On Which Finger and Hand Should You Wear An Engagement Ring?

Here is the right answer - and why

Preparing for your proposal is an exciting time - but it can also be quite nerve-wracking, and questions come up that you never even thought of.

So, you have picked out a beautiful ring to make it all happen, and you are ready to pop that all-important question. You have rehearsed that moment over and over.

But just when you thought you had it all down to a T - you're met with that nagging doubt. Which finger does the engagement ring actually go on?

After all, it's important that the engagement ring - that symbolises your love and your commitment to a life togethe - is placed on not just the right person, but in the right spot.

But don't worry, we've got you covered -- and it's our pleasure to gather all the perfect engagement rings and the information you need to make this special moment simply stellar.

• The engagement ring finger
• Which hand does the engagement ring go on?
• Fun engagement ring wearing customs
• Your engagement, your ring, your traditions

Engagement Rings - Where Did This Tradition Come From?

Now let's shed some light on the history behind the idea of the engagement ring and how engagement and wedding ring customs have blended across the globe, over the years.

Historians claim that metal and gold engagement rings date back to the Roman, but the roots of the tradition can be traced back the Greek and Egyptian civilizations of yore.

In ancient Egypt, circles were believed to be a symbol of eternity, and couples would exchange “rings” made out of braided reeds to mark their commitment to each other.

It is said that the Egyptians wore these red rings on the fourth finger of the left hand.

But Which Hand Should the Engagement Ring Go On?

As you may have guessed by now, the engagement ring is usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand.

This is because it was believed that the this finger connected directly with the heart through a vein, called "vena amoris".
The term "vena amoris", meaning "vein of love" has been used in many cultures and traditions, but the first known mention of it vena amoris appeared in the writings of a British ecclesiastical lawyer, Henry Swinburne in the 17th century.

When the engagement or wedding ring is placed on this finger, bells will ring, the birds will sing and the skies will open… Or so it is hoped!

Which Hand is An Engagement Ring Worn On?

Every romantic movie captures the man on one knee offering his heart in the form of a diamond solitaire ring. His delighted lover always proffers her left hand and the finger the ring is slipped on is, inevitably, the fourth one.

That's pretty simple and sweet! But did you know that not all cultures wear their engagement and wedding rings on the left hand?

Undoubtedly, in our times, the two most influential nations that support the left-hand, ring finger tradition are the UK and the US.

Most of the commonwealth English-speaking nations also follow this custom, along with most European and western ones, and it is evident in pop culture all over the world. In these countries, it's customary to wear the engagement ring and the wedding rings together on the left-hand ring finger. This same tradition also continues in Egypt and Italy till today – the two countries where the left hand and fourth finger custom origins are traced from.

Ring Finger Customs Vary Between Countries

Interestingly, you can differ in customs even if your neighbour swears by the left hand. German and Austrian women receive the engagement ring on their left ring finger and their wedding rings are worn on the right hand.

But neighbouring Switzerland begs to differ from this custom. Swiss brides wear their engagement rings on their right hand! We see this custom also followed in Poland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Bulgaria, Russia and most of the southern European nations like Spain, Serbia, Lithuania, Greece and Turkey.

Religious ceremonies have specific customs related to engagement and wedding rings. The accepted Christian practice is to wear the engagement and wedding ring on the left-hand ring finger. Jewish tradition supports the thumb or index finger for wedding rings, although modern Jewish couples often place the wedding ring on the right hand’s ring finger during the marriage ceremony and then wear it on the left hand’s ring finger post-ceremony. In traditional Hindu customs, engagement rings are exchanged between the couple, and they are worn on the left hand of the woman and the right hand of the man. Moslem tradition in general does not practice the exchange of rings however, it also depends on the nation or specific community.

Ring Finger Customs Vary Between Countries

Many women already have their perfect engagement scenario in mind. What they hope for would most likely be a blend of extravagant romantic gestures that are often viral on social media and also memories of customs from their own culture. It's safe to say that the best way to put the ring on would be an ideal mix of romance and traditional customs you both cherish.

How she wears the ring after the wedding is a matter of choice, convenience or sentimental value.It has become not just acceptable, but fashionable, to borrow exotic wedding and engagement customs from other countries, cultures and lifestyles. And why not? You don’t need to follow any particular rule. Simply do what feels right for you. But once again we find that the left-hand ring finger always takes the vote as the engagement ring bearer.

Engagement and wedding ring order on the ring fingerIf you've decided to wear your engagement and wedding rings on the same finger, you may be wondering about stacking. If you like the idea of wearing your wedding band closest to your heart, then wear your wedding ring at the bottom of the stack, below the engagement ring. As mentioned earlier in most cultures the engagement ring is shifted to the right-hand ring finger for the same reason.

Some brides opt to have their wedding and engagement rings joined together into one unified piece.You can also plan for this by buying engagement and wedding ring sets or lovely fusion rings that are designed to fit beautifully together. We love how these unique combination ring styles effortlessly introduce the ""marital bond"" metaphor in super elegant fashion.

We're Here To Guide You

We are confident that every bride-to-be is delighted by the most romantic take on the engagement ring finger that connects ""the heart vein"" with the rings she cherishes.

If you are planning to surprise her, we can assure you that your bride-to-be will appreciate the effort you make to show her that she means the world to you by proposing with the perfect ring, in the most romantic gesture that only the two of you can share.

We hope you make a memorable proposal and find the best ring to seal your promise with. If you have any specific questions, we are always available to guide you.