Catholic engagement ring

An engagement ring is worn to signify the promise of marriage and commitment between two individuals. It acts as a signal to others that you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. However, where it is placed distinguishes it from being just another ring on your hand.

Often, the engagement ring is placed on the fourth finger of either the left or right hand. But wait, I hear you ask. Does that mean I can wear it on either hand? Shouldn’t it be worn on the left hand together with the wedding ring?

As you’ll see, culture and religion largely determine the chosen finger for the engagement ring.

Quick Navigation

• The Fourth Finger of the Left Hand
• The Fourth Finger of the Right Hand
• Either This or That
• To Wrap Up

The Fourth Finger of the Left Hand

Wearing the engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is common in many countries, English-speaking and otherwise. People from countries such as Italy, Egypt, Mexico, Britain, America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland, to name a few, tend to wear their engagement rings on their left hand. Protestants also tend to choose the left hand for engagement rings.

Vena Amoris

The tradition of wearing a ring on this specific finger goes back to ancient Egyptian and Roman times.  Back then, before medical science, it was believed that there existed a vein, which they called the ‘vena amoris’ or the vein of love, which ran from the fourth finger of the left hand directly to the heart. In this way, this finger was seen as being directly connected to the heart. Wearing the ring on this finger demonstrated love and commitment.

Although this was a beautiful and sentimental notion, today we know that such a vein does not exist. There is no vena amoris and the fourth finger of the left hand does not have any connection to the heart. Even so, while the myth has been debunked, the tradition continues.

The Fourth Finger of the Right Hand

In some countries, the engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger of the right hand. This tradition is commonly followed in Russia, India, many Scandinavian countries, as well as some East European and South American countries. As a rule of thumb, Catholics prefer to wear their engagement rings on the right hand as well.

As far as we know, there is no specific or historical reason for this tradition. It has simply evolved over time and become widely accepted in those specific regions.

Either This or That

In some countries, such as Germany, it is common to wear the engagement ring on the fourth finger of either hand. There is no discrimination between the hands and either is considered just fine.

In other cultures, such as Brazilian and Jewish cultures, the engagement ring is initially worn on the ring finger of the right hand and then transferred to the ring finger of the left hand after marriage.

Another point to note is that there is an increase in the number of men wearing engagement rings in general. In fact, roughly about 5% of men in the USA prefer to wear an engagement ring. For men, there is no rule regarding the appropriate hand for the ring. They can choose to wear it on either.

To Wrap Up

All this goes to show that there are many rules and traditions on the right engagement ring finger depending on your region, culture and religion.

So, which should you choose?

All things considered, there isn’t a right or wrong way for wearing an engagement ring. In today’s modern world, you can get as creative or unique as you like.

Some people wear their engagement rings on their middle fingers while others prefer their index fingers. Sometimes, it may be more practical for you to wear your ring on a certain hand as per your lifestyle. For example, if you are left-handed, wearing the ring on your right hand will offer more protection to the ring and keep it safer from impact and blows.

If you want to hold onto the traditional significance of an engagement ring, then stick with the fourth finger of either the left or right hand. But if you are one who likes to try something new, then you can choose what works for you and go with that.

www.jewelryshoppingguide.com

An engagement ring is a ring indicating that the person wearing it is engaged to be married , especially in Western cultures. In Western countries, engagement rings are worn mostly by women, and rings can feature diamonds or other gemstones . In some other cultures men and women wear matching rings. In some cultures, engagement rings are also used as wedding rings.

The woman’s ring is presented as an engagement gift by a man to his prospective spouse while he proposes marriage or directly after she accepts his marriage proposal. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage.

In Western countries, it is customarily worn on the left hand ring finger , though customs vary across the world.

Before agreeing to marry, a couple may choose to buy and wear pre-engagement rings , also called promise rings. After marrying, the couple may wear both engagement rings and wedding rings , or if they prefer, only the wedding rings. Some brides have their engagement and wedding rings permanently soldered together after marriage.

History Ancient times

Although the ancient Egyptians are sometimes credited with having invented the engagement ring, and the ancient Greeks with having adopted the tradition, the history of the engagement ring can only be reliably traced as far back as ancient Rome.

In many countries, engagement rings are placed on the ring finger of the left hand. At one time it was believed that this finger contained a vein (the vena amoris ) that led to the heart. This idea was popularized by Henry Swinburne in A treatise of Spousals, or Matrimonial Contracts (1686). The story seems to have its origin in the ancient Roman book Attic Nights by Aulus Gellius quoting Apion ‘s Aegyptiacorum, where the alleged vein was originally a nervus (a word that can be translated either as “nerve” or “sinew”).

The popular belief that an engagement ring was originally part of the bride price which represented purchase and ownership of the bride, has been called into question by contemporary scholarship. :42 note 105

In the second century BC, the Roman bride-to-be was given two rings, a gold one which she wore in public, and one made of iron which she wore at home while attending to household duties. At one time Roman citizens wore rings made of iron. In later years senators who served as ambassadors were given gold seal rings for official use when abroad. Later the privilege of wearing gold rings was extended to other public officials, then to the knights, later to all freeborn , and finally under Justinian , to freedmen . For several centuries it was the custom for Romans to wear iron rings at home, gold rings in public. During this period a girl or woman might receive two engagement rings, one of iron and one of gold.

Middle ages

The mid-7th century Visigothic Code required “that when the ceremony of betrothal has been performed, …, and the ring shall have been given or accepted as a pledge, although nothing may have been committed to writing, the promise shall, under no circumstances, be broken.”

In 860 AD, Pope Nicholas I wrote a letter to Boris I of Bulgaria in reply to questions regarding differences between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox practices. Pope Nicholas describes how in the Western church the man gives his betrothed an engagement ring. At the Fourth Council of the Lateran in 1215, convoked by Pope Innocent III , the banns of marriage was instituted, prohibiting clandestine marriages and requiring that marriages be made public in advance. Some legal scholars have seen in this a parallel with the engagement-ring tradition described by Pope Nicholas I.

Renaissance

The first well-documented use of a diamond ring to signify engagement was by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in imperial court of Vienna in 1477, upon his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy . This then influenced those of higher social class and of significant wealth to give diamond rings to their loved ones.

Reformation

During the Protestant Reformation the wedding ring replaced the betrothal ring as the primary ring associated with marriage. In Catholic countries the transition took place somewhat later.

There is a modern belief that in early colonial New England, where Puritans shunned ornaments and jewels, a thimble substituted for both engagement ring and wedding ring; and some women would remove the tops of the thimble in order to create a ring. Some researchers strongly believe this to be just a myth without basis in reality.

Enlightenment

During the Age of Enlightenment both the gimmal rings and posie rings were popular, although the latter was more often used as an expression of sentiment than to indicate a formal engagement.

Victorian era

In South Africa, diamonds were first found in 1866, although they were not identified as such until 1867. By 1872, the output of the diamond mines exceeded one million carats per year. As production increased, those of lesser means were able to join in on this movement. However, diamond engagement rings were for a long time seen as the domain of the nobility and aristocracy, and tradition often favoured simpler engagement bands.

20th century

In the United States, the popularity of diamond engagement rings declined after World War I, even more so after the onset of the Great Depression .

In 1938, the diamond cartel De Beers began a marketing campaign that would have a major impact on engagement rings. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the price of diamonds collapsed. At the same time, market research indicated that engagement rings were going out of style with the younger generation. While the first phase of the marketing campaign consisted of market research, the advertising phase began in 1939. One of the first elements of this campaign was to educate the public about the 4 Cs (cut, carats, color, and clarity). In 1947 the slogan “a diamond is forever” was introduced. Ultimately, the De Beers campaign sought to persuade the consumer that an engagement ring is indispensable, and that a diamond is the only acceptable stone for an engagement ring.

Purchase

In the 20th century, if he could afford it, the typical Western groom privately selected and purchased an engagement ring, which he then presented to his desired bride when he proposed marriage. In countries where both partners wear engagement rings, matching rings may be selected and purchased together. In the United States and Canada, where only women traditionally wear engagement rings, women also occasionally present their partners with an engagement gift.

Like all jewelry, the price for an engagement ring varies considerably depending on the materials used: the design of the ring, whether it includes a gemstone, the value of any gemstone, and the seller. The price of the gemstones , if any, in the ring depends on the type and quality of the gem. Diamonds have a standardized description that values them according to their carat weight, color, clarity and cut. Other gemstones, such as sapphires , rubies , emeralds , have different systems. These may be chosen to honor a family tradition, to use family heirlooms, to be unique, to be socially responsible (they are not associated with blood diamonds or the pollution caused by gold mining and cyanide process ), to fit the individual’s stylistic preferences, or to manage cost. Synthetic stones and diamond substitutes such as cubic zirconias and moissanites are also popular choices that are socially responsible and reduce cost while maintaining the desired appearance.

The idea that a man should spend a significant fraction of his annual income for an engagement ring originated from De Beers marketing materials in the mid-20th century in an effort to increase the sale of diamonds . In the 1930s, they suggested that a man should spend the equivalent of one month’s income in the engagement ring; later they suggested that he should spend two months’ income on it. In 2012, the average cost of an engagement ring in USA as reported by the industry was US$4,000. In the UK, estimates of the average cost of an engagement ring range from £1200 to £2000.

One reason for the increased popularity of expensive engagement rings is its relationship to human sexuality and the woman’s marriage prospects. In the United States, until the Great Depression , a man who broke off a marriage engagement could be sued for breach of promise . Monetary damages included actual expenses incurred in preparing for the wedding, plus damages for emotional distress and loss of other marriage prospects. Damages were greatly increased if the woman had engaged in sexual intercourse with her fiancé. Beginning in 1935, these laws were repealed or limited. However, the social and financial cost of a broken engagement was no less: marriage was the only financially sound option for most women, and if she was no longer a virgin, her prospects for a suitable future marriage were greatly decreased. The diamond engagement ring thus became a source of financial security for the woman.

Legal ownership

Tradition generally holds that if the betrothal fails because the man himself breaks off the engagement, the woman is not obliged to return the ring. This reflects the ring’s role as a form of compensation for the woman’s damaged reputation. Legally, this condition can be subject to either a modified or a strict fault rule. Under the former, the fiancé can demand the return of the ring unless he breaks the engagement. Under the latter, the fiancé is entitled to the return unless his actions caused the breakup of the relationship, the same as the traditional approach. However, a no-fault rule is being advanced in some jurisdictions, under which the fiancé is always entitled to the return of the ring. The ring only becomes the property of the woman when marriage occurs. An unconditional gift approach is another possibility, wherein the ring is always treated as a gift, to be kept by the fiancée whether or not the relationship progresses to marriage. Recent court rulings have determined that the date in which the ring was offered can determine the condition of the gift. E.g. Valentine’s Day and Christmas are widely recognized as gift giving holidays in the United States and some other countries. A ring offered in the form of a Christmas present is likely to remain the personal property of the recipient in the event of a breakup.

In most states of the United States, engagement rings are considered “conditional gifts” under the legal rules of property. This is an exception to the general rule that gifts cannot be revoked once properly given. See, for example, the case of Meyer v. Mitnick , 625 N.W.2d 136 (Michigan, 2001), whose ruling found the following reasoning persuasive: “the so-called ‘modern trend’ holds that because an engagement ring is an inherently conditional gift, once the engagement has been broken, the ring should be returned to the donor. Thus, the question of who broke the engagement and why, or who was ‘at fault,’ is irrelevant. This is the no-fault line of cases.” Though in certain states, whether a judicial action can be maintained at all to require return of an engagement ring is blocked by statute, as many states have statutes which state that no civil action shall be maintained for breach of promise to marry.

One case in New South Wales , Australia ended in the man suing his former fiancée because she threw the ring away, after he told her she could keep it even though the marriage plans had fallen through. The Supreme Court of New South Wales held that, despite what the man said, the ring remained a conditional gift (partly because his saying that she could keep it reflected his desire to salvage the relationship) and she was ordered to pay him its A$15,250 cost.

In England and Wales, the gift of an engagement ring is presumed to be an absolute gift to the fiancée. This presumption may be rebutted however by proving that the ring was given on condition (express or implied) that it must be returned if the marriage did not take place, for whatever reason. This was decided in the case Jacobs v Davis (1917).

Styles

Engagement rings, like any other kind of jewelry, come in many different styles.

Gold and platinum are preferred for engagement rings, but common metal types such as titanium , silver , and stainless steel are also used for engagement rings. This allows for the bride-to-be to exert her own individual style into the ring in a simple manner.

In the United States, where engagement rings are worn by women, diamonds have been widely featured in engagement rings since the middle of the 20th century. Solitaire rings have one single diamond. The most common setting for engagement rings is the solitaire prong setting , which was popularized by Tiffany & Co. in 1886 and its six-claw prong setting design sold under the “Tiffany setting” trademark. The modern favorite cut for an engagement ring is the brilliant cut, which provides the maximum amount of sparkle to the gemstone. The traditional engagement rings may have different prong settings and bands. Another major category is engagement rings with side stones. Rings with a larger diamond set in the middle and smaller diamonds on the side fit under this category. Three-stone diamond engagement rings, sometimes called trinity rings or trilogy rings , are rings with three matching diamonds set horizontally in a row with the bigger stone placed in the center. The three diamonds on the ring are typically said to represent the couple’s past, present, and future, but other people give religious significance to the arrangement.

A wedding set, or bridal set, includes an engagement ring and a wedding band that matches and can be bought as a set. In some cases, the wedding ring looks “incomplete”; it is only when the two halves, engagement and wedding, are assembled that the ring looks whole. In other cases, a wedding set consists of two rings that match stylistically and are worn stacked, although either piece would look appropriate as a separate ring. Although the wedding band is not to be worn until the wedding day, the two rings are usually sold together as a wedding set. After the wedding, the bride may choose to have the two pieces welded together, to increase convenience and reduce the likelihood of losing one of the rings. A trio ring set includes a ladies engagement ring, ladies wedding band and a men’s wedding band. These sets often have matching rings and are lower in price.

In Nordic countries , engagement rings are worn by both men and women. Traditionally they are plain gold bands, although more ornate designs and other materials are gaining popularity. The engagement rings resemble the wedding bands sold in the United States, whereas women’s wedding rings may resemble US engagement rings.

In North America and the United Kingdom, it is customarily worn on the left hand ring finger . Similar traditions purportedly date to classical times, dating back from an early usage reportedly referring to the fourth finger of the left hand as containing the vena amoris or “vein of love”. This custom may have its origins in an ancient Egyptian myth that the finger contained a vein leading directly to the heart, or it may simply be because the heart lies slightly to the left side of the body. In Germany the ring is worn on the left hand while engaged, but moved to the right hand when married. In Poland and Turkey, the engagement ring and wedding band are traditionally worn on the right hand but modern practice varies considerably.

For men

In some countries it is common for both men and women to wear engagement rings. The rings are often in the form of a plain band of a precious metal. Sometimes, the engagement ring eventually serves as the wedding ring for the man. In Brazil, for example, the groom and bride-to-be usually wear a plain wedding band on the right hand during the course of their engagement. After the wedding, the band is moved to the left hand. In Argentina, it is also known for the groom and bride-to-be to wear a plain silver band on the left hand while engaged. Then, after the wedding a silver band is either replaced with the wedding ring or moved to the right hand.

Traditionally, women in the British Isles may propose marriage to men during a leap year . Women proposing has become more common in recent years, to the point that some jewelry companies have started manufacturing men’s engagement rings. They resemble typical men’s rings, often with a diamond centrepiece. In the countries where both sexes have traditionally worn engagement rings, the rings tend to be plainer bands, and there is no real difference between men’s and women’s engagement ring designs.

• Claddagh ring , a traditional Irish ring, often given or worn as a wedding ring
• Dearest ring , a ring with stones creating the acronym D E A R E S T
• Regards ring , a ring with stones creating the acronym R E G A R D S
• Gimmal ring , a multi-part engagement ring fashionable in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries
• Pre-engagement ring
• Puzzle ring , sometimes called a “Turkish wedding ring”
• Tension ring , a modern mount
• Prong setting , a way of setting gems
• Wedding ring

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Post # 1

Member

71 posts

Worker bee

• Mamalovesgracie12
• 4 years ago

• Wedding: August 2013

Hey guys! I wanted everyone’s opinion about having multiple engagement rings. 

I have a pear shapped diamond that I have a love/hate relationship with haha. Some days I love how different it is, other days I feel like it’s too mature and dated for me. 

I was contemplating getting a round cut 2ct moissanite for days I wasn’t feeling the love for my pear but I can’t help but feel guilty about this. I know an engagement ring is a symbol of your love…can I have multiple symbols lol I am also concerned about what my family and friends will think. My mom and sister are jewelry people so they will definitely notice. My husband on the other hand won’t care, he just wants me to wear my wedding band, but I don’t want to feel awkward when people question me

For those of you who have both, I would love if you would share your story! 

this is my e-ring 

and the round cut I found from overstock (but it’s very pricy 1600, I love it though!)

Post # 2

Member

356 posts

Helper bee

• funnybunny99
• 4 years ago

I think it’s fine to have more than one set. I used to worry too that if I didn’t wear the set I got married with all the time, it would seem I don’t love it as much. But it’s not the rings that matter in the end, it’s the marriage and commitment you have to your husband. I have two sets and I love both. I have one that is a round solitaire and another that is a halo, so I have the best of both worlds.  I wear them depending on my mood.  I love having the option of wearing both.  Good luck with your decision but I know you’ll love having the other ring too!  🙂

Post # 3

Member

10 posts

Newbee

• loveviolet
• 4 years ago

There are lots of reasons why you might have more than one set. People change settings, stones, or upgrade their rings all of the time. 

I have two heirloom sets that I’ll probably wear in place of my e-ring sometimes. I’m getting a gemstone halo from my SO, but both of my heirloom rings are diamonds (one is a solitaire), so they’re very different & would be nice for different situations/moods. 

We’ve also picked out a stand-in halo to use while we wait to get something custom made for us, and I plan on continuing to use it as my back-up ring after, so I’m always going to have a few different sets on the go. 

I don’t think it’s a big deal, personally. 

Post # 4

Member

1529 posts

Bumble bee

• womanofsubstance
• 4 years ago

• Wedding: February 2012

I have a few diamond rings, but only one engagement ring. It might be old fashioned of me, but I like the idea of one set on the left hand and have fun with another set on the right.

Not everyone might agree with me though. It shouldn’t be a problem if your SO doesn’t mind, you shouldn’t worry about anyone else.

Post # 5

Member

234 posts

Helper bee

• xstaticsummers
• 4 years ago

• Wedding: August 2017

I think engagement rings and wedding bands have a lot of meaning because they symbolize your love and commitment to another person. But I also am aware of the fact that jewelry is jewelry and I don’t see why you can’t have multiple sets or even wear unique and nontraditional rings as engagment and wedding rings. In my opinion all that matters is that my partner have some type of ring on their finger that they view as being a sign of commitment.

Post # 6

Member

4597 posts

Honey bee

• Olivepepper
• 4 years ago

• Wedding: June 2010

I have multiple sets. My original set is high and snaggy, so I had a custom bezel set made, and then I fell in love with yellow gold rather than white metal, and have two sapphire and diamond rings in YG too. Once our house is paid off I am having an emerald cut set made.

I still wear my original set in rotation with the others. My husband does not mind, he even has two wedding bands. As for other people, yeah, they can be judgy- my usual response is a smug look and a quick retort of “I married the man, not the metal” and that shuts them up.

Post # 7

Member

2280 posts

Buzzing bee

• blushbliss
• 4 years ago

• Wedding: July 2014

I think its a great idea!  I am a subscriber of “the ring does not make the marriage”.  I have a few sets as well 🙂

Post # 8

Member

171 posts

Blushing bee

• antoniathegreat
• 4 years ago

• Wedding: October 2012

Mamalovesgracie12:  I don’t think there is anything wrong with that! I have three different rings I wear on that finger. My engagement ring and wedding band (which are soldered), a wide sterling silver band with a lot of detailing and several little diamonds, usually when I am working or doing something with my hands and want something sparkly but don’t want to damage my real set/don’t want my main stone to get in the way, and a black hills gold band for days I don’t want anything sparkly.

Post # 9

Member

1329 posts

Bumble bee

• Mrs.Fay
• 4 years ago

I’ve bought several different sets, ( I thought I would like the variety…) but I ended up selling them, in the end I’m a sentimental idiot!! So now I stick to buying stacking bands and right hand rings. 😉 

Post # 10

Member

10581 posts

Sugar Beekeeper

• MrsSparkleBee13
• 4 years ago

• Wedding: December 2013

I have two complete wedding sets at the moment. I also have a loose 1.51 carat round brilliant diamond that I will eventually have set in a classic solitaire setting to add to my engagement ring collection.

After hubby and I got married I lost my engagement ring. It was a 1.2 carat round brilliant diamond solitaire in rose gold. He then surprised me with a whole new set that I just didn’t love, .83 carat princess cut Leo diamond in a Neil Lane halo setting with matching band. I do still have this set and wear it on occasion. We then bought the 1.51 carat round brilliant diamond and set it in a pave solitaire setting and I didn’t completely love it either, then i swapped out the diamond and put an oec moissanite in. I did like this combo but still didn’t feel like it was 100% what I wanted, so i sold the oec moissanite along with the pave setting. I now have a plain shank halo setting made by David klass that I absolutely adore, it has an amora gem ultra center stone. My husband doesn’t mind my forever changing engagement rings, he’s happy if I’m happy 🙂

Post # 11

Member

1358 posts

Bumble bee

• beetruz13
• 4 years ago

My story: Started with a diamond 17 yrs ago, upgraded it 3 times!! Went from a .70 in gold with baguettes to a 1 carat round on plain band. Upgraded to a 1.5 princess cut diamond. Upgraded that to a diamond halo setting ( Simon G)  and 2 new diamond bands to match. ( with the 1.5 center) 

Recently fell in love with a platinum Tacori setting with a 3.5 center. Hubby bought it for me with the intention to either put a diamond in it, or a ruby. Diamond was going to be at least 25k for a decent diamond. Since the setting itself was already a fortune, we decided on a ruby which would run around 10 k for a decent stone. Sooooo we researched a bunch of rubies and had one picked out when I spotted this tanzanite beauty at the same store. I fell for it too!!! So rather than spend the 10 k on the ruby and put it ALL into the one ring, we opted to buy the tanzanite. ( which was 8500 k ) AND a $1500 garnet for the Tacori!!! ( incidently garnet is his birthstone do it worked out!!!) We ended up spending the same amount AND not only do I have two rings I love, I now have one ring for each of my daughters to have when I pass one day. I know it’s strange to some people and certainly not traditional but it works for us!! My hubby has always been on board with every upgrade over the years. Good luck with your decision!!!! 

Post # 12

Member

1260 posts

Bumble bee

• megan331979
• 4 years ago

• Wedding: May 2014

I personally don’t think there is anything wrong with having multiple e-rings…I have 2….but would have more if dh was ok with it! LOL

My first e-ring is beautiful, but sits up WAY too high for me and it’s just not comfortable to wear…I have asked jewelers about lowering it, but because of the diamond size and the mounting ( I don’t want to reset it..too sentimental) I can’t 🙁

Dh was sweet enough to buy me another e-ring…MUCH smaller stone though (which I wanted) and set really low….I never take it off, which is exactly what I wanted. My original e-ring I had to take off all the time just to do basic things around the house.

I would LOVE to have another couple sets to switch out now and then too…hahahaha…maybe someday!

As far as telling anyone, I wouldn’t worry about it…if they ask, then tell them your dh spoils you…I really don’t think you need to explain anything to anyone…just my opinion.

Post # 13

Member

1388 posts

Bumble bee

• lovechocolate
• 4 years ago

• Wedding: June 2014

Even before we married I had a beautiful moonstone ring and a blue sapphire ring that I would switch out wearing on my ring finger. Now, I have my proper e-ring, but I also have a rose gold cushion halo with a barely pink sapphire and a rose gold solitare ring. I change them out all the time – Darling Husband bought them all for me. I love changing up my style look often and I don’t think the ring makes the marriage. 

Post # 14

Member

1277 posts

Bumble bee

• ppresto
• 4 years ago

I’ve had several different sets over the years. My husband bought all of them so who cares what other people think?! lolz

Go for it!

Post # 15

Member

4651 posts

Honey bee

• lilsweetie
• 4 years ago

• Wedding: December 2011

I have 3 e rings and multiple wedding bands to interchange. Mine are all solitaires because I love solitaires. I still have my original set that I got married with, but over time I have added to the collection. My husband is so supportive and he loves that I love my rings. As long as I wear something on that finger, he is pretty happy 🙂

boards.weddingbee.com

You should wear your engagement ring on the fourth finger of your left hand (before marriage). After marriage, you place the engagement ring on top of the wedding ring again on the fourth finger of your left hand.

What is the meaning of the engagement ring?

First of all, ‘engagement’, also referred to as betrothal in English, compromiso in Spanish, sponsum in Latin and Sagai in Hindi is a ‘formal agreement’ to marry someone.

The engagement ring symbolizes the promise and commitment to enter into a lifelong relationship with another person as husband or wife. After a marriage proposal is accepted, the ring represents the ‘agreement’ that will eventually lead to marriage sometime in the future.

For our full engagement rings selection – click here!

What hand does engagement ring go on?

Engagement ring on the fourth finger on the left hand.

Engagement rings are worn on different hands in different places.

If you are in America or most of the European countries, you wear your engagement ring on the left hand.

However, in some countries like India, Spain, Peru, Norway and Denmark, the engagement rings are worn on the right hand.

What finger does the ring go on when you re engaged?

Whether you choose to wear the ring on the left or right hand, the finger that you put your ring on is the same. For most of the countries the rings are put on the fourth finger (also known as the Ring Finger) of your hand.

Fourth finger? It’s the finger next to the little finger in your hand.

Why fourth finger? Before the concept of blood circulatory system was established, people believed that a vein ran directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart.

This vein in the finger was referred to as the ‘Vena Amoris‘ or the ‘Vein of Love’.

Catholics wear the engagement ring on the fourth finger of the right hand

Catholic couples wear their engagement rings on the fourth finger of the right hand.  They believe that the right hand is connected to the heart of the person and wearing the engagement ring on that hand is more symbolic.

What hand does engagement ring go on after marriage?

Woman Wearing Engagement Ring on Fourth Finger

There are many traditions related to what hand the engagement ring goes on after marriage.

According to one tradition, the bride wears the wedding ring on the ring finger of her left hand at first and the engagement ring is placed on the top of wedding ring.

If we are to follow this tradition, during the ceremony the husband removes the engagement ring from her left hand to her right hand and he places the wedding ring on the left hand of his wife.

After the wedding is completed, the bride removes her engagement ring from her right hand, and puts it on top of her wedding ring.

Recently, there are too many trends going on even though the placement is wedding rings first and engagement rings later on. For instance, some bride welds both engagement rings and wedding rings together and wear them, while others make no change whatsoever and leave the wedding ring on the left hand and engagement ring on their right hand.

In some of the cases, the newlywed couple decides to wear both engagement rings and wedding rings on at the same hand during the wedding ceremony. However, in the recent times, people only wear the wedding rings.

What does a ring on the middle finger mean?

In some countries like Poland and India, rings are worn on the middle finger.

Who gets the ring in a broken engagement?

What if someone decides not to go through with the wedding after the engagement? Who takes the engagement ring? Is it bride or groom?

Well, there have been various debates about it. Traditionally, it is believed that if the groom calls the wedding off or is liable to the breaking of the marriage, then the bride gets to keep the engagement ring.

However, if the bride is the guilty party, they are obliged to send the ring back. In more recent times, the rings are placed on the conditional gift. For instance, if the rings are presented on special occasions like Valentine’s Day, they get to keep it.

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