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Long-lasting traditions, like wearing a wedding ring as a symbol of love, have been around since time immemorial. But with new, modern adaptations of this tradition taking place more often, what is considered the ring finger begins to get a little fuzzy. So what hand does a wedding ring go on? Verragio breaks down time-honored traditions and offers some more modern alternatives.
Origins and Traditional Methods
Traditionally, the wedding ring goes on the ring finger, which is the fourth finger of the left hand, right next to the pinkie. But how did this become the ring finger? Why not the index finger or thumb, for that matter? Or the right hand?
Truth be told, many European cultures are split between the right and left hand tradition. And even some cultures in Asia consider the left hand unclean. However, most western cultures wear the wedding ring on the left ring finger, as mentioned above. Why, exactly? In ancient Roman times, this finger was believed to be connected by a vein — the Vena Amoris, or “Vein of Love” — that went straight to the physical heart. While this belief has since been disproven, this time-honored metaphorical tradition has never quite gone away.
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What Hand Does an Engagement Ring Go On?
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Before getting married, diamond engagement ring settings and semi-mount rings with diamonds are traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand. However, many people choose to switch it up after their wedding day. On the big day, a bride might wear an engagement ring on the left hand right up until the ceremony and the exchanging of the wedding band rings.
During the exchanging of the rings, the wedding rings for women and men’s wedding rings
typically go on the same left-hand ring finger where the engagement ring once rested. Furthermore, the engagement ring is typically switched to the right-hand ring finger, making way for the wedding band itself.
If the engagement ring is chosen to share the same left-hand ring finger with the wedding ring, there is also an order. If you choose to wear the engagement ring and wedding ring side by side, the wedding band is typically worn closest to your heart, with the engagement ring stacked outside closer to your fingertip.
Switching your engagement ring to the right hand before the ceremony also has practical purposes. It allows you to easily slip the wedding ring on the left hand without removing the engagement ring. Then, once the ceremony is complete and if you’d like, you can place the engagement ring back to create a gorgeous pair.
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Alternative Ways to Wear a Wedding Ring and Engagement Ring
As we have mentioned, the traditional method is to wear the wedding ring on the left-hand ring finger. However, this can change throughout the many, many years of marriage, simply due to comfort and other variables, such as if you are left handed. Still, if you are looking for a more alternative way to wear a wedding ring, here are a few suggestions:
Wedding Ring and Engagement Ring Apart
Aside from wearing the engagement ring and wedding ring in a stacked formation, you can also wear them apart. This begins on the wedding day after exchanging the ceremonial rings. Instead of slipping the engagement ring back to your left hand over the wedding ring, you merely leave it on the right hand from there on out.
Only the Wedding Ring
Some traditions call for only wearing the wedding ring once you become married. Remove the engagement ring and keep it tucked securely away, bringing it out only for special occasions. Luckily, many newlyweds prefer to show off both, unless they prefer to keep the engagement ring safe while traveling or partaking in rigorous activities.
Solo Wedding Ring
Many people choose to wear the wedding ring solo. Should they decide to continue wearing the engagement ring, they leave it on the right-hand ring finger. However, sometimes they wear the engagement ring on another finger entirely, left or right hand.
Stacked Wedding Rings
Another modern jewelry look for wedding rings is a stack. A stacked set of bands allows you to wear the engagement ring and wedding ring on the same finger, typically, the ring finger. Stacked rings are often chosen when the person wishes to add to their ring collection, acquiring bands for momentous occasions and milestones like the birth of a child or an anniversary.
It’s Really Up to You
As you can see, there are many ways to wear a wedding band and engagement ring. What hand a wedding ring goes on is entirely up to the person wearing it. If you like to keep to tradition, wear the wedding ring on the “ring finger” on the left hand. But, ultimately, remember to be comfortable and wear the set — engagement ring and wedding band — however you please.