What Hand Does An Engagement Ring Go On?

So you want to know which finger the engagement ring goes on? Woo-hoo! Sounds like someone has either gotten a fantastic proposal or has reason to believe that great news is coming soon. Whatever the reason, you just know that it matters. 

Picture this… your special person pops the question, then you both realize that you're not sure exactly which hand the engagement ring goes on. Awkward, right? So now picture this… your special person pops the question, and you put forward the correct hand and finger. Voilà, perfect engagement. 

Who Decided The Placement Of The Engagement Ring?

According to a book by George Monger "Marriage Customs of the World", it was believed that the heart and the ring finger were connected by a single vein that connects your hearts through your rings. The early Romans called this the Vena Amoris, or vein of love. 

This solidifies the belief that marriage was founded in love, How romantic is that? Tradition matters, as couples all over extend their left-hand to profess their love for one another. 

Some women switch their engagement ring to their right-hand prior to the nuptials, allowing the groom the chance to place the ring on the proper  left-hand ring finger. You can combine the rings anytime thereafter if you choose. Some brides have even had their rings soldered into one.

Cultural Differences — Ultimately, The Choice Is Yours

In the US and the UK, wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. However, central and northern Europeans wear their wedding ring on the opposite ring finger. Swedish brides are a little different in that they wear three rings, to include — an engagement ring, a wedding band, and the motherhood ring.

Measuring Up

Have you thought about getting your ring finger measured? If not, here are some things to consider:

• The size and shape of your finger 
• Does the ring that you envision compliment your lifestyle?
• If you work out could you lose your ring?
• Don't forget about climate, remember that fingers tend to swell in the summer and slim down in the winter cold. 
• The width of the band as thicker the band the tighter the fit. 

Fashion Strada can help ensure that your ring is the perfect fit and ring guards can help fix any looseness during the winter months.