How To Wear Your Engagement Ring: An Ultimate Guide

An engagement ring and wedding ring come with a lot of customs. And while they aren’t set in stone, it is helpful to know them especially when buying your engagement ring and putting together a bridal set.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wearing your engagement ring and wedding ring properly.

What Hand to Wear an Engagement Ring

Engagement rings are typically worn on the left hand. This custom dates back to ancient Roman times, where it was believed that the left ring finger had a vein (the "vena amoris" or "vein of love") that ran directly to the heart. While this isn’t correct, the tradition has continued in Western cultures.

This tradition isn't universal. In some countries, like Russia, Germany, Norway, and India, engagement rings are typically worn on the right hand. Ultimately, the choice is yours and can be influenced by personal preference, cultural background, or practical considerations.

And when it comes to practicality, it makes sense to wear your engagement ring on your non-dominant hand.

What Finger You Should Wear Your Engagement Ring

In most Western cultures, the engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger (also known as the ring finger) of your left hand (next to your pinky). This finger was chosen for the same reason as the left hand - the belief in the "vena amoris."

However, if you're left-handed and concerned about wear and tear on your ring from daily activities, you might choose to wear it on your right hand instead. Remember, while traditions are lovely, your comfort and the ring's safety should be the priority.

What Comes First, Engagement Ring or Wedding Ring?

Once you're married, you'll have two rings to wear - your engagement ring and your wedding band. The traditional way to wear them is to have the wedding ring closest to your heart, meaning it goes on first, followed by the engagement ring.

Here's how it typically works:

• Before the wedding ceremony, move your engagement ring to your right hand.

• During the ceremony, the wedding band is placed on your left ring finger.

• After the ceremony, move your engagement ring back to your left hand, placing it on top of your wedding band.

This arrangement is traditional, but again, it's not a hard and fast rule. Some people choose to wear their wedding band on top, while others might wear them on separate hands. It's all about what feels right for you.

When You Should Take Your Engagement Ring Off

While your engagement ring is a cherished symbol of your commitment, there are times when it doesn’t make sense to wear it. For example:

• During physical activities or sports: To prevent damage to the ring or injury to yourself or others.

• While sleeping: To avoid scratching yourself or your partner, and to prevent the prongs from catching on bedding.

• When cleaning or working with harsh chemicals: To protect the metal and stones from potential damage.

• During certain occupations or tasks: If you work with your hands a lot, you might want to remove your ring to prevent wear and tear.

When you do remove your ring, always store it in a safe place (i.e., the Four Words ring box). Also, don’t store your engagement ring in a pile with all your other jewellery as it will prone it to scratching.

At Four Words, we provide a complementary care plan where we give your ring a polish and ensure that prongs holding your diamond or gemstone are tight.

Is It Normal to Wear Your Wedding Ring More Often?

It’s common for people to wear their wedding ring more often than their engagement ring. There are several reasons for this:

• Simplicity: Wedding bands are usually simpler in design, making them more comfortable for everyday wear.

• Practicality: Engagement rings, especially those with large or multiple stones, can sometimes get in the way during daily activities.

• Protection: Some people choose to wear their more elaborate engagement ring only on special occasions to protect it from wear and tear.

In saying that, lots of people love wearing both rings together, and all the time. It's really a matter of personal preference and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Remember, while there are traditions surrounding how to wear your engagement ring, the most important thing is that you wear it in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to you. Your engagement ring is a symbol of your love and commitment, and how you choose to wear it should reflect your personal style and lifestyle.

If you have any questions about caring for your engagement ring or are looking for the perfect ring to pop the question, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help you navigate every step of your engagement and wedding jewellery journey!