a person’s left-hand orientation, it’s no surprise that engagement rings are worn on the right hand. Certainly not. A ring located at the center of the hand is said to symbolize responsibility and balance. However, non-english speaking countries including Italy, Mexico and Egypt also favor the left ring finger. Maybe she’s changed weight, and the ring fits better on the right hand. It isn’t just Sweden and Chile that practices ring swapping. In Germany and the Netherlands, couples start by wearing their engagement rings on the left hand, and then when they are married, they move the wedding rings to the right hand to signify their change in social status. This is derived from ‘left,’ in latin, meaning ‘sinister.’ Therefore the left hand was considered unlucky by some. For same-sex couples, a ring on the right hand usually signifies that someone is in a monogamous relationship — whether that’s a long-term partnership or marriage. An engagement ring is worn to signify the promise of marriage and commitment between two individuals. As with many ancient religious rituals, what began as superstition is now tradition. Wearing the ring on this finger demonstrated love and commitment. For a graduate of ecology, engineering, or any other esteemed discipline, a ring on the right pinky finger is a symbol of the degree acquired or professional prominence. Like many fashion trends, the meaning of wearing an engagement ring on your right hand depends on personal preference. In fact, in many countries it’s tradition to wear the engagement ring on the right hand. This is typical in India, Russia, Germany, Norway and some Eastern European and South American countries. Heavenly Halos: Double Halo Engagement Rings and What You Need To Know. So, where did it all begin? But wait, I hear you ask. Usually the couple buys a pair of rings, each one to be worn on the ring finger of the right hand. Another point to note is that there is an increase in the number of men wearing engagement rings in general. Ring Finger Meanings - What Finger Should You Wear Your Ring On? It has simply evolved over time and become widely accepted in those specific regions. Which hand and finger you choose to wear your engagement ring on is subjective. Some chose to use the ring finger (next to the pinky) on the right hand for the engagement and/or wedding ring because of it's resonance with, but difference from, the traditional heterosexual symbolism. Wedding traditions of the Jewish community dictate the wedding ring … She might not be ready to have it resized. Except for that tiny matter of which hand (and finger) to wear your engagement ring on. However, where it is placed distinguishes it from being just another ring on your hand. Which hand and finger did the ancient Egyptians wear it on? This sentimental origin was centuries before engagement rings became a booming and lucrative industry. Following the wedding ceremony, men transfer the ring from the right ring finger to the left. As a rule of thumb, Catholics prefer to wear their engagement rings on the right hand as well. A betrothal ring signified a binding agreement of ownership over a future bride. These rings may be worn again after marriage too, or substituted by wedding bands. People from countries such as Italy, Egypt, Mexico, Britain, America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland, to name a few, tend to wear their engagement rings on their left hand. Finally, wearing a wedding ring on the right hand can simply mean that the wearer is left-handed and doesn’t want his or her ring to be subjected to the wear and tear from their dominant hand. In some countries, such as Germany, it is common to wear the engagement ring on the fourth finger of either hand. Since the wedding band is usually worn closer to the heart (on the inside of the engagement ring), some brides choose to wear the engagement ring on the right hand on the day of their ceremony. Find out what the color says about you and your relationship. White Gold Vs. Silver: A Complete Guide To Help You Decide. Since Roman times, the hand used for engagement and wedding rings has changed many times, along with the reasoning behind it. Alas, the left ring finger became the delegated spot for engagement rings. In fact, roughly about 5% of men in the USA prefer to wear an engagement ring. Often, the engagement ring is placed on the fourth finger of either the left or right hand. In earlier times, the Kings and Emperors imprinted their insignia on the ring and used it as a stamp (Rajamudra).Hence, a ring is also called Mudrika.Nowadays rings are made of copper, brass, five-metal alloy etc. Many cultures don’t even place emphasis on which hand the engagement ring should be worn. After the ceremony, the engagement ring gets paired with the wedding band on the left ring finger. For example: There is substantial evidence that at an early period among the Gauls, the engagement ring was placed on the right hand, and not on the left. Germany and Netherlands also wear their wedding ring on the right hands while keeping the engagement ring on their right hand. Because she wants to. Now, what about wearing an engagement ring on the right hand? Maybe she’s left handed, and she doesn’t like the way the ring feels on her dominant hand. The tradition of wearing a ring on this specific finger goes back to ancient Egyptian and Roman times. It acts as a signal to others that you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. For instance, in Poland, which is predominantly Catholic, married people wear their rings on the right hand, and so do couples in Orthodox Greece. The method of inscribing one’s name on the ring is from the times of Ramayana. Engagement rings are the modern standard, but this wasn’t always the case. While your wedding ring finger is traditionally on your right hand, some cultures wear wedding rings on their right index finger. There is no discrimination between the hands and either is considered just fine. What influenced them to choose the left ring finger? Browse engagement rings and wedding bands to find your perfect match! After which, they can choose to leave the engagement ring on their right hand, or move it on top of the band. An engagement ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger of your left hand, which is right next to your little finger. Sometimes, only the bride-to-be receives an engagement ring, which can be a diamond ring, the symbol of everlasting love, like in the tradition in the U.S.However, this situation is not very common in Brazil – and not very safe either. Traditionally, a wedding ring was worn only by the bride/wife, but in recent times more men also wear a wedding ring. This is why for centuries, left-handed children were forced to learn to write with their right hand. Ultimately, which hand you choose to wear your engagement ring on is entirely up to you. Even so, while the myth has been debunked, the tradition continues. A circle symbolizes everlasting love, and an engagement ring is a beautiful token of the underlying promise of love and marriage. Where did it all start? In this way, this finger was seen as being directly connected to the heart. The left hand ring finger. Related categories Fashion Rings, Rings and Multi Stone Gemstone Rings. If you want to hold onto the traditional significance of an engagement ring, then stick with the fourth finger of either the left or right hand. The United States, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia and Great Britain are among countries whose people prefer to wear engagement rings on the left ring finger. Eastern Orthodox Christians, like those in Greece, continue the tradition of the Romans in this manner. Afterall, the most important factor regarding your engagement is the lifelong union you’re forming with the one you love. 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