The hand and the heart: Which hand should you wear an engagement ring on?
Proposing to your loved one with an engagement ring is a tradition with deep symbolism, representing unity, commitment, and the promise of a shared life together. But just as you’re about to drop to one knee, you may think to yourself, “Which hand does the engagement ring go on?”
This is a question that brings with it cultural and family traditions as well as historical significance. At Boston Ring and Gem (BRAG), we are proud to serve Boston’s richly diverse community and to help them celebrate their love stories in a personal and meaningful way.
In this blog, we explore the origins of the engagement ring and how its placement varies across cultures.
Western culture: Why the left hand?
In most Western cultures, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many parts of Western Europe, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the “ring finger.” This custom dates back thousands of years and is rooted in a blend of ancient beliefs and evolving traditions.
The practice of placing a ring on the left hand originates from the Romans, who were inspired by the ancient Egyptians’ spiritual belief in the vena amoris, or “vein of love” – a vein that runs directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. This poetic idea suggested that the ring, symbolizing eternal unity, should be worn on the finger connected to the heart, representing love and devotion.
It is also traditional in Western cultures for the wedding band to be worn on the same finger, often below the engagement ring. The stacking of rings creates a powerful visual representation of the couple’s journey from engagement to marriage, with the two rings symbolizing their everlasting commitment and the enduring nature of their love.
The wider world: How different cultures wear engagement rings
Boston’s vibrant community brings together people from multicultural backgrounds, each with its own traditions for the placement of engagement rings, including:
- Eastern European traditions: In many Eastern European countries, the engagement ring is worn on the right hand and is inspired by the Eastern Orthodox belief that the right hand is more sacred, as it is the hand used for making the sign of the cross.
- Latin American and Spanish traditions: In many Latin American countries, engagement rings are also worn on the right hand. However, in some cultures, the engagement ring is moved to the left hand after the wedding ceremony to symbolize the transition from engagement to marriage.
- South Asian traditions: For South Asian communities, such as those from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, ring-wearing varies according to religion. In Hindu culture, engagement rings are worn on the right hand, as the left hand is considered unlucky. While engagement rings are not a requirement in Islamic tradition, many Muslim couples have adopted the practice. But, the choice of which hand to wear the ring on depends on personal preference, family customs, and regional influences.
So, which hand?
The question of which hand an engagement ring should be worn on spans centuries, continents, and cultures. While tradition holds great significance, today many couples choose to personalize their ring-wearing customs; for example, wearing the engagement ring on the hand that feels most comfortable for them or switching the ring from one hand to another after marriage.
At BRAG, we celebrate and respect your individual choices. Whether you choose to follow timehonored traditions or decide to create a tradition of your own, the engagement ring remains a powerful representation of love, and we are here to help you craft a piece that will last a lifetime.
If you have any questions or are ready to design the perfect engagement ring, contact us on 617-720-2724 or schedule an appointment by emailing info@bostonringandgem.com