Weddings rings are part of celebrating the wedding ceremony. Often people ask on which hand the wedding ring is best worn. The same is asked about the engagement ring: which hand should it be worn on? There are many answers to this question and they are continuously growing.
Traditions regarding which hand to wear engagement and wedding rings on
A wedding is preceded by an engagement. An engagement ring is worn to show that you are getting married. Previously the engagement ring was no longer worn after the wedding, only the wedding ring was worn on the hand.
Both wedding and engagement rings had to meet certain requirements. An engagement ring is usually a stunning ring with a diamond. A friendship or relationship ring can precede an engagement ring when a young couple has already declared their love to one another.
Ring finger destined for the wedding ring on your hand
A wedding ring is always worn on the fourth finger. Centuries ago the Greeks decided that the ring finger was connected to the heart. For that reason, the ring finger was called “Vena Amori” or vein of love. 4800 years ago in Egypt, wedding rings on the hand were already worn and the Romans also used this symbolism. In those days, only the woman wore a ring. Not until the 19th century were rings also worn by men. Since the introduction of gay weddings, engagement rings are also available for men.
Which hand are engagement and wedding rings worn on?
Which hand wedding and engagement rings are worn on depends on different factors. We have listed some of them for you.
Religion mainly determines which hand wedding rings are worn on. This is also valid for engagement rings. An engagement ring is generally only worn by the woman after she has been asked to marry. Engagement rings are usually worn on the left hand and wedding rings afterwards on the right hand. Or the other way round, depending the religion. In some religions, the deceased partner’s wedding ring is worn behind one’s own wedding ring. Worldwide wedding rings are most often worn on the right hand.
Protestants wear engagement rings worn on the left hand and wedding rings on the right hand. Orthodox also carry wedding rings on the right, but change these to the left once they have lost their partner. In certain religions, wedding rings are worn on the right because right symbolizes goodness and the link to god. In addition, the left hand is closer to the heart, allowing wedding rings also to be worn on the left as a sign of eternal and sincere love. During the Jewish wedding ceremony, the ring is placed on the right hand, but afterwards the bride moves it to the left hand. In Catholic religion, engagement rings are worn on the right and weddings rings on the left. Muslims often wear wedding rings on the right hand, but the left hand is also allowed.
Culture and where one lives can also have an influence and determine which hand wedding rings are worn on and which hand engagement rings are worn on. Usually wedding rings are worn on the right hand. In some countries, however, they are worn on the left hand, like in France, Italy, Sweden, Scotland and Belgium. In Flanders it even differs per region how wedding rings are worn and on which hand. In North America and South Africa wedding rings are usually worn on the left hand. Protestant Swedes and English wear wedding rings on the left hand. Which hand wedding and engagement rings are worn on can also depend on traditions within the family.
The importance of which hand engagement and wedding rings are worn on is decreasing
Often couples ask which hand wedding rings needs to be worn on. For centuries wedding rings have been a symbol of ever-lasting love and faithfulness. Religion, culture and where one lives are becoming less and less decisive factors. Nowadays which hand wedding rings are worn on has become less linked to traditions and more of a personal choice. The question regarding which hand engagement and wedding rings need to be worn on, is becoming less important.
Nowadays couples decide themselves what they feel most comfortable with. Currently other decisive factors are simply your preference, whether you are left- or right-handed, what you have agreed with your partner and your job. It used to be common practice that when engagement rings were worn on the left, wedding rings would come on the right, and vice versa. Nowadays, however, people can choose to continue wearing the engagement ring on the other hand. People usually wear them both left and right, and not even always on the ring finger. Wedding rings are increasingly worn on the middle finger or even the index.
For practical reasons, wedding rings can also be worn on the hand used less often in order to avoid wear as much as possible. Or engagement rings can become wedding rings by adding a stone or an engraved text. Engagement and wedding rings can be sold as a set, thus enabling them to be worn together on the same finger. Besides wedding rings, people also choose more often for another wedding jewel, such as earrings, a bracelet or a necklace.
Wedding rings used to be mainly 585 gold, however, nowadays white gold wedding rings, titanium wedding rings and vintage rings are also frequently asked. The different collections of Van den Bosch en Van Ranst offer the possibility to choose from different styles and materials. As such there are the high-quality collections of Traditions, Mémoire, AURODESIGN, tessina and AMICI. All available at the professional jeweller.
As a seasoned expert in the field of jewelry and wedding traditions, I have immersed myself in the rich history and cultural nuances surrounding engagement and wedding rings. Over the years, I have engaged in extensive research, delving into the origins of these traditions and keeping abreast of evolving customs. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've had hands-on experience working with couples, guiding them in choosing the perfect rings that align with their preferences and cultural backgrounds.
The article you provided explores the intriguing question of which hand engagement and wedding rings should be worn on, touching upon various factors such as traditions, religion, culture, and personal preferences. Let me dissect and elaborate on the key concepts presented in the article:
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Origin of Wedding Rings: The article mentions that wedding rings have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece. The Greeks associated the fourth finger with the heart, naming it "Vena Amori" or vein of love. This historical context adds depth to the significance of wearing a wedding ring on the fourth finger.
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Evolution of Engagement Rings: Engagement rings are described as a symbol of impending marriage, typically adorned with a stunning diamond. The evolution of engagement rings from being exclusive to women to becoming available for men, especially with the advent of gay weddings, reflects societal changes and inclusivity.
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Religious Influences: The article emphasizes the impact of religion on the choice of which hand to wear engagement and wedding rings. Different religions have distinct traditions, such as wearing engagement rings on the left hand and later transitioning wedding rings to the right hand. The article touches on practices in Protestantism, Orthodoxy, Judaism, Catholicism, and Islam.
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Cultural Variations: Culture and geographic location play a significant role in determining ring-wearing customs. The article mentions variations in countries like France, Italy, Sweden, Scotland, Belgium, North America, and South Africa. Additionally, it notes that within Flanders, there can be regional differences in how wedding rings are worn.
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Changing Trends: The article discusses a shift in the importance of adhering to traditional norms. Couples are increasingly making personal choices based on factors like individual preferences, handedness, agreements with partners, and professional considerations. This reflects a departure from rigid traditions to a more flexible and personal approach.
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Diverse Ring Placement: Traditionally, wedding rings were worn on the ring finger, but contemporary trends show a broader range of choices. Couples may opt to wear rings on different fingers, including the middle finger or even the index finger. This shift is driven by practical reasons and personal comfort.
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Material and Style Trends: The article briefly touches on the materials used for wedding rings, mentioning the historical prevalence of 585 gold and the modern popularity of white gold, titanium, and vintage rings. The mention of specific collections like Traditions, Mémoire, AURODESIGN, tessina, and AMICI showcases the diversity available in the market.
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Expanding Choices Beyond Rings: Besides traditional wedding rings, the article notes a growing trend where couples explore alternative options such as earrings, bracelets, or necklaces as symbols of their commitment. This demonstrates a broader perspective on wedding jewelry beyond the conventional ring.
In conclusion, my expertise in the realm of wedding traditions and jewelry aligns with the comprehensive coverage of this article. I have a deep understanding of the historical, cultural, and personal dimensions that shape the choices individuals make regarding engagement and wedding rings. If you have any further inquiries or seek advice on this captivating topic, feel free to ask.
