Just as Darry Ring's philosophy of "Buy for One Person in a Lifetime" suggests, an engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewelry, but a symbol of deep affection. The engagement ring finger, a part of etiquette, its choice also reflects respect for the relationship and anticipation of the love journey ahead. In such a context, this article will delve into the traditional customs and personalized approaches to wearing engagement rings, helping you better resolve the confusion about what finger does an engagement ring go on.

What Finger Does an Engagement Ring Go on?

Simply put, the engagement ring goes on the fourth finger of the left hand, which is a tradition that dates back to ancient Roman times. It is the most common engagement ring finger for male and female now, but not the only way.

1. Engagement Ring Finger for Female

Influenced by ancient Roman tradition, women wear the engagement ring on the left ring finger in many countries, like America, Canada, Britain, France, and more.

However, in some Eastern and specific European countries such as Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, the fourth finger of the right hand is chosen as the engagement ring finger for women. Because the Latin word "left" denotes sinister and some Asian cultures view the left hand as impure, the right hand is traditionally used as the engagement ring hand.

2. Engagement Ring Finger for Male

What finger does an engagement ring go on for male? In general, men engagement ring finger goes on the fourth finger of the left hand, similar to engagement ring finger for women. It is the most common way for men to wear engagement rings, but the ring finger on the right hand is also seen.

It is customary for men to wear the engagement ring on the right ring finger rather than the left one in Chile and Switzerland. In addition, as LGBTQ+ rights have progressed and same-sex marriage has become legal, many gay couples are now choosing to get engaged and wear their rings on their right hand's fourth finger, signifying both their commitment and their bravery in standing out. This is an increasingly noticeable trend for guy engagement ring finger.

3. Personalized Engagement Ring Fingers

As noted, the answer to what finger does an engagement ring go on is not fixed. Driven by personal preference, gender equality, and celebrity influence, the finger for an engagement ring is no longer limited to the left or right hand. It has even moved beyond the hand, with flexible ways to express commitment. For example, you can wear the engagement ring as a necklace pendant as a keepsake. This is also recommended if you are involved in a lot of manual or outdoor labor.

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Why does an Engagement Ring Go on the Left Hand?

The customs of the left ring finger as the engagement ring finger for male and female dates back to ancient Roman. It is said that the ring finger of the left hand contains a vein that leads directly to the heart, referred to as "Vena Amoris", also known as the "River of Love" or "Vein of Love". The Romans also believed that, unlike necklaces and earrings, the unbroken circle of a ring symbolized the complete and genuine love shared by a couple.

Because of this deep respect and belief in love, the romantic tradition of wearing an engagement ring on the left-hand ring finger has become renowned and widespread. If you wear the engagement ring on this finger, it shows that you hold your one true love close to your heart and cherish her deeply. Of course, this also shows that you value the commitment to future marriage.

How to Wear an Engagement Ring after Marriage?

One of the most romantic parts of a wedding is the exchange of wedding bands. But how should the engagement and wedding rings be worn if you already have an engagement ring on your left hand?

Which Goes First Engagement and Wedding Ring?
The wedding ring should go first on the left ring finger, with the engagement ring on top of it. In this case, the wedding ring is closer to your heart, just like the Romans believed. It's also a symbol of your deep love and commitment to your partner.

1. Wear the Same Finger: Both the engagement ring and the wedding band can go on the left ring finger at the same time. Have your wedding band made to match the selected engagement ring, or choose a stackable wedding band so they don't clash when worn together;

2. Go on Different Hands: For a more outstanding look, choose the left ring finger as your wedding ring finger and the right ring finger as your engagement ring finger. Also, have different arrangements to your liking;

3. Fuse into a Single Ring: Fuse your wedding band and engagement ring to form one ring if you want to wear them together forever. This is a fantastic choice because the rings can then exactly match and even represent the marriage vows;

4. Consider as a Necklace: Wear your engagement ring without fingers, but as a necklace to better protect it or as a keepsake if you are involved in a lot of manual and outdoor labor.

FAQs About What Finger Does an Engagement Ring Go on

Do men wear engagement rings?

NO and yes for this question. Men historically didn't wear an engagement ring because they presented it to women as gifts, as a symbol of paying a dowry for the woman to marry. However, men are increasingly wearing engagement rings due to social progress, particularly in Sweden, Chile, and the United States. You'll also need a men engagement ring when you're ready to propose to your boyfriend.

Which Hand is for Engagement and Marriage?

Engagement and wedding ring finger or hand is traditionally associated with the fourth finger on the left hand. This stems from Roman's brief that this finger is connected to the heart. It is the gold standard, though, as the hand and finger for wedding rings and engagement rings vary by country, religion, and individual preference.

Final Word: The Choice is Yours

Do you remember the brand value of Darry Ring's "Buy for One Person in a Lifetime" mentioned at the beginning? As long as it doesn't go against your beliefs, once you choose a gold diamond ring from Darry Ring, the choice of engagement ring finger — whether based on tradition or personal preference — is entirely up to you and your partner. After all, the most important thing in the proposal and engagement ceremony is love and the person you love.