Are you wondering how to wear an engagement ring and wedding band? Ancient Romans believed there was a special vein in the fourth finger of the left hand that went to the heart. The vein they named Vena Amoris or vein of love. Wearing your wedding band on the “ring finger” symbolized the joining of two hearts. We now know there is a vein in every finger that goes to the heart, but tradition still holds in many cultures. Some countries wear the wedding ring on the right hand. Wedding bands have been worn on all fingers of both hands.
Wearing your wedding band on the ring finger symbolized the joining of two hearts.
There are many traditions concerning the wearing of engagement and wedding rings. In this article, we will be discussing options for wearing engagement and wedding rings and things to avoid to keep your rings safe.
Six Options for Wearing Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands
#1 What is the Correct Way to Wear Your Wedding Band and Engagement Ring?
Tradition in western countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, and many Asian countries wear the wedding band on the left-hand ring finger first, followed by the engagement ring. In countries like Germany, India, Spain, Norway, and Russia, they wear the wedding band on the right-hand ring finger first, followed by the engagement ring.
In these times of change and breaking tradition, anything goes when wearing both the engagement ring and the wedding ring.
Some people wear the engagement ring on the left hand, and then when they marry, they wear their wedding ring on the left hand and the engagement ring on the right hand. Sometimes that is because the engagement ring and the wedding band do not match up.
#2 Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring Over Your Wedding Band?
There are so many choices for wearing engagement rings and wedding bands. There are no rules. Some people are even tattooing rings on their fingers. Some wear their wedding ring daily and their engagement ring on special occasions. Many people are stacking rings now. So, the aesthetics may dictate where you wear your rings.
The aesthetics may dictate where you wear your rings.
#3 What Goes First, Engagement or Wedding Ring?
The choice is yours. In the western world, the tradition was left-hand ring finger wedding band first engagement ring on top. Some wedding and engagement rings come as a set. They are designed and built to fit together. More and more people are choosing the engagement ring of their choice and then picking a special wedding ring.
They may desire to wear one on the right ring finger and one on the left to give them special attention. Stacking rings has also become popular, which changes the dynamics.
#4 Do You Propose with a Bridal Set?
A Bridal Set is a jewelry set that was designed to go together.
If you choose a Bridal Set, it is customary to wear the engagement ring alone on the left hand ring finger until the wedding vows and then wear the two together.
Before the bride walks down the aisle, they move the engagement ring to the right-hand ring finger, and then after the wedding vows are said, they move it to the left hand on top of the wedding ring. After the wedding, some brides have the rings permanently connected. If you are not buying a bridal set, remember to make sure the two engagement and wedding rings line up well with each other, or they may rub against one another, possibly causing damage to the settings.
#5 Should You Wear Your Engagement Ring All the Time?
Engagement rings are a personal item. Most people can’t wait to show off their engagement ring. It symbolizes someone loves them so much they want to spend the rest of their life with them. Today, it is not uncommon for the groom to receive an engagement ring also. Many wide engagement rings would be beautiful as both the engagement and wedding ring.
Often the type of work or lifestyle determines whether to wear your engagement ring all the time.
If you are an athlete, a gardener, or a craftsman who works with your hands, you may choose not to wear your engagement ring all the time. It is essential to have something special to keep your rings in when you are not wearing them. There are numerous styles of wedding and engagement ring boxes. There are ring dishes and plates. As mentioned earlier, some couples have rings tattooed on their fingers.
#6 What Should You Not Do When Wearing Your Engagement Ring?
Get your engagement and wedding rings checked and cleaned by a jeweler every 18 months. There are certain things that may damage your ring.
- It is always wise to have a specific place to keep your ring safe when you want to remove your ring.
- Things like exercise and lifting weights may cause damage.
- Gardening and working with your hands could scratch your ring.
- Your ring may slip off during swimming.
- Rock climbing and any activity where you might hit your hand on something hard could damage the ring and can also cause potential injuries, so remove your rings for these activities.
- In cooler weather, your hands may shrink; check your rings often.
- Be careful when removing gloves.
Interesting Facts about Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands
- The oldest mention of wedding rings was in Egypt 4800 years ago.
- Engagement rings in ancient Rome were bone, ivory, copper, and iron.
- Pope Nicholas I gave the engagement ring its official meaning representing a man’s commitment to marry.
- Gold was considered the most precious metal for an engagement ring.
- Diamonds were first used in an engagement ring in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy.
- They did not become popular until 1947, when they began mining diamonds in South Africa.
- Diamonds are still popular, but more and more brides are choosing other gems.
- Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with a spectacular blue sapphire engagement ring.
- Millennials are spending more than the national average, but they frequently choose gemstones other than diamonds.
No matter what type of ring you choose, you may wear it any way you choose.
At Joseph’s Jewelry, we carry a huge variety of engagement rings, and wedding bands for men and women. We carry the largest selection of fine gold and diamond jewelry near you on the Treasure Coast, including jewelry for men. You’ll find exactly what you’re looking for without having to drive around Stuart, Hobe Sound, Palm City, Jensen Beach, or Port St. Lucie for fine jewelry. Our professional jewelers will help you find the perfect gift every time you visit us nearby. You just don’t get that with an online jewelry store.
Come in and let our jewelry experts help you to find the right ring that portraits your endless love and says, ‘Will You Marry Me?’