Wedding rings hold significant meaning for couples who choose to symbolize their love and commitment through the exchange of rings. While the process of selecting the perfect wedding band can be exciting, knowing how to wear them correctly can be a source of confusion for many people.
Should the wedding ring be worn on the left or right hand? Should it be worn alone or with the engagement ring? In this article, we’ll explore different cultures, traditions and provide a comprehensive guide to wearing your wedding ring or engagement ring correctly, so you can confidently display your love and commitment for years to come.
Oval Cut Halo Engagement Ring – Jillian paired with the Curved Chevron Diamond Wedding Band in White Gold
Different Cultures and Wedding Ring Sets
Wedding traditions and customs vary across cultures and religions around the world. The tradition of wearing wedding bands and engagement rings is also observed in many cultures, but the way they are worn and the symbolism behind them may differ.
Western Culture
In Western culture, the engagement ring is traditionally worn first on the left-hand ring finger, followed by the wedding ring during the wedding ceremony. The wedding ring is placed closest to the heart, with the engagement ring worn in front of it. In some modern traditions, couples will also purchase an anniversary band or an eternity band to signify their forever love, various milestones, or a gift for many years of marriage. It is also common to see modern brides choosing a bridal set which includes a matching wedding and engagement ring.
Jewish Culture
In Jewish culture, ancient tradition shows the wedding band worn first on the index finger of the right hand during the ceremony, followed by the engagement ring. After the ceremony, both rings are moved to the left-hand ring finger.
Hindu Culture
In Hindu culture, engagement rings and wedding or engagement rings are not traditionally worn. Instead, a necklace or pendant, known as a “Mangalsutra,” is given to the bride during the wedding ceremony, symbolizing her married status.
Classic Double Halo Engagement Ring – Melodie in White Gold
Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, the engagement rings and wedding rings are both worn on the left hand’s ring finger, with the wedding band worn in front of the engagement ring.
Japanese Culture
In Japanese culture, the wedding band is traditionally worn first on the right ring finger during the ceremony, followed by the engagement ring. After the ceremony, both rings are moved to the left-hand ring finger, with the wedding band worn in front of the engagement ring.
Muslim Culture
In Muslim culture, engagement rings and wedding bands are not traditionally worn, but a simple gold band may be exchanged during the wedding ceremony.
African Culture
In African culture, engagement rings and wedding bands are not traditionally worn, but instead, the couple exchanges other items, such as bracelets or necklaces.
Oval Cut Classic Halo Engagement Ring – Jacalyn paired with two of our Classic Wedding Band – Adorlee in White Gold
Greek Culture
In Greek culture, the engagement ring is traditionally worn first on the left hand’s fourth finger, followed by the wedding band during the wedding ceremony. The wedding band is placed closest to the heart, with the engagement ring worn in front of it.
Latin American Culture
In Latin American culture, the engagement ring is traditionally worn first on the left hand’s fourth finger, followed by the wedding band during the wedding ceremony. The wedding band is placed closest to the heart, with the engagement ring worn in front of it.
What We Can Gather About Different Cultures’ Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands
While the tradition of wearing wedding and engagement rings is common across many cultures, the way they are worn, and their significance may differ. Whether it’s a simple gold band or an intricate piece of jewelry, wedding bands and engagement rings are a symbol of love and commitment that couples around the world cherish. Whatever the culture, these symbols remain an essential part of the wedding ceremony, reminding couples of their love and commitment to each other for a lifetime.
Oval Cut Classic Halo Engagement Ring – Athena paired with our B1P11 Stackable Wedding Band in White Gold
On the Wedding Day
On the wedding day, the bride and groom exchange rings during the wedding ceremony, usually after they’ve exchanged their wedding vows. Some couples opt for a wedding ring set, or ring jackets which includes both the engagement ring and wedding band that are designed to match perfectly. This makes it easier to wear and coordinate the rings.
The rings are typically worn on the left-hand ring finger because of ancient Egyptian lore that believed a vein ran from that finger directly to the heart. While there is no strict rule on how to wear them, most people wear them in a certain order for practical and aesthetic reasons.
FAQs – Important Questions to Ask Regarding Wedding Bands
Which goes first, engagement ring or wedding band?
Many people wonder which ring to wear first, the engagement ring or the wedding band. There is no right or wrong way to wear your engagement or wedding rings. The most common way to wear them is to wear the wedding band closest to your hear (or put on your finger first) and the engagement ring on the top after the wedding ring However, individuals end up choosing what looks most aesthetically pleasing and feels most comfortable to them. Engagement and wedding rings are a very personal and meaningful pieces of jewelry that should reflect your most preferred way to wear them, not necessarily what is most common.
Ring Finger: Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band, Oval Diamond Eternity Band Set East To West, and Pear Shaped Diamond Eternity Band Set East To West Middle Finger: Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band Set East To West, Asscher Cut Diamond Eternity Band, and Oval Diamond Eternity Band in White Gold
Do you wear an engagement ring after a wedding?
Yes, the engagement ring is typically worn after the wedding. The wedding ring is added during the ceremony, but the engagement ring is still worn on the same finger, usually on the bottom. Some brides choose to wear a matching set where the engagement and wedding rings match perfectly.
What comes before an engagement ring?
There is nothing that necessarily comes before an engagement ring. However, some couples choose to start with other rings like a promise ring or a pre-engagement ring before getting engaged to symbolize commitment to each other.
What is the right way to put on a ring?
The right way to put on a ring is to slide it onto the finger, making sure that it fits comfortably and snugly. It should not be too tight or too loose, with your knuckle providing some soft resistance when sliding it on to your finger to ensure it is correctly sized and will not fall off easily
Which order do you wear engagement, wedding, and eternity rings?
The order in which you wear your wedding rings is up to personal preference. However, traditionally, the engagement ring is worn first, followed by the wedding band and then the eternity ring, if one is given. You can also choose to wear eternity rings on different fingers depending on what is comfortable, as well as just wearing one of the three rings as you wish.
Radiant Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring – Amelia in White Gold
Conclusion
Wearing engagement and wedding rings is a romantic tradition that has been around for centuries. They have been an essential part of a couple’s engagement and subsequent wedding ceremony for centuries. The exchange of wedding rings during the wedding ceremony is a beautiful and romantic tradition that is cherished by couples around the world. Regardless of how they are worn, these rings symbolize love and commitment, and they are a beautiful reminder of a special moment in a couple’s life.
