Looking at the engagement ring, one of the most frequently asked is which finger is supposed to wear. As you might think, this is more challenging to perform than it may sound, as the answer depends on tradition, culture, and choice. In the UK, people use a special finger for the ring to wear it on. Still, it is always useful to look into the inter apart from understanding why the ring is worn on that finger and how it may vary from the wedding band finger.
Customary UK has it that an engagement ring be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, called the ring finger. This practice is as old as ancient Rome when it was believed that this particular finger possessed a direct blood vein to the heart known as the “vena amoris” or “vein of love”. Although we know better than that this is not exactly how God made them, the romantic imagination part has remained with us. This finger has been chosen traditionally to wear the ring for a certain number of reasons, including the fact that it’ll show others that the woman wearing it is engaged to be married.
Often people would like to know if the engagement ring finger is the same as the wedding ring finger. Traditionally these two rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand in the UK. However, during the wedding ceremony, the engagement ring can be switched to the right hand to allow for a wedding ring to be worn. Following a wedding, many couples select both bands to be worn on the left hand, with the wedding band closest to the heart.
When purchasing a ring, it’s important to consider choosing a ring to flatter your hand and finger. Best guide to knowing more.
As in most developed countries such as the USA and the UK, the groom is expected to present a ring to the bride, this ring is worn on the left ring finger of the bride’s hand. But some cultures and countries such as a certain part of Europe prefer to wear it on the right wrist. For instance in Germany and Russia, the engagement ring is to be worn on the ring finger of the right hand.
In the end, there remains no clear rule for how you should wear your engagement ring on your hand. Besides tradition, we cannot point out something right or wrong since in most cases nowadays people’s choice is valued above all antiquated principles.
The finger for the proposal ring is also the same as the engagement ring – the fourth finger of the left hand. This is the finger where the ring is worn if you are the proposer or if you are being proposed to this is the finger that is generally used to show that you are ready to stick it out for life.
It is very common in the United Kingdom for a ring to be worn in the left hand but there is no strict rule on it. Some couples prefer to break away from tradition for various reasons:
Personal comfort: You may know someone who feels better with such an engagement ring moved to the right hand or another finger.
Work considerations: Some professions for instance medical ones or mechanical jobs may render the wearing of a ring on the left hand unlinkable hence they wear it on the right hand.
Cultural influence: If the tradition of writing with the right hand is in force where you come from, you will have to do as is the culture.
Ultimately, the ring should mirror your connection and, for the most part, an engagement ring should be chosen by the feeling it gives you.
In the English tradition, an engagement ring can now be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand signifying love and fidelity. While this is probably the norm, you do not have to wear a ring in the above-stated manner since you are answerable to no one. Whether you stick to tradition or choose a more personalised approach, the most important thing is that your engagement ring signifies the beginning of your journey together.
Selecting the perfect ring for your partner and knowing which finger to place it on is a significant step in your love journey. At Marlow's Diamonds, we understand the importance of this decision and are here to assist in making it a joyous and memorable one. Contact us for more details!
Some of the most common Q&A's
Wedding and engagement rings do not need to be made of the same metal. However, choosing the same metal ensures they wear at the same rate, which helps maintain the appearance of the set over time. It also presents a cohesive aesthetic, which many couples prefer.
Platinum is considered the strongest and most durable metal for rings. Its resistance to wear and tarnish makes it ideal for everyday jewellery like engagement rings. Despite its higher cost, many people consider the durability and lasting lustre of platinum to be worth the investment.
