Couple Rings: Which hand is the most appropriate one?
The engagement ring: The ring you choose is entirely up to you
The wedding proposal has been planned until the very last detail, the perfect engagement ring has been chosen and there's only one question left to answer what hand will the ring be put on? The first step is to would like to clarify how the tradition of the engagement ring came about in the first place.
Why does the tradition of the engagement ring have to be there?
The engagement ring was worn to signify a promise to marry in the future. This tradition has its origins in bride-buying. In the past, all bachelors went in search of a bride to find the ideal woman for them. Once they found the perfect woman they had to negotiate with her father for a dowry to be paid in exchange for their wedding. This custom has been preserved in the United States where the person who proposes marriage to their partner puts an engagement ring on their finger.
Where can you wear your engagement ring?
In the United States it is customary to place the engagement rings on the finger that holds the ring on the left hand, which is where it remains until the wedding. It is believed to signify the journey from the hand to the partner's heart. It is possible to remember this saying"Left is good and right is bad." Right is not, if you don't want to lose it in the excitement around the wedding. The traditional place for the engagement ring is therefore to the left of the ring finger - but what is the origin of this traditional ring position originate from?
Why do you think that the rings are traditionally worn on the right?
The reason we, and other nations wear the engagement ring on the finger of the left hand is suspected to be a fact that has been around for many years in the past. The Greeks, who already used engagement rings to signify of commitment and planned weddings, are believed to wear rings on the finger that holds the ring of the left hand. They believed that a vein, called the "Vena Amoris" that drew blood from this finger to the heart.
The ancient Egyptians and Romans also put a lot of importance on the ring finger of the left hand, and made use of it for the engagement ring.
Tradition or modernity Who buys engagement rings?
In a lot of relationships, it is the man who finally takes the courage to propose. So, they usually purchase engagement rings. It is possible that the woman will propose first, and then have the matching rings prepared. Some couples decide to marry in a couple and then choose the rings together. Everyone is free to express their individuality with the design of the engagement ring as well as the selection. What happens if the man wishes to wear an engagement ring?
Men also wear an engagement ring?
The person who wants to propose usually buys an engagement ring for their partner. But of course, everyone is free to choose what they like in this regard Some men may also want to wear a sign of their engagement, and so get a men's ring for themselves at the same time. Women who are planning to propose to their loved ones typically do not want to be without the symbolic piece. In the past it was commonplace for couples to purchase a pair of matching engagement rings. The rings were taken off shortly before the wedding ceremony, and then put back on during the ceremony. You can buy one engagement ring, or a piece of jewellery for each of you.
And where do you normally wear the wedding ring?
During the engagement period, couples will also be asking themselves the question: Which side do you wear the wedding ring? In Germany the custom is to wear the wedding band on the right hand. This custom probably dates back to the Bible and is especially important for those who are Catholic. In Exodus 15 verse 6, it is stated in the Bible that the right hand represents the good hand. In strict Catholicism, the left hand is considered as unclean. This categorization can also be found in German. For instance, everybody knows the expression "Everything is legal". The wedding ring is therefore its traditional place on the ring finger of the right hand. What happens to engagement rings once the marriage is over? It is a ring that holds emotional value for the wearer between the wedding and engagement.
What happens to the engagement ring when it's gone? the marriage?
Many women feel the same way they wear their beautiful engagement ring over a period of months or even years before the wedding, get used to it and build an attachment to the piece of jewelry. This creates the desire to wear the engagement ring even after marriage and after wearing the wedding ring. But what is the best way to do this? If you or your partner want to wear the engagement ring forever you have several options.
What alternatives are there to wearing both rings simultaneously?
If the engagement ring is visually harmonious with the wedding ring, just leave them both on your fingers. There is nothing wrong with this option when you feel at ease with it. So, you wear the engagement ring on your left hand side and the wedding ring on the right.
You could also swap fingers. Many people place the engagement rings on the middle finger of their right hand following the wedding.
You can also continue to wear the engagement ring as a pendant. This is a great option for anyone who doesn't want to let the engagement ring gather dust in a drawer, however, they feel that two rings on one hand are too for them.
The engagement ring is worn as a ring on the right hand, immediately before the wedding band.
You can wear both rings at once if you feel at ease with it and they are able to be worn each other. If you know this prior to the wedding it is recommended to choose engagement rings and wedding rings at the same time. Make sure that they are in line in terms of shape, color and material. This will result in an aesthetically pleasing picture. We're happy to assist you on this matter: simply contact our service.
Engagement ring: Which side is chosen in other countries?
The reason why the ring is worn here and in other countries is not understood. This is the reason traditions differ so widely from country to country.
In general in general, in Mediterranean regions, couples tend to wear their wedding ring on their left hand. This is the case in France, Switzerland, Portugal, Turkey or Croatia, for example. The further north you go the more likely that the right hand is chosen for the wedding ring.
In Germany, the right hand, as mentioned above is the wedding ring hand. However, it is not the only hand.
Is this a mandatory decision? Or do you have the option of choosing which hand you'd like to use as the symbol of your marriage?
No obligations
You don't have to wear your wedding engagement ring on the hand that is weaker. Perhaps, as with many couples these days you'd rather wear the wedding ring on the hand that is less able. This has the benefit that the ring does not get worn out as fast. It doesn't matter whether you don't wear rings. It is a symbol of your love and that's all it is. The wedding band can be worn either hand.
Right-handed or left-handed: does it make an impact?
You may also decide to place the ring on your weaker hand, i.e. the hand you use less often. If you're left-handed it could be your right hand.
The hand you choose to wear the engagement ring is totally up to you
There are a few uncertainties regarding the engagement ring you might face when planning your engagement - putting it on the right hand is not one of the most important. You can decide if you want to wear the engagement ring left-handed or if you prefer a different style. You now have a wealth of ideas for the topic of what will happen to this piece of jewelry after the wedding.
We'll be glad to assist you in choosing the perfect ring for your future fiancée. In our online store, you will find a variety of ring designs made from different materials and with different colors. We can also assist you find the right ring sizes. Do you want to engrave your wedding or engagement rings? This is also attainable with us. We can do it in high-quality and without long wait. Not to mention, our team of experts at JC Wedding Rings is always willing to answer any questions that you may have regarding engagement rings and wedding bands.