On which hand do you wear your engagement ring?

Photo (above): Jeweller: Elliot & Ostrich - Photographer: Maryn Haertel

Engagement ring left or right?

Which hand you wear your engagement ring on first depends on the country you live in. In Belgium, engaged couples traditionally wear their engagement ring mostly on the left hand. Engaged couples in other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, wear the ring on their right hand.

Culturally bound

Which finger you wear your engagement ring on depends on quite a few personal, cultural and religious factors. In some cultures, wearing a ring on the left hand is mainly a symbol of the heart and love for each other. In other cultures, however, the right hand is felt to be the one that can touch the heart in the most obvious way and is therefore considered more suitable for wearing the engagement ring.

Faith

In many Christian traditions, the engagement ring is worn on the left hand. After marriage, one then often slides the engagement ring on the same finger as the wedding ring. Then again, in Jewish tradition, the ring is usually worn on the woman's right hand. After the wedding, the wedding ring is added to the same hand, often above the engagement ring. In Islamic culture, the couple does not even always wear the engagement ring. If they do, they prefer a ring on the right hand.

Modern trends

So while there are traditions and cultural considerations for wearing your engagement ring, there are no universal rules. These days, it is quite acceptable to wear your engagement ring on whichever hand you prefer, depending on your personal preference. Some people also choose to hang their engagement ring on a chain around the neck, or wear it on the hand least likely -purely practically speaking- to bang into things on a daily basis. Editor's note ;-)

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