There are many different opinions on which your wedding ring finger is. Some people believe that the wedding ring should go on the fourth finger of the left hand, while others think it should go on the right hand. There’s the same conundrum with engagement rings too.
So, which is the correct answer?
Keep reading below to find out.
We’ll also discuss if you can wear these rings on the same finger after getting married and how to measure your ring size. We’ll also bust some myths and discuss history, so stay tuned!
The History of the Wedding Ring Finger
In many Western cultures, the wedding ring finger is the fourth finger on the left hand.
The tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand dates back to Roman times. According to the Romans, this finger contained the “vena amoris”, or the “vein of love”. This belief likely arose because this finger supposedly has a vein that directly leads to the heart. While the exact origins of this tradition are unclear, the symbolism of the “vena amoris” has remained strong throughout history. In many cultures, the fourth finger is still considered the most romantic spot for a wedding ring.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. All of the fingers on both hands contain veins connected to the heart. Nevertheless, the tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand persists in many Western cultures.
In other countries, the wedding ring finger is the fourth finger on the right hand.
That’s because the Latin word for left, “sinistra,” is also associated with bad luck. Of course, that’s another myth – none of your hands is luckier or unluckier than the other.
The History of Engagement Rings
In the Western world, it is most common for women to wear engagement rings. This tradition is thought to have originated in the 15th century, when Austria’s Archduke Maximilian gave an engagement band to his future wife, Mary of Burgundy.
Today, engagement rings are typically diamond solitaire rings, although they can be made from any material and do not necessarily have to be expensive.
In other cultures, however, engagement rings are not as standard.
For example, it is more common for couples to exchange gifts when they become engaged rather than exchanging rings in many parts of Asia. As a result, there is no one standard practice for who wears an engagement ring across cultures.
In Singapore and much of the western world, the groom typically buys the engagement ring and then proposes to the bride.
In other cultures, the process is different.
For example, in some Latin American countries, like Chile, men wear engagement rings too. Initially, the couple wears these rings on their right hands. After getting married, they use the right hand for their wedding bands, transferring their engagement rings to their left.
There’s another difference.
In many Asian cultures, couples often exchange rings during their wedding ceremony instead of during their engagement.
There are various reasons why couples exchange rings, and how they exchange them depends on their culture and traditions.
However, the exchange of rings is a universally recognised symbol of love and commitment.
In What Order Should You Place Rings on Your Wedding Ring Finger?
For many people, this question is a matter of personal preference. However, a few general guidelines can help you make the best decision for your unique situation.
- If you’re wearing multiple rings, it’s generally advisable to place the largest one on the bottom. This technique will help create a balanced look and prevent the smaller bands from spinning around on your finger.
- If you’re wearing a wedding band and an engagement ring, the latter is traditionally worn on the bottom as well. This placement serves two purposes: first, it prevents the engagement ring from getting scratched or damaged; and second, it keeps the rings close together so that they are less likely to become lost.
Of course, ultimately, how you wear your rings is up to you. So experiment with different placements until you find the arrangement that feels most comfortable and stylish.
Can You Wear Your Wedding Ring and Engagement Ring on Different Hands?
The answer is…maybe. It depends on the style of the rings and how they fit together. If the bands are similar in size and shape, they may not look right when worn on different hands.
On the other hand (pun intended), if the rings are different sizes or have unique designs, they can complement each other when worn on different hands. This placement can also show off the engagement ring, which is often more elaborate than the wedding ring.
So if you’re looking for a way to add some variety to your jewellery collection, wearing your rings on different hands is an option worth considering.
Can You Wear Rings on Your Wedding Ring Finger Without Being Hitched?
In short, yes – you can totally rock rings on your wedding ring finger even if you’re not engaged or married!
Contrary to popular belief, the fourth finger on the left hand is not actually reserved for those who are betrothed or hitched. In fact, this finger is often left bare in many cultures.
So, if you’re not engaged or married, and you want to wear a ring on your wedding ring finger, go for it! Who knows, maybe someone will take the hint (wink, wink).
Just be prepared for people to ask about your relationship status.
Wearing a ring on this finger tends to garner quite a bit of attention. And if that’s not your thing, you might want to consider wearing your rings on another finger. But ultimately, it’s up to you! So, rock that ring with confidence, girl!
How Do You Measure the Size of Your Wedding Ring Finger?
If you’re shopping for a ring, you’ll need to know your ring size. But how do you measure the size of your ring finger?
The most common way is to use a strip of paper or a piece of string.
- First, wrap the paper or string around your finger, making sure to slip it over the joint.
- Then, mark the point where the two ends meet and measure the distance with a ruler.
- If you’re using inches, divide by 0.03937 to get your ring size in millimetres.
- Keep in mind that fingers can fluctuate in size due to temperature and other factors, so it’s best to measure your finger at room temperature.
- If your measurement is between 1 and 2 inches (2.54 and 5.08 cm), you’re probably a size 4 or 5.
- If your measurement is between 2 and 3 inches (5.08 and 7.62 cm), you’re probably a size 6 or 7.
Of course, the best way to find out your ring size is to try on different models.
Bottom Line
There’s no denying that wedding and engagement rings are expensive. Even a simple gold band can cost hundreds of dollars, and more elaborate rings can easily exceed $1000.
So it’s no wonder that many couples hesitate to purchase them.
But even though they may be pricey, there are good reasons to invest in these unique jewellery pieces. These rings symbolise your love and commitment to each other. They also serve as a reminder of your special day every time you look at them.
And, unlike different types of jewellery, they will never go out of style.
So if you’re considering getting engaged or married, don’t let the cost of rings deter you. If you’re worried about money, remember that Lending Bee is always here to help.
We offer competitive rates and flexible repayment terms, so you can make your dream wedding a reality. Contact us today to learn more.
About Lending Bee
In a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world, you can count on one thing – your partner in credit, Lending Bee. Just like an industrious bee, we are committed to helping each and every customer access credit – quickly, easily and seamlessly.
