Engagement Ring Finger: Which Finger Does the Engagement Ring Go On?

An engagement ring is more than just a piece of sparkling jewelery. It is a testimony to the love and commitment of a couple and the fact that the woman who now bears the ring is engaged to be married. As men propose to their future brides, they present these engagement rings as betrothal gifts to the women they love. In some cases it replaces the promise rings which is usually bestowed as an indication, that there is a chance of a future together. By giving an engagement ring, this promise is sealed in stone so as to say and it is a way of telling the world that the person has made a commitment to someone else. There are also times that a woman buys her partner an engagement ring. Known as male engagement rings, these are worn to signify the impending nuptials (I personally think it's a way of telling all the women out there that this is my man, so "hands off"!). However having said that, not many of us know, as to which finger does the engagement ring go on. So, how is it decided that for the engagement ring which finger is the most appropriate one? Well, the answer to that varies according to the tradition of different countries. While in most Western countries, you should ideally slip on the engagement ring on the fourth finger of a person’s left hand, in countries like Poland and Ukraine tradition dictates that ring be worn on the right-hand. There are many age old traditions which determine the choice of the engagement ring finger.

Engagement Ring - Which Finger Does the Engagement Ring Go On?

There are many early customs and traditions which dictate as to which finger to wear engagement rings on. The most popular belief is that the fourth finger of the left hand is considered to be the veina amoris or the "vein of love", which means that the veins are directly connected to the heart. Hence, the tradition of wearing the engagement ring on finger which leads straight to the heart, as the symbol of love.

In countries like France, Spain and Germany, the tradition is to showcase the engagement ring on the right hand as there are certain beliefs that attach a negative connotation to the left hand. This is because the Latin word for left is "sinistra", a word that evolved into the English "sinister" and the Latin equivalent for right is "dexter", which evolved into "dexterity". Thus while left stood for the negative element, the right was considered good.

There are certain religious reasons for choosing a specific engagement ring finger. For example, in the Jewish culture, couples place the wedding ring on the right hand during the marriage ceremony and wear it on the left hand post - ceremony.

Engagement Ring Etiquette - During the Wedding Ceremony

The dilemma, as to where to place the engagement ring often arises on the D-Day when the wedding ring has to be worn. While an engagement ring signifies an intent to get married, wedding rings show an actual marriage. The etiquette usually dictates, that the engagement ring and wedding ring go on the left hand. Just before walking down the aisle, the bride moves the engagement ring to the opposite hand. After the ceremony, she can place it back on the left hand in front of the wedding ring. Some women simply leave their rings on their fingers and switch the places of the rings later on.

So whether you are someone wanting to give a beautiful diamond engagement ring or someone who hopes to receive one, knowing engagement ring traditions is useful for making an educated decision.