Which hand does the engagement ring go on?
In Western countries, tradition suggests the engagement ring goes onto the fourth digit of the left hand. The tradition dates back to Roman times. In fact, they believed this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart, the Vena Amoris, meaning a vein of love.
The fourth digit of the left hand is sometimes referred to as the left hand’s third finger. All sources agree on the left hand, the second-from-smallest finger. Remember, the ring finger is not the fourth finger as some sources suggest.
Engagement rings never go on the index finger, although some people wear them on alternative fingers for specific reasons. Browse any engagement ring catalogue, and you will see numerous examples of models wearing rings on the left-hand ring finger.
For men and women, the engagement ring and wedding ring go on the left hand.
Some call the appropriate finger the ‘engagement ring finger’ or refer to it as the ‘wedding ring finger’ or ‘marriage finger’. All terms point to the same third finger of the left hand.
A brief note about the ring size and fit
The most common problem with all rings is difficulty getting the correct size. Many websites recommend pieces of string or strips of paper. From experience, we find most suggestions do not result in an accurate ring size.
For this reason, we set up “the perfect fit – ring size service” to ensure buyers order the correct size for their ring. We make this service available for all clients and provide all the help and expertise needed to arrive at a suitable ring size.
Find out more and order this refundable service on our website.
Why is the third finger so important?
Most couples place importance on the tradition of the correct finger. Culture means we adhere to strict customs. When it comes to engagement rings, the engagement ring finger always dictates where an engagement ring sits on the hand. The same can be said for other romantic ring styles, including the pre-engagement, commitment ring or promise ring.
Which goes on first, the wedding ring or the engagement ring?
Once married, the engagement ring goes on the finger after the wedding ring with the removal of the engagement ring for day-to-day tasks. During a wedding ceremony, opinions vary about what to do with the engagement ring on the wedding day.
Such actions come from practical considerations. Removal of the engagement ring for day-to-day tasks ensures protection to ensure the continued shine and sparkle of the ring.
The wedding and engagement rings go onto the same finger of the left hand.
Why is the engagement ring worn on the left hand?
Some ancient cultures believed in a vein flowing from the left hand to the heart. This belief resulted in the tradition of wearing bridal rings on a specific finger. Commonly referred to as the ‘Vein of Love’, its name comes from Latin.
Does the Vena Amoris vein flow directly to the heart?
Many romantics quote an ancient myth. The ring finger has a vein of love flowing directly to the heart—the Vena Amoris. This legend comes from the Ancient Romans.
Although very romantic, this simply is not true. There is no specific vein in the finger directly connected to the heart.
A practical explanation for wearing an engagement ring on the left hand
Since most people are right-handed, there is a certain practical sense to wearing an engagement ring on the left hand. An engagement ring and wedding band receive less wear than if worn on the dominant hand. Some refer to the right hand as the active hand. The opposing hand causes less wear for wedding bands and engagement rings.
The engagement ring finger
Our photograph below shows a close-up view of the engagement ring on the finger. Shown with a simple, classically styled diamond solitaire engagement ring on the left hand’s third finger.
Names used for fingers on the hand
Doctors rarely number fingers because of the confusion over which finger is the first finger. Do we have ten fingers or eight fingers and two thumbs?
For this reason, a familiar name exists for each finger of the hand; thumb, index, long, ring and little finger. These terms are used today instead of more technical terms.
Names applied to fingers of the hand
Wearing a ring on your middle finger
Although this may be unorthodox, some brides and grooms wear their ring on the middle finger. It may be down to a health complication that an engagement ring or wedding ring is unable to be worn on the usual finger, these may include a break to the finger, amputation, or arthritis.
Some suggest the middle finger represents balance. Although we rarely see rings worn on the middle finger, we advise simple, comfortable designs for wear on the middle finger.
CanadaMark diamond in a modern four-claw setting, shown on the correct finger.
What hand does your wedding ring go on?
Your wedding ring goes on your left hand. And what finger does the wedding ring go on? Wedding rings go on the same finger as an engagement ring.
So, if you’ve ever wondered which hand the wedding ring goes on, you now have the answer! And who doesn’t wear wedding rings after marriage?
Which hand for the wedding ring in other countries
In Russia, wedding rings go on the third finger of the right hand. Similarly, countries including Germany, Spain, Austria, India, Greece, Ukraine and Poland wear the wedding ring on the right hand.
When are wedding rings worn on the right hand?
Some people wear wedding rings on the right hand. For medical reasons, including swollen knuckles, a person might decide to wear a wedding ring on the opposite side. Ultimately the wedding ring hand is a personal choice. However, many wearers consider tradition when making a decision.
What finger does the engagement ring go on before marriage?
What to do with your engagement ring on your wedding day?
Before marriage, the engagement ring goes on the left hand’s third finger.
There are many opinions about how to wear your engagement ring on the big day.
Most brides place their engagement ring on the right hand before the ceremony. After the wedding ceremony, the engagement ring returns to the left hand’s ring finger.
The beautiful ‘Daisy’ engagement ring, available in many carat weight options
What if your engagement ring gets stuck?
If your engagement ring is difficult to remove, we suggest leaving your ring off on your wedding day to avoid complications during your ceremony. Furthermore, you might arrange a size adjustment before or after your wedding day.
Your ring might be challenging to take off due to swollen fingers or even enlarged knuckles. Avoid wearing rings too tight for your hands. Watch our recent video on ring fit, where we discuss various solutions to issues, including prominent knuckles.
Why do some photographs show engagement and wedding rings on the right hand?
Some bridal photos show a diamond engagement ring and a wedding ring on the right hand. When photographs appear in reverse, the illusion of an incorrect finger sometimes occurs in reverse.
How to wear a wedding ring
Some clients ask how to wear wedding rings. More specifically, the sequence of rings on the finger.
Firstly the wedding ring goes onto the finger. Next is the engagement ring. Finally, the eternity ring.
Which order do you wear an engagement, wedding and eternity ring? How to stack your rings
The question of what order to wear your engagement, wedding, and eternity rings frequently arises. After confirming which hand and finger, let’s focus on the order rings are worn.
Firstly the wedding ring goes onto the finger. People rarely remove the wedding ring unless a risk of damage arises. Secondly, the engagement ring goes onto the finger.
Finally, the eternity ring sits on the outside. People remove both rings on a more frequent basis. Typically, the engagement ring sits between the wedding and eternity rings.
The Ring Order
Showing the sequence of the wedding ring, engagement ring and eternity ring worn in order on the hand. Engagement ring style ref. Eleanor.
Do people in other countries wear engagement rings, on the other hand?
One of our recent visitors to our Isle of Wight jewellery showroom was born in Russia. During a conversation with my colleague, she referred to the Russian convention for wearing engagement rings and wedding rings. When she lived in Russia, ladies wore their engagement rings and wedding rings on their right hand.
Stacking rings on the same finger.
At this time, stacking rings is very fashionable. Likewise, stacking matching engagement, wedding ring and eternity rings gives a fabulous effect. Some triple-stacking rings give a three-ring impact all on the same finger.
Stacking rings, wearable on the same finger (Clover design – Serendipity Diamonds)
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
