Where To Wear An Engagement Ring: Which Finger
So, which finger does the engagement ring go on? The engagement ring is generally worn on the same finger as the wedding ring , placed second on top of the wedding band. If youre unsure which hand the engagement ring needs to go on, its usually the left hand along with the wedding band. However, in some cases, when the engagement ring and wedding band dont match, a bride will wear her wedding ring on her left hand and her engagement ring on her right-hand ring finger.
The engagement ring has a fascinating history. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans were among the first to use rings as a symbol of commitment. Betrothal rings or engagement rings, as they are better known, were designed to show a mans intent to marry and marked the woman as taken by, or connected to, her future husband.
Love, unfortunately, had little to do with engagements during this time as they were usually more matters of business than emotions. As time passed, the Church made a ruling requiring a betrothal ring to be given, both to show the mans commitment as well as his financial status and ability to care for a family.
Eventually, the plain band was replaced by gemstone rings and sometimes bared more intricate details. The first diamond engagement ring was not given until 1477. Archduke Maximillian of Austria presented it to his fiance, Mary of Burgundy. Since that day, diamond rings have become the standard for engagement rings.
History And Ancient Tradition Sayswedding Band First
To answer where does the wedding band go?, lets start with a trip back in time. You might be surprised to learn that even the ancients had questions and opinions on where and how a wedding ring was worn. Its thought that the ancient Egyptians wore their rings based on a belief in the vena amoris. Vena amoris is a Latin word that means vein of love.
According to tradition, the Egyptians believed that this vena amoris traveled directly from the ring finger of the left hand straight into the heart. One can almost hear Bon Jovi belting out shot to the heart when visualizing this so-called love vein. This is one of the biggest reasons wedding rings are still worn on the ring finger of the left hand today.
Even though this tradition is not based on any actual science, its nevertheless a tradition that has held up through the ages. Of course, times are a bit different now. Today, you dont just have a wedding ring, but an engagement ring or a wedding ring set as well. But if the ancient Egyptian lore is anything to go by, they would be firmly in the team Wedding Ring First.
Were not convinced placing a wedding ring a few millimeters closer to the heart is any more binding than the opposite placement, but if youre a sucker for old, romantic traditions like the people of Ancient Egypt give it a shot. It certainly doesnt hurt, and you might find you actually like giving a nod to the gods of tradition and ceremony.
Engagement Ring On The Bottom Wedding Ring On Top
While this isnt the most classic route, logically it kind of does make sense. It does keep the rings in the order you received them, and as the engagement ring represents a promise and the wedding ring locks in that promise its quite nice to use the wedding band as a sort of bookend.
Youll spot this configuration on the likes of supermodel Emily Ratajkowski, who opted to plonk her gold wedding band on top of her massive dual-diamond engagement ring.
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What Is An Engagement Ring
An engagement ring is the ring that is exchanged during a marriage proposal. Its traditionally given by the person who is proposing, although some couples decide that theyll both wear engagement rings leading up to the wedding day. In many cultures, engagement rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand, but its custom for to-be-weds in several European countries to wear their ring on the right hand. Other couples choose to wear their engagement ring on the right hand in remembrance of LGBTQ+ rights before gay marriage was legalized.
Historically, engagement rings include a diamond as the main stone. The tradition of diamond engagement rings was popularized in the 1940s and 50s during the economic expansion following World War II, with help from a marketing campaign by the famous diamond company De Beers. According to a WeddingWire study, diamonds are still the top choice for modern engagement rings, with 87% of couples opting to include the classic stone. But colorful gemstones and diamond alternatives, like morganite and moissanite, are also extremely popularand theyre even on track to be some of the biggest engagement ring trends of 2021.
The History And Meaning Of The Ring Finger
The tradition and symbolism of the ring finger can be traced back to ancient times. According to legend, it was believed the ring finger had a vein that connected directly to the heart, so lovers hearts would be connected by their rings, notes Selle. The early Romans called this the Vena Amoris, or vein of love. So, to solidify a union founded in love, a ring was placed on that specific finger to signify the romance that the newly wedded couple shared, essentially connecting their two hearts.
Sadly, our modern-day understanding of anatomy shows that all fingers have venous connections to the heart and no such singular vein exists, shattering the adorable symbolism. Yet tradition still holds true for many couples who designate their left-hand ring finger to signify their commitment to each other.
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Engagement Rings Vs Wedding Bands Overview
First, lets do an overview of engagement rings vs. wedding bands. An engagement ring is given during a proposal. They are typically worn as a sign of the pending wedding. This is different from wedding bands. Wedding bands are provided during and worn after the ceremony. Both engagement and wedding rings are typically worn throughout your marriage for decades to come! Thats why understanding the difference can be helpful before you start shopping.
Pair With: Pav Wedding Band
A pavé style is one of our favorite ways to pair your halo engagement ring with a wedding band. This option is great if you want to achieve maximum sparkle status. If youre feeling stuck in terms of how to pick a wedding band, pavé styles are a timeless choice and are generally flattering for most ring types.
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Outfit Ideas With A Wedding Band And Engagement Ring
Lets be honest. We often play it safe when it comes to reception outfits. That said, weddings are a time of celebration, which requires an equally festive lookto match.
Case in point, this OOTD features a series of armored stilettos rings that help complement your band and engagement set.
Engraved with intricate swirls and decals, its considered a more practical alternative to wearing long nails. In terms of the ensemble itself, you can never go wrong with a poofy dress, such as those sold at Selkie.
Minimalism works beautifully with loud jewelry. If youre blessed with a 4-carat Swarovski set, this how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring guide highly recommends opting for a simple outfit.
Featuring a cream turtleneck, beige pants, and alabaster heels, this OOTD puts all the emphasis on any additional accessories. In order to properly flex your newly married status, I suggest rolling up your sleeves as a quick styling tip.
Speaking of simplicity, this casual outfit is considered the perfect go-to for honeymoons.
Composed of a cable-knit shirt, light-wash jeans, and a series of stacked necklaces, it can help emphasize your wedding band and engagement ring set in a subtle manner. If anything, it screams young married couple living their life in Soho, New York.
In terms of shoes, for this how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring guide, Id suggest wearing Converse sneakers or loafers, depending on what mood youre in.
The Idea Behind The Promise Ring
An engagement ring is more than just a piece of sparkling jewelry. It is a testimony to the love and commitment of a couple and the fact that the woman who now bears the ring is engaged to be married. As men propose to their future brides, they present these rings as betrothal gifts to the women they love. In some cases, they replace the promise rings that are exchanged to express a strong intent of taking a relationship forward so that it ultimately culminates into marriage. An engagement ring tells the world that the promise made with a promise ring has been successfully sealed in stone. It is a way of telling the world that the person has made a commitment to someone else.
There are times when a woman buys her partner this ring. Known as male engagement rings, these are worn to signify impending nuptials. However, having said that, not many of us are aware of the finger the engagement ring has to be worn on. The answer to that varies according to the tradition of different countries. While in some countries like the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Brazil you should slip this ring on the fourth finger of a persons left hand, in others, like Poland and Ukraine, tradition dictates that the ring be worn on the right hand. There are many age-old traditions which determine the choice of the finger.
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How To Wear A Wedding Band And Engagement Ring
Its a common misconception that wedding bands replace engagement rings. In retrospect, they doconsidering theyre swapped for the left hand before the ceremony begins.
While some choose to lock-box their betrothal keepsake for future generations, others prefer to show it off. After all, that $6,000 splurge is half-intended as a love symbol and also meant to be a subtle flex.
So, youre probably wondering how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring. It isnt a simple matter of jewelry stacking, as these ringswith their intricate designdemand to be put on display.
For those prepping for a photo shoot, a fancy date, or an upcoming anniversary, Ill provide some styling ideas worth considering.
This how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring guide will cover multiple style topics, including:
- How to style a rose gold wedding band
- Different types of wedding band sets
- How to wear a black diamond engagement ring
- Varieties of mens wedding band designs
Influenced By Ancient Tradition: Wedding Band First
Many people say that you should put your wedding ring on first because doing so is more traditional. This idea can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt and the legend of the vena amoris.
Ancient Egyptians believed that all people have a vena amoris, which is Latin for vein of love. According to ancient Egyptian lore, the vena amoris ran from the third finger of the left hand to the heart, creating a direct connection. Because of the vena amoris, ancient Egyptian people wore their rings of love on their left ring fingers in order to keep them close to their heart. They believed that the closer a love ring was to your heart, the stronger your love bond would become.
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What Should I Know About Ring Sizing If I Want To Stack Rings Together On One Finger
“One ring is going to feel different on your finger than when you try to stack two or more,” Ariel says. “So if you are stacking a wider band with a narrow ring, for sizing purposes you want to go up a quarter size.
Here are two ring stacking examples that illustrate how this works.
- Start with a Milla Thin Band closest to your hand. Think Half-Moon White Sapphire Ring next, as an engagement ring worn in the middle. Top off the trio with a Fringe Cluster Diamond Ring . In this example, youd want to consider sizing up the cluster ring about one-quarter.
How To Wear Your Engagement And Wedding Rings
Traditionally, you wear your engagement ring and wedding ring together on the fourth finger of your left hand. As far as how to stack them, tradition holds that you’ll wear the wedding band inside the engagement ring so that it’s closer to your heart .
That being said, some brides opt to wear their engagement ring on one hand and their wedding band on the other, especially if they’re very diverse rings that can’t be easily stacked.
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Wear Engagement Ring On One Ring Finger And Wedding Band On The Other
Another option, though less traditional, is to wear the engagement ring on one ring finger on the left hand and the wedding band on the right hand’s ring finger. This way is good for those with short fingers, who don’t like having so many rings on one finger. Also, some women do not have a wedding ring set that matches , and so, the wedding band may not look good with the engagement ring. Similarly, the ring may be so stunning that it is needed to be displayed on its own without distraction.
What About Stacking Rings Which Finger Do I Wear Stacking Rings On
A: Stacking rings are versatile fashion rings, often featuring diamonds or gemstones, that can add extra sparkle to your bridal set or decorate your other fingers to give a more luxe look to your overall style. When designing your ring stack, take into account your existing engagement or wedding rings and look for bands that will complement or contrast the rings you already own. Curved or contoured bands are beautiful rings that nest around your engagement ring or bridal set. These rings are a great option for those who want to ensure that their wedding or stacking ring will fit flush nestled against an engagement ring with a large or elongated center gem.
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Is The Wedding Band On Top Or Bottom
Now that you are married and have both your engagement ring and your wedding band, the real question is, how do you wear them? Should you wear them both on your ring finger on your left hand? Should you wear the engagement ring on top or on the bottom? Or maybe you should wear them on two different fingers altogether? Here is a rundown on how to wear wedding rings.
Confession: We pretty much always have rings on the brain. But there’s more to it than ogling over carat sizes and stone shapes. The giving, receiving and wearing of both engagement and wedding rings is steeped in tradition and personal meaning. And now that you’ve started thinking about which way to stack your own bands, you might be wondering, is there a right way to wear them? The short answer is, it’s entirely up to you.
Maybe you’ve always seen your mom’s ring finger with her wedding ring on the inside but then you see stars like Emily Ratajkowski wearing her gorgeous sparkler on the inside. Is there a difference? Does it mean something in particular?
Even though tons of people wear their engagement ring on the outside, or on top, you might like the idea of turning that tradition on its headnot just to be a trailblazer, but because doing so has its own symbolism for you. Or it could be as simple as the fact that the shape, size and style of your rings work better worn one way versus another. Play around with both ideasor a completely different oneto come up with your ideal ring order.
Are Engagement Rings And Wedding Rings Different
Yes, they are different as engagement rings are given at the time of a proposal, while wedding rings are exchanged at the wedding ceremony. Engagement ring styles tend to be more intricate as well, such as one featuring a center diamond or gemstone. Wedding rings, on the other hand, are usually classic and simple in design.
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Should You Wear Your Wedding Ring First Or Your Engagement Ring
Once youre married, your wedding ring should be placed on the finger before your engagement ring if youre wearing both of them on the same hand. This speaks to the notion that the wedding ring will be closest to your heart, in honor of your brand-new spouse. If its too uncomfortable to wear your wedding ring and engagement ring on the same finger , you can wear them on separate hands.
During the wedding ceremony, consider leaving your engagement ring off or wearing it on the opposite hand so that your partner can easily put the wedding ring onto your finger. After youve exchanged your vows, you can put your engagement ring back on your left ring finger.
Pair With: Twisted Or Beaded Wedding Band
We love a twisted wedding band for oval engagement rings because this style enhances the trendy vibe of the diamond shape. Pair your oval engagement ring with one wedding band, or take a cue from Blake Livelys stylebook and create a custom ring stack with multiple wedding bands for a non-traditional look.
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Rings On The Left Hand
When it comes to figuring out how to wear your engagement and wedding rings, the most common way is to stack your wedding ring first, then your engagement ring, on the left ring finger. According to Jillian Sassone, founder of jewelry brand , this tradition stems from a centuries-old concept. “In Ancient Rome, it was believed that the fourth finger on the left hand was connected to the heart via a vein called ‘vena amoris,’ or the vein of love,” she tells us. “Now, we know there is a vein in each finger connected to the heart, but the romantic tradition has endured in Western culture.” This left-handed ring wearing custom is popular in certain regions, such as the United States, France, the UK, Canada, Mexico, South Africa and many Asian countries. But, as Sassone notes, it’s common in other countries to wear wedding jewelry on different fingers, or even the right hand.
