Which hand does engagement ring go on? Cultural norms and Views

Proposal time requires a lot to make the time right, be it selecting the appropriate place or finding a sparkling diamond. But one thing which comes to our mind and that too after getting the ring is the question of on which hand the engagement ring goes. The question is pretty simple, yet a bit confusing as far as many cultures have different traditions concerning it. So, in this article, we delve deep into the rich history, symbolism, and customs regarding the engagement ring so that you will know precisely on which finger to wear that beautiful piece of jewelry when it is time.

Engagement Ring Hand: A Worldwide Tradition

First things first-engagement ring hand. Traditionally, in most cultures of the West, it was the left hand that wore the engagement ring. This is a convention derived from ancient Rome, where one believed that a vein ran directly from the fourth finger of the left hand directly into the heart. For many cultures, the trend of wearing engagement rings has changed to the right-hand side. Let us further our knowledge on such practices.

Left Hand Engagement Ring: Most Common in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Right Hand Engagement Ring: Mostly in countries such as Russia, Germany, India, and Norway.

Which Finger an Engagement Ring is worn?

So, onto which finger does the engagement ring go? Again, that depends on culture and tradition.

Left Ring Finger: Traditionally, in many Western countries, the engagement ring goes onto the fourth finger of the left hand, known colloquially as the "ring finger."
Right Ring Finger: This is also a widely followed tradition in some European countries like Spain and Greece.
Cultural Variations: Because of cultural and religious reasons, the engagement ring is worn on the right hand in some countries like India.

Engagement Ring Tradition: A Quick Look Back

The history of the engagement ring goes back thousands of years. They say that the old Egyptians first found meaning in giving someone a ring as a promise of marriage because the circle felt like it was eternal. The tradition has continued through the ages and constantly evolved, changed, and adjusted itself according to times, culture, and practice.

Ancient Egyptians: The first ever recorded engagement ring was to symbolize eternity.
The Romans: They brought the concept of the vena amoris or vein of love.
Middle Ages: It was in those times that the engagement rings started to be more elaborative with a lot of gemstones such as sapphires and rubies.
During the Victorian and Edwardian Eras, the Engagement rings started being romantic in nature with diamonds and other forms of intricate designs.
Modern Day: It was championed that diamonds became synonymous with an engagement ring through De Beers' "A Diamond is Forever" campaign in the 1940s.

Wedding Ring vs Engagement Ring: Understanding the Difference

Probably among the most common confusing points one comes across pertains to the difference a wedding ring and an engagement ring have. To shed light on this clearly:

Engagement Ring: Usually given at the time of proposal and is worn the same. It generally contains a big or small gemstone, most usually a diamond, for its main attraction and is a promise for marriage in nature.
Wedding Ring: It is exchanged at the time of the wedding ceremony and usually is in the form of a plain band accompanying the engagement ring. It symbolizes the actual promise and consummation of marriage.
Wearing Both Rings: Most people wear them both on the same finger after marriage, with the wedding ring being put below the engagement ring.

Engagement Ring Placement: How to Wear It?

Wondering how to wear an engagement ring now that you have one? Here are a few common customs:

Before the Wedding: Most people wear the engagement ring on the hand and finger it was designed for.
At the Wedding Ceremony: Some brides also transfer their engagement ring onto the right hand so that the wedding band can go on closest to the heart.
After the Wedding: It is moved to the finger, usually on top of the wedding band after the exchange.

Cultural Differences in Engagement Ring Customs

Engagement rings take on different traditions depending on the culture in which they occur. A quick rundown would look something like this:

United States and Canada: Left hand, ring finger.
Germany and Austria: Right hand, ring finger while still unmarried; moves to the left after marriage.
India: left and right hands according to regional and religious traditions
Brazil and Colombia: wear their ring on the right hand, moving it later to the left after marriage
Russia and Poland: right hand, ring finger

Engagement Ring Symbolism: More Than Just a Ring

Besides the sparkle and beauty it gives, the engagement ring does mean something.

Endless Love: Since the ring is circular, it means the shape is endless, hence an assurance that the love is going to last through eternity.
Commitment: It symbolizes commitment that one will get married and share life afterward.
Personal Meaning: For many people, an engagement ring discloses personal style, a family tradition, or an emotional happening.

Engagement Ring History: An Evolution of Style

Stories across history speak of how things evolved in style and tradition when it came to engagement rings.

1400s: On-record, an Archduke of Austria gave a diamond engagement ring.
1800s: Engagement rings from the Victorian period use more colored gemstones for ornament.
1900s: Diamond solitaire became the most sought-after style of engagement ring after the De Beers campaign.
Today: From vintage-inspired to contemporary, and very unique, custom pieces, several designs are still being made.

Ring Finger Meaning: Why the Fourth Finger?

The ring finger has been associated with engagement rings for centuries, whether on the left or right hand. But why?

Ancient Belief: The Romans believed in the "vena amoris," a vein that ran directly from the ring finger to the heart.
Modern Symbolism: A ring on the fourth finger still represents love, devotion, and a deep connection with one's spouse.

How to Wear an Engagement Ring After Marriage?

There might be different styles one would prefer for wearing an engagement ring after marriage. These may include but are not limited to the following:

Together in a Stack: Worn together on one finger, both wedding band and engagement ring.
Different Hands: Some will wear the engagement ring in one hand and the wedding band in the other.
Different Style for Both Occasions: Someone might only wear something like an engagement ring if it's a certain kind of occasion.

Wedding Band and Engagement Ring Etiquette

There is no specific rule, and for etiquette, but following a few general customs can be considered, amongst them:

Position: Tradition has it that the wedding band should sit closer to the heart.
Order: So, most people wear the wedding band, then the engagement ring.
Comfort: Make sure both rings will be comfortable to wear together.

Conclusion: Celebrate Your Love with Bianca

Whether it be on the right or on the left, on the fourth finger, or whatever, the most important thing is the love that it represents. Here at Bianca, we are very much aware how important it can be to find just that ring reflecting your unique love story. From classic diamond solitaires to creating a custom design, let Bianca take you through how to build your dream engagement ring. After all, the ring is only the beginning of this beautiful journey together.

FAQs About Engagement Rings

1. Which Hand Does the Engagement Ring Go On?

Traditionally, it goes onto the left-hand ring finger, but in many cultures, the right hand does get the engagement ring.

2. Which hand does an engagement ring go on?

The Engagement ring will go onto either the left or right hand's fourth finger, depending on culture and tradition.

3. Can you wear an engagement ring on the right hand?

To many cultures, it is normal to wear an engagement ring on the right hand.

4. Do you still wear an engagement ring after marrying?

Yes, most of them continue wearing their engagement along with a wedding band.

5. What does the finger mean when people wear a ring?

It symbolizes love, commitment, and bonding with one's spouse.