What hand and finger does engagement ring go on?
The engagement and wedding ring has been a means of expressing devotion and true love for centuries, and when that certain moment arrives, the question may arise: "On which hand and finger engagement ring should be worn?"
Every Western countries the engagement ring is worn on the left hand and on the 4th finger, that is why it is called the 'ring finger'. The reason and the storybehind this is special and goes back to the ancient roman times when they believed that the Vein of Love ('Vena Amoris') is a unique vein starting directly from this ring finger and goes right up to our heart.The heart is the home of emotions, therefore there is no better place for the engagement ring rather than worn on the 4th finger of our left hand.
The engagement ring is not worn on the same side everywhere!
There are countries and societies, where engagement ring is worn on the right hand side.
The list of this countries is extensive, but just to mention a few: Norway, Germany, Russia or India.In latin, 'left' means sinister, therefore they considered it unlucky and not ideal if the engagement ring is worn on the left hand side. Hungary belongs to this list of countries as well.
Interesting fact,in Sweden and Chile not only the bride, but the groom is wearing an engagement ring as well! According to the local traditions you wear the ring on your right hand side, when they are exchanged with the wedding ring and placed on the left hand.
What happens on the wedding day?
In the Western Cultures, just prior 'The Big Day' we place the engagement ring, onto our right (in Hungary left) hand so we free up space for the wedding ring, which thereby elevating the relationship between the couple to an even higher level. After the wedding, you can place back the engagement ring to the ring finger of the left hand(in Hungary right hand), and from there they can be worn together on top and besides each other.
Do I necessarily need to follow this tradition?
Absolutely not! The engagement ring can be worn on either side, whichever you fancy.These are not a fixed rules or guidelines, which you must follow. You can wear the engagement ring on the index finger or any other finger you fancy, it's up to you.On the day of the ceremony when you tie your lives together, the wedding ring is placed on the fourth finger of our right hand, but of course you are not obliged to follow this and on the following day you can change and place them wherever you want.
If you think you are in a need of help in choosing the right engagement ring, feel free to get in touch with me. Book a consultation and I will help you to find a perfect style, stone size and assist in answering all your important questions!