ENGAGEMENT Ring: Which Hand is the best one?
The hand you choose to wear your engagement ring is entirely up to you
The marriage proposal is perfect, the ideal engagement ring has been picked - now there's only one question to be answered: on which hand should the ring be placed? The first step is to would like to know how the tradition of the engagement ring was created in the first place.
Why does the tradition of the engagement ring continue to be a part of our culture?
The engagement ring was worn as a promise to marry in the near future. This custom is rooted in bride-buying. In the past bachelors would look for the perfect woman to marry. Once they found the perfect woman and negotiated with her father for a dowry that would be paid for the wedding they were planning to have. What remains of this tradition in this country is that the person who proposes to their partner puts an engagement ring on their finger to mark the occasion.
Where do you wear the engagement ring?
In the United States it is customary to put the engagement ring on the finger that is the ring of the left hand, where it will remain until the wedding ceremony. It is believed that the ring symbolizes the connection between the partner's hand and their heart. You may be familiar with the saying: Left is good, Right is not, if you don't want to forget it in the excitement around the wedding. The most traditional location for the engagement ring is to the left of the ring finger. But where does this traditional ring position come from?
Why is the ring typically worn on the left side?
The reason why we, along with many other nations, wear the engagement ring on the the left hand is suspected to be a fact that has been around for many years in the past. The Greeks who used engagement rings to signify of commitment and planned marriage, are said to wear rings on the finger of the ring on the left hand. They believed that a vein, called the "Vena Amoris", ran from this finger to the heart.
And last but not least, the ancient Egyptians and the Romans also gave a great importance to the finger that is ring-like on the left hand and utilized it to put on the engagement ring.
Tradition or modernity? Who buys engagement rings?
In many relationships in many relationships, the man is the one who finally decides to propose. So, typically, he also purchases engagement rings. But of course it is also possible for the woman to propose first, and have the wedding rings ready. Some couples choose to get married together and then choose the rings together. In the specific design of the engagement and the engagement rings each couple is free to express their individual affection however they wish. What if the man wants to wear the ring on his finger?
Do men wear engagement rings?
The person who wishes to propose usually buys a ring for their partner. Everyone is free to do as they please. Some men want to wear the ring as a symbol of their commitment and buy a men's ring at the same at the same time. Women who propose to their husbands typically do not want to do so without the ring that symbolizes their proposal themselves. In the past it was customary for couples to purchase a pair matching engagement rings. The rings were removed just prior to the wedding and put back on in front of the altar during the wedding ceremony. today, however they are used as wedding rings. You are at your own decision whether you'd like to purchase just one engagement ring - or whether you would like an item of jewelry for each of you.
And where do you traditionally wear your wedding rings?
In the period of engagement, couples also pose the question: Which side will you wear your wedding ring on? In Germany it is common to wear the wedding band on the right hand. This custom is built on the Bible is particularly significant for Catholics. In the Bible specifically in Exodus 15:6, it is stated that the right hand is considered to be the best hand. And the left hand is considered the unclean hand in the strict Catholic faith. Incidentally, this categorization is often also found in the German language. Everyone has heard the expression "Everything is legal". The wedding ring traditionally placed on the ring finger of the right hand. What happens to the engagement rings when the wedding closes? It is a piece of jewelry that has emotional value for those who wear it between engagement and wedding.
What happens to an engagement ring after a couple gets married?
Many women feel the exact way wearing the beautiful engagement ring for months or even years before the wedding, get comfortable with it and establish an emotional connection with the piece of jewelry. This leads to the desire to wear the engagement ring even after marriage and even after wearing the wedding ring. What is the best way to accomplish this? If you or your fiancee want to wear the engagement ring on a permanent basis, you have various options.
What are alternatives to wearing two rings simultaneously?
If the wedding and engagement rings appear visually in harmony they can be left both on the finger. This solution is fine as long as it makes you feel comfortable. Therefore, you continue to wear the engagement ring to the left and the wedding ring on the right.
Or you can simply switch fingers. Many people put the engagement ring on the middle finger of their right hand following the wedding.
You can also choose the option of continuing to wear the engagement rings as necklaces. This option is perfect for anyone who doesn't want to keep the engagement ring collecting dust in a drawer but is concerned that having two rings on one hand is just too excessive.
The engagement ring is also worn as a ring on the finger that holds the ring of the right hand, just prior to the wedding band.
You can wear both rings simultaneously If you are at ease and they can be paired one another. If you already know this before the engagement, it is best to select engagement rings and wedding rings simultaneously. Be sure that they complement one another in terms of shape, material and color and create a beautiful overall image. Contact us for more information.
Engagement ring: In other countries, which side is selected?
The reason why the ring is worn in this country and in other countries is not understood. This is probably why the style of wearing differs from country to country.
In general, couples from Mediterranean countries are more likely to wear their wedding rings on their left hand. This is the case, for instance, in France, Switzerland or Portugal. The further north you go, the more likely the right hand will be chosen for the wedding ring.
In Germany as we have already mentioned, the right hand is the hand used for wedding rings. However, it is not the only hand.
Is this decision mandatory or optional? Or do you have the option of choosing the hand you would prefer to use for the symbol of your marriage?
There aren't any obligations
You don't have to wear your wedding rings on the hand that is weaker. It is possible, as are many couples in this day and age to wear the ring with the hand that is weaker. The ring will not be worn out as fast. It's also not going to bother you if you're not used to wearing a ring. The ring represents the symbol of your affection and that's all that matters. Whatever you decide: the wedding ring will be valid in any hand and serves its purpose.
Does it matter if you are left-handed or right-handed?
You can decide to wear your rings on the hand you use less often, i.e. You can put your ring on the hand that you use less. If you're left-handed, this is probably your right hand.
The choice of the hand to wear the engagement ring is totally up to you
There are a few questions concerning the engagement ring you could face when planning your engagement placing it on your 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 look. You now have a variety of different options you do with the ring once the wedding is over.
We're glad to help you find the right wedding ring to give your future partner. In our online store, you will find a beautiful selection of ring styles constructed from various materials and with different colors. We will also assist you to determine the appropriate ring size. Do you wish to engrave your wedding or engagement rings? This is also attainable with us, in high-quality and without long waiting time. Last but not least our knowledgeable team at JC Wedding Rings will be pleased to answer any questions you might ask about engagement rings or wedding rings.