Which hand do you wear an engagement ring on?

2021-07-01 10:54:20

The moment of your proposal is a very romantic, magical moment and it is crucial for you to fully prepare for it, because even the slightest hesitation or waning self-confidence over the question “On what hand does the engagement ring go?” could quickly dispel the magic and have your beloved wondering whether you really want to spend the rest of your life with her. As it is, the answer to the question “What hand does the engagement ring go on?” depends on your (and, of course, your beloved’s) home country’s culture and tradition.

What Hand Does the Engagement Ring Go on in Different Countries?

Having taken over the custom of giving one’s chosen one an engagement ring over from the Egyptians, the ancient Romans and Greeks believed the ring finger of the left hand (which is closest to the heart in any case) to carry an “exceptional” vein (the “vena amoris”, as it was known by the Romans) that transported blood straight to the heart. Engagement rings were therefore traditionally placed onto this finger by both cultures.

As the custom spread around the world over subsequent centuries, this placement of the ring onto the left hand was also carried on and became a firm tradition in many countries. Even today, UK and Irish suitors will propose by placing a ring onto the left hand of their chosen one, as will suitors across:

Germany, Egypt and Italy, where the custom did, after all, originate
Sweden, France and Iceland
Romania, Finland and the USA
Australia, Canada and New Zealand
Croatia, Mexico and Slovenia
Turkey, Jordan, South Africa and varying other African countries, as well as
Several Islamic South & West Asian countries

It should perhaps be noted here that in some cases, religious beliefs may also make a difference. German Catholics, for example, tend to wear engagement rings on the right hand, while German Protestants often wear them on the left.

On What Hand Does the Engagement Ring Go Elsewhere?

There are also many countries where engagement rings are worn on the right hand, including, for instance:

Poland, Russia and Serbia
Austria, the Netherlands and Denmark
Spain, Norway and India
Bulgaria, Lithuania and Hungary
Brazil, Venezuela and Israel, as well as, somewhat surprisingly,
Greece

In Muslim ceremonies, neither engagement nor wedding rings are traditionally used but if they are, they are usually placed onto wearers’ right hand.

Wearing engagement rings on the right may be based on couples’ religious beliefs in some countries, whereas it may be based on their historical traditions and/or cultural norms in others.

What Would Your Beloved Prefer?

Which hand to wear the engagement ring on is, nonetheless, ultimately your beloved’s choice. She may, for example (like many ladies do), prefer to wear her ring on her “non-dominant” hand so she does not have to worry about accidentally damaging it while performing her usual daily activities.

Savicki Engagement Rings

Naturally, you will also want to find a beautiful and unique ring to fully express your eternal love to your beloved. Beautifully designed and lovingly created by our experienced jewellery artists from only the finest, highest quality precious metals and stones, Savicki engagement rings express your love with perfect beauty, timeless elegance and truly unique style.

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