Which finger should I wear my engagement ring on?
Throughout history, engagement rings have symbolised a promise of devotion, commitment and lasting love. A popular custom in many Western countries is to wear the engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, known as the "ring finger”. This tradition is believed to have originated from Ancient Romans who thought that the left ring finger had a vein, the Vena Amoris, which connects directly to the heart. However, this heart-warming symbolism is not universal, as engagement ring customs differ across cultures.
Which Hand Is The Engagement Ring On?
As we mentioned earlier that typically, the traditional placement for your ring finger is on your left hand. However, ultimately, your ring symbolizes your love and commitment to someone, and there are no strict rules—you can pick whichever hand feels right for you.
International Traditions and Customs
While the left hand is the choice for many Western cultures, other countries, such as Russia, Germany, Norway, and India, opt for the right hand to wear their engagement rings. Some societies associate the left hand with bad luck or negativity, leading them to choose the right hand for this meaningful piece of jewellery. Countries like Chile and Sweden also incorporate engagement rings for both partners and other cultures swap rings for alternative symbols of their love, such as ornate neck beadings, money, or colourful flower garlands.
Women's Engagement Ring Finger
The left ring finger is the most common choice for women in Western societies, however, cultural customs play a significant role in this choice. Regardless of the chosen hand or finger, the essence of an engagement ring lies in its symbolism of love and unity.
Men's Engagement Ring Finger
Men's engagement ring traditions have also seen a shift in recent times. In many Western cultures, it's becoming increasingly popular for men to wear engagement rings on their left ring finger, reflecting a shift towards greater equality in partnerships and the acceptance of marriage equality. This trend is more prevalent in countries like parts of South America and Sweden.
Which Finger Is For The Wedding Ring?
The wedding band is the ultimate representation of commitment and the solidification of the promise made with the engagement ring. Traditionally, the wedding band is worn on the engagement ring finger, closest to the heart. During the wedding ceremony, the engagement ring is temporarily moved to the right hand to make way for the wedding band on the left.
After the ceremony, the engagement ring is placed back on top of the wedding band, symbolising the eternity and unity of the couple's love. However, there is no strict rule on how to wear these precious symbols, as long as they reflect your unique love story.
Delight in the Diversity of Engagement and Wedding Ring Styles
As unique as each love story, engagement and wedding ring styles also showcase a beautiful diversity, reflecting the personalities and values of each couple. Creating your own customised wedding ring set is an enchanting journey that starts with selecting the perfect engagement ring and culminates in the beautiful pairing of your wedding band.
Choose from a wide array of designs and materials to discover the ultimate symbol of your unwavering commitment to each other. From intricate detailing to elegant simplicity, the possibilities are endless, and at Charles Rose, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Unwavering Symbols of Your Love and Commitment
Ultimately, whether you wear your diamond engagement ring and wedding band on your right hand or left, your index finger or thumb, the arrangement is not what truly matters.
These timeless pieces of jewellery represent the deep and enduring bond between two individuals who have joined together in the sacred act of marriage. Inseparable symbols of love and commitment, your engagement and wedding rings serve as a constant reminder of the extraordinary journey you have embarked upon together. Cherish the moment and wear your rings with pride, knowing that they reflect the unique love story between you and your partner.
We’re often also asked:
On Which Finger do Australians Wear an Engagement Ring?
In Australia, as well as in America and many European nations, it's customary to wear an engagement ring on the left hand's fourth finger. The origin of this tradition can be attributed to the ancient Romans' belief that a special vein connects this particular finger to the heart, symbolizing love and commitment.
What is the Correct Order for Wearing Your Engagement and Wedding Rings?
When it comes to adorning your finger with not just one, but two rings, the arrangement can cause some confusion. As a matter of traditional etiquette, the classic placement involves wearing both the engagement and wedding rings together. Here's what the order of your engagement and wedding rings signifies.
Typically, the wedding ring is placed closest to your heart, symbolising the strong bond of your marriage.
This means it should be worn on your finger first, followed by the engagement ring. The engagement ring signifies the promise of commitment leading up to the big day, so it goes on top of the wedding ring.
However, it's essential to remember that there's no strict rule, and you should choose a style that aligns with your personal preferences. With the increasing popularity of crown and wrap rings, many alternatives can be considered to match your style.
How Do I Find My Engagement Ring Size?
Determining the right engagement ring size can appear challenging, considering the host of aspects involved. Finger shape, ring design and lifestyle all play a substantial role. Seasonal changes can also affect your finger size due to climatic variations leading to swelling in summers and slight shrinking in winters. The band's thickness also impacts sizing as broader bands can fit tighter.
While you can try a few at-home methods, your best bet would be to get your ring sized by professionals. Engagement rings are a large financial commitment, and it's worth the extra effort of getting your finger sized with precision. Stop into your nearest Charles Rose showroom to find your perfect fit.
How can I safely remove a wedding ring from a swollen finger?
One effective method to remove a wedding ring from a swollen finger is to first elevate your hand above your shoulder for 5 to 10 minutes, checking if the swelling subsides.
If not, immerse your hand in a bowl of cool water for a few minutes to constrict blood vessels. If your ring is still stuck, try using a gentle dish soap mixed with cold water as a lubricant, gently spreading it along your finger and slowly twisting the ring to remove it.
If all else fails, you can use a string, ribbon, dental floss, or elastic band to aid in removing the ring. Slip one end of the string underneath the ring and tightly wrap it several times around your finger, up to your knuckle. Then, unwind the string from the bottom, gradually moving the ring until it slides off.
We are able to cut rings off if necessary as we wouldn't recommend leaving rings on swollen fingers for an extended period of time.
Can I Wear a Ring on My Wedding Finger?
Certainly! It's all about individual taste or cultural customs. Many folks decide to wear their wedding band on their left ring finger, while placing their engagement ring on their right one. It's entirely up to you if you'd like to honour an age-old tradition or establish something unique to your relationship.
Authored by Marcus Rose, third-generation custodian of Charles Rose Jewellers' legacy since 1995. Upholding the founders' values of superior quality and unparalleled beauty, Marcus ensures every meticulously crafted piece tells its own unique, enchanting story.