What Finger Is An Engagement Ring Usually Worn On
While the engagement ring is often worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the ring finger, this may vary depending on your culture and beliefs.
In many countries around the world, engagement and wedding rings are worn on the right hand, and the increased popularity of mens engagement rings has meant many men choose to wear their engagement ring on their right hand, and their wedding band on their left hand.
What Does It Mean When A Woman Wears A Ring On Her Left Thumb
The index finger. Thumb rings, despite the fact that they are less traditional, may be surprisingly pleasant to wear. It is customary for people to wear rings on their thumbs as a symbol of riches due to the fact that it requires more money to create rings large enough to be worn on a thumb. Power and masculinity, according to the Ancient Greeks, were signified by a ring worn on the index finger.
Recommended Reading: New York Botanical Garden Wedding
Ed Sheerans Engagement Ring
One of the most famous celebrity males to wear an engagement ring is Ed Sheeran, who announced his engagement on 19th January 2018.
After he was photographed at the Brit Awards wearing a ring on the fourth finger of his left hand, the media questioned whether it was a wedding ring.
However, he stated he was wearing an engagement ring. Subsequently, on the ITV show Lorraine, he said, I never saw why men didnt wear commitment rings, because its the same commitment either way.
Read Also: What Is The 5th Wedding Anniversary Gift
Which Finger Does A Wedding Ring Go On
Ever wondered about the tradition behind wedding ring fingers? Heres the real history and meaning of which finger a wedding ring goes on.
While wedding ring placement varies around the world, most people wear their wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand. This might make you wonder: Where does this ring finger tradition come from, and do you have to wear it on that finger? Consider this your official guide to everything you should know about ring fingers, and a bit of history behind this age-old custom.
When To Give A Promise Ring
A promise ring is not something that should be given lightly, it should be given when you are ready to show your commitment to someone you love. You give a promise ring when you are ready to show your partner that you are committed to them, and solely to them.
Whether given as a precursor to an engagement or as a stand-alone commitment, a promise ring should be given with serious intentions and a full heart.
Don’t Miss: Where Can I Get My Wedding Dress Cleaned And Boxed
Which Hand Does The Engagement Ring Go On
In Western countries, tradition suggests the engagement ring goes onto the fourth digit of the left hand. The tradition dates back to Roman times. In fact, they believed this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart, the Vena Amoris, meaning a vein of love.
The fourth digit of the left hand is sometimes referred to as the third finger of the left hand. All sources agree on the left hand, the second-from-smallest finger. Remember, the ring finger is not the fourth finger as some sources suggest.
Engagement rings never go on the index finger, although some people choose to wear their rings on alternative fingers for specific reasons. Browse any engagement ring catalogue and you will see numerous examples of models wearing rings on the left hand ring finger.
For men and women, the engagement ring and wedding ring go on the left hand.
Some call the appropriate finger the engagement ring finger or refer to it as the wedding ring finger or marriage finger. All terms point to the same third finger of the left hand.
Should You Wear Your Rings All The Time
Some women wear their rings all the time and never remove them, but this can create some physical issues. Finger swelling due to physical changes or temperature swings can make it difficult to get the rings off, while sleeping with rings on can cause damage to the jewelry. It’s best to remove your rings at night and give your fingers a break as you rest.
Shopping for a new ring for yourself or a special someone? At Martin Busch Jewelers, we have a large selection of beautiful engagement and wedding bands, as well as the option to create your own custom piece.
Read Also: What Are Some Wedding Themes
Can A Single Woman Wear A Ring On Her Left Hand
Of course she is capable. She may put it on as long as she has the appropriate finger and a ring that fits it. Wearing rings on their fingers is common among single women, since it serves to fend off guys who are attempting to harass them or ask them out. Its also a fantastic deterrent for individuals who dont want to be in a relationship for any reason.
Wearing A Ring On Your Middle Finger
Although this may be unorthodox, some brides and grooms wear their ring on the middle finger. It may be down to a health complication that an engagement ring or wedding ring is unable to be worn on the usual finger, these may include a break to the finger, amputation, or arthritis.
Some suggest the middle finger represents balance. Although we rarely see rings worn on the mid finger, we advise simple, comfortable designs for wear on the middle finger.
Although the middle finger is at least two sizes larger than the ring finger, another example would be if someone has lost weight.
For rings unsuitable for size adjustments, it might be practical to change which finger on which the ring is worn.
CanadaMark diamond in a modern four claw setting, shown on the correct finger.
Also Check: How To Open A Wedding Dress Shop
How Do I Measure The Size Of My Ring Finger
A surprising amount of factors go into sizing up a ring finger. In addition to the shape and size of your finger, you’ll also need to consider your lifestyle and the actual ring you have in mind. If you’re frequently partaking in activities that might cause your finger to swell like physical exertion or long travel, you’ll need to keep that in mind. Climate is an additional factor as hands and fingers may be more likely to swell in the summer and less likely to swell in the winter due to the cold. The width of the band will also impact the sizing as thicker bands tend to have a tighter fit.
To ensure the perfect fit, the best time to measure is when your body feels at its most normalso at room temperature during the middle of the day , preferably not after hitting the gym or post hot meal. Ring guards or beads can help offset slight fluctuations in finger size if they arise. If you feel unsure about your ring size, consider getting professionally measured.
Selle advises that if you’re intending to switch the placement of the rings, either from one hand to the other or to different fingers, you’ll need to “take into account that both fingers might not be the same size.”
What Is The Symbolism Of Wearing A Wedding Ring On Your Right Hand
The symbolism of wearing a wedding ring on your right ring finger is colorful and storied. Some that believe the Romans used to wear their wedding rings on the right hand, possibly because in Roman culture, the left hand was thought of as being unreliable, untrustworthy, and even sinister by some. Meanwhile, the right hand was considered symbolic of honor and trust.
However, some also say the Romans wore their wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand because of whats known as the Vein of Love. This vein was believed to run directly from the hand to the heart. Perhaps they evolved as a culture from one to the other.
Either way, its probably wise to take both of these stories with a grain of salt. Today, though placing the wedding band on the left hand is common, there are many countries and many reasons some couples choose to wear their wedding ring on the right hand.
Some reasons that people might wear their wedding rings on the right hand versus the left hand or vice versa include:
- Cultural differences
Also Check: What Is An Appropriate Gift For A Wedding Officiant
How To Give A Promise Ring
Ok, so HOW do you give a promise ring?! Dont worry, well explain this too! When giving a promise ring, one must be careful that it is momentous, but not so much so that it will be confused for a marriage proposal.
Birthdays, Valentines Day, and the holidays are great times to give a promise ring. A special occasion to give the moment extra meaning without conveying the wrong message.
But like so many things, giving a promise ring is personal, and how you do so will likely be personal to you and your partner. There is no right or wrong way or time to give a ring that shows your love and commitment.
Match By Ring Setting Style
Finding the perfect wedding ring set can be tricky as there are a diverse range of styles to choose from.
Of course, style often comes down to personal taste and preference. But luckily at James Allen, you can perfectly match your wedding ring to your engagement ring or go with something completely unique. The beautiful settings options are truly plentiful, and range in style and design, from stunning pavé wedding rings to rose gold stackable rings youre guaranteed to find the one.
Also Check: What Goes On A Wedding Registry
How To Wear Your Engagement Ring And Wedding Band
If you’re looking for a rule that dictates the “proper” wedding band and engagement ring order, you won’t find it here. “Ultimately, it’s your hand and your canvas to paint on,” says Janie Marshall, Head of Brand for Clean Origin. “Today, couples are really into their own personal expression of their style. We find that people are excited about curating their own band and ring pairing, as opposed to asking us what they should do.” To help you get started, here are a few common ways to stack wedding rings.
Do People In Other Countries Wear Engagement Rings On The Other Hand
One of our recent visitors to our Isle of Wight jewellery showroom was born in Russia. During a conversation with my colleague, she referred to the Russian convention for wearing engagement rings and wedding rings. When she lived in Russia, ladies wore their engagement ring and wedding ring on their right hand.
In the event of a divorce, it was common practice to remove rings from the right hand, replacing them on the left side. It was funny to think that the Western convention gave the impression of a divorced status in her country of origin.
Do you have another convention to comment on? If so, leave a comment on this post. We would love to hear of any other countries where rings go on the other hand.
You May Like: Where To Get A Wedding Suit
Wedding Ring On Right Hand Meaning
Ancient Romans are widely credited for sparking the tradition of wearing ones wedding ring on the right hand. During these times, Romans believed that the left hand was unreliable, untrustworthy and unhappy. Similarly, wearing rings only on the right hand was customary in India for several years because the left hand was considered impure.
Luckily, the stigma of wearing a ring on the left hand isnt such a big deal in modern times. However, some countries and cultures still prefer the right hand vs the left or a mix of both. For example, in Germany and the Netherlands, golden engagement rings are worn on the left hand and wedding rings go on the right hand.
Who Wears a Wedding Ring On The Right Hand?
There are several cultures that wear their wedding ring on their right hand instead of their left. Additionally, sometimes the diamond engagement band is moved from the left hand to the right after marriage, or the bride and the groom wear their rings on different hands post-ceremony.
Which Is The Wedding Ring Finger
So, which finger should I wear my wedding ring on? In Western cultures, couples exchange wedding rings after their vows during the ceremony. The wedding ring is traditionally worn on the left hand as this side is closest to the heart. A wedding band is usually worn on the fourth finger, commonly known as the ring finger.
Slightly confusingly, if youre used to counting from left to right – on the left hand, the fourth finger is the digit fourth from and including the thumb. That is, its the finger between your little one and your middle finger. This tradition is said to date back to Ancient Egyptian
times when people believed there was a vein that ran from the ring finger directly to the heart. There isnt actually such a vein there, but symbolism endures to this day.
Wearing a wedding ring on the left hand also makes practical sense for many people. After all, 90% of us are right-handed so this makes it less likely the ring will snag or be damaged as we go about our daily lives. Theres nothing to stop anyone wearing a wedding ring on their right hand should they prefer though. In many cultures, including Jewish and Orthodox Christians, and in plenty of countries, it is traditional to opt the right hand rather than left for your wedding ring finger.
You May Like: Where To Order Wedding Invitations
Multiple Wedding Band Stack
You can choose to stack your wedding rings. Usually, its three rings on a fingerthe wedding band, engagement ring, and a third ring to mark a milestone or an anniversary. But, of course, you can always add as many as you like.
For your stack, feel free to experiment with different metals and engagement ring stones, as long as they look good and youre happy wearing them.
Can I Wear Rings On My Ring Finger If I’m Not Engaged Or Married
An old wives’ tale denotes that wearing a non-committal ring on your left-hand ring finger could be bad luck. Not the superstitious type? If the ring fits, wear it! That being said, wearing a ring on that finger could signify to others that you are in a committed relationship, which might not be ideal if you’re out on the dating scene.
You May Like: How To Decorate A Wedding Table
Bucking Wedding Ring Tradition
Just because tradition dictates you wear your wedding ring a certain way doesnt mean that there are any hard and fast rules. In fact, in some countries, including in Russia, Greece, and Colombia, the right hand is the preferred hand for wedding rings. For the left-handed, you may save your wedding ring from being scratched or damaged by wearing in on your right hand, out of the way of daily tasks.
Additionally, as mentioned before, you can choose to wear your engagement ring on one hand and wedding band on the other, or forgo one altogether. If you dont want a wedding band at all, have your groom slip the engagement ring back on your finger during your wedding.
Some brides who really love rings are now opting for a ring stack look! This entails purchasing multiple wedding bands to layer on either side of your engagement ring. You can opt for something jeweled, plain, inscribed, etc.whatever fits your style and makes your engagement ring stand out the way you want it to. Its totally up to you and your personal taste. Heck, you can even mix and match them if you prefer!
What Are The Different Types Of Engagement Rings Designs
At Michael Hill we offer a wide range of different engagement ring designs to account for the many different styles and personalities of the men and women who wear them.
Most engagement rings feature a central stone, usually a diamond – though gemstones such as sapphire and morganite are also popular. Some engagement rings feature a centrepiece with a cluster of smaller stones that are set to give the look of a larger stone, or to create a unique shape, called cluster engagement rings. Engagement stones come in a range of cuts, including pear, round brilliant, princess, oval cut and more. These can be set in a solitaire style, with the stone taking centre stage on a white or yellow gold band, or in a halo style, surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds for added sparkle. Vintage-inspired engagement rings are also a popular choice, offering a uniquely romantic charm.
Don’t Miss: Does Kinkos Print Wedding Invitations
Can I Stack My Engagement Ring And Wedding Ring
Definitely! If youve chosen to wear your engagement and wedding rings on the same finger, stacking is a popular way to sport them. How you stack them is up to you. If you want to follow the tradition of wearing your wedding ring closest to your heart, youd place your wedding ring at the bottom of the stack toward the base of the knuckle.
To achieve this on your wedding day, its helpful to switch your engagement ring to your right hand before the ceremonythat way, your partner can easily slide the wedding ring on your left finger during the ring exchange. Top it off with your engagement ring afterward, and voila! You might also consider getting the two rings soldered together down the line to create a single stacked ring, if you like that look.
