How To Wear An Engagement Ring And A Wedding Band?

Rings are very symbolic pieces of jewelry. An engagement ring symbolizes fidelity and devotion. On the other hand, a wedding ring signifies never-ending love. Whether you got big diamonds or plain bands on you, the significance remains the same.

According to tradition, there is a proper way how to wear engagement ring and wedding band.

How To Wear Your Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is given to one’s partner when proposing for marriage. The ring is worn during the engagement period. A bride takes off her engagement ring during the wedding ceremony. After the wedding day, the engagement ring and the wedding band are worn together.

It is customary to wear your engagement ring on the fourth finger of your left hand. We commonly refer to it as the ring finger.

The ring finger is symbolically associated with the sun and with romantic relationships. In ancient times, Romans believed that the vein in the ring finger leads directly to one’s heart; hence, they called it vena amoris or the vein of love.

Promise rings, on the other hand, are often worn on the ring finger in the right hand. Promise rings are not engagement rings. However, they symbolize the same commitment. Only that, partners are not ready for marriage yet. Wearing one means you are in an exclusive relationship.

How To Wear Your Wedding Band

Wedding bands are worn by both parties in a marriage union. A groom puts a wedding band on the bride’s ring finger in the left hand, and vice versa. The ring ceremony is done after they have exchanged their wedding vows.

Gay and lesbian couples are said to wear their wedding bands on their right hands. This signifies that they are in a monogamous relationship.

How To Wear Engagement Ring And Band Together

After your wedding day, first, wear your wedding band on your ring finger in the left hand. It is worn first as it is closer to the heart, as per tradition.

Then, wear your engagement ring on top of the wedding band.

During anniversaries or significant celebrations, partners also gift each other with infinity rings. An infinity or eternity ring is a band set with a continuous string of gemstones. These rings also signify never-ending love.

Diversity Of Cultures

It is worth noting that not all cultures and religions observe the custom of wearing rings associated with marriage and courtship. Some wear wedding bands and not engagement rings. Some do not wear rings at all. We should respect the diversity of beliefs and traditions, even personal preferences.

Conclusion

If you want to stick to tradition, follow the “official” way of how to wear engagement ring and wedding band individually or together.

As we have said, the custom of wearing rings during betrothal and marriage is not universal. In the same way, there is no “right” way to wear them. 

Wear your rings in any way you want. You can wear them based on comfort or how they look on you. How you wear them does not diminish their value, especially that they are given with genuine love and loyalty.