Tradition in the UK and the US indicates that women wear the ring on the ring finger on the left hand after being proposed to. However, nowadays there is some confusion about where it is most appropriate to wear an engagement ring.
In some cultures, engagement rings are not a common tradition which means partners with different cultural backgrounds may not know how or if to wear one. For example, in some countries, such as Spain, engagement rings are uncommon, and if worn, are placed on the right hand.
Some people also are unsure if they want to wear engagement rings, due to personal beliefs, style, or accessory habits. There is no law that says women must wear it at all. Nonetheless, it is a traditional custom that represents commitment, eternal love, and the promise of an everlasting union.
Did You Know?
Diamonds only became a popular engagement ring addition during the 1940s. This was due to a US company’s marketing campaign, where the phrase “Diamonds are Forever” was coined.
The history of the engagement ring
Engagement rings are an old tradition stemming back to Egyptian times, when Egyptians would use plants, ivory, or leather to create circles, symbolizing eternity which could be worn around the finger. This tradition continued through the ages. The Romans were giving their wives circular engagement rings to symbolise that the woman belonged to a man.
As centuries passed, engagement rings became almost a status symbol, with royal courts setting trends which led to a resurgence of wearing engagement rings in Europe. However, a US marketing campaign in the 1940s was what cemented diamond engagement rings as a must-have for newly engaged women.
Engagement rings have been worn on the left-hand ring finger since Egyptian times, and this tradition has continued until today.
As centuries passed, engagement rings became almost a status symbol, with royal courts setting trends which led to a resurgence of wearing engagement rings in Europe. However, a US marketing campaign in the 1940s was what cemented diamond engagement rings as a must-have for newly engaged women.
Engagement rings have been worn on the left-hand ring finger since Egyptian times, and this tradition has continued until today, with most people in the UK also wearing it on the ring finger on their left hand.
The placement of the engagement ring on the left hand was not accidental; in Egyptian times, when this tradition was thought to have started, it was believed that a vein in the ring finger was connected to the heart, making it the perfect location to place a ring representing love.
AURONIA engagement rings offer the ideal combination of tradition and modernity. You can create a unique, customized ring, choosing from a range of stone settings and incorporate beautiful, high-quality diamonds.
Where should you wear your engagement ring after the wedding according to tradition?
Wedding rings are traditionally placed on the left hand ring finger. That begs the question, what should I do with my engagement ring after the wedding? Fortunately, there are several options which allow people to wear both their engagement and wedding rings.
You can either wear both rings on your ring finger, with the wedding band beneath the engagement ring. This allows it to perfectly slot over the wedding band. At AURONIA, you can find engagement rings and wedding rings that perfectly complement one another and look great when worn together as a so-called bridal set.
Many people also opt to move their engagement ring to their right-hand after getting married. This enables them to show off both rings, and is becoming a more popular trend.
Where do you wear an engagement ring in neighbouring countries?
If you’re proposing to someone from another country, you may want to think about cultural differences. When choosing an engagement ring for your partner, think about which hand they might want to wear the ring on; it might be different from what people do in the UK.
People in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Iceland and Sweden wear engagement rings on the left hand. However, other neighbouring countries like Denmark and Spain choose to wear engagement rings on the right hand.
Where does one wear an engagement ring according to Islam?
Engagement rings are common in Islam, and in fact, can be worn by Muslim women on any finger. While Islam allows women to wear either silver or gold engagement rings, Muslim men cannot wear gold rings, meaning they must choose a silver wedding ring if they decide to wear one.
Which Finger Should I Wear my Engagement Ring on?
While cultural traditions state the right or left finger is better for wearing an engagement ring, the choice is yours. If you want to follow tradition, then it is a good idea to wear the ring on the hand where most people in your country do.
However, this ring will always symbolize your commitment to your partner, regardless of the finger you wear it on!
https://www.stevenstone.co.uk/blog/our-blog-1/post/the-history-of-engagement-rings-1436