Which Finger Does a Wedding Ring Go On? Here's EXACTLY Why (2024)

FAQs

What hand does the wedding ring go on Why? ›

Just before the wedding ceremony, the engagement ring is exchanged onto the right hand so the wedding ring can be placed onto the left hand, to be worn closest to the heart.

This tradition was likely inherited from the Romans, who preferred their right hand because they associated their left hand with untrustworthiness. In other countries, like Russia, it's believed that wearing the ring on the right hand was inherited through the Orthodox Christian Church from the Romans.

The Romans, who introduced the world to the principle of marriage proposals, believed that the left hand was untrustworthy and unholy. Therefore, they used to wear their wedding rings on their right hand. The right hand is a symbol of trust, loyalty, and honor. All characters you want in a marriage.

In terms of placement, no particular rule exists, though many believe whichever finger you've designated as your "engagement and/or wedding ring finger" holds the greatest significance. An old wives' tale denotes that wearing a non-committal ring on your left-hand ring finger could be bad luck.

While it's common in the Western world to have your ring finger on your left hand, that tradition doesn't hold true throughout the world. Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland, Austria, Norway, Russia and Spain, among other countries, have cultural traditions that dictate you wear your wedding ring on the right.

In many Western countries, the tradition of wearing an engagement ring on the fourth finger on the left hand, (the left ring finger on the ring finger guide below), can be traced back to the Ancient Romans.

Divorce rings are symbolic jewelry adopted by people who have experienced the breakdown of a relationship. They tend to incorporate elements of the original engagement ring or wedding band, but are reimagined in a new setting or design in order to reshape the memories or history attached to the ring.

While less common, some individuals choose to wear their wedding ring on the right hand as a symbol of separation or divorce.

The widow wears the ring on the right ring finger while the widower wears the ring on the left little finger. In this manner, the surviving spouse aids in the grieving process by allowing the spouse to express their status as a widowed person.

There is, for example, no mention of a wedding ring in the Bible. Rather, the exchange of wedding rings is a custom Jews have absorbed from the wider cultures in which they have lived. Even so, it has now become an integral and iconic part of a Jewish wedding.

What cultures do not wear wedding rings? ›

In Asian cultures, engagement and wedding rings are not as common or significant in comparison to Western traditions. Men often do not wear wedding rings at all, and women have started to wear wedding rings only quite recently compared to Christian-influenced countries.

Wearing two wedding bands can hold various meanings. It might symbolize a milestone anniversary, an upgrade or redesign of the original band, or the inclusion of a family heirloom. Some men choose to wear a separate band for each significant event or stage of their lives.

It is best to take off your wedding ring before going for a swim in a pool, lake, or ocean, as chlorine and saltwater can be harmful to some metals and also gemstones. Cold water can cause fingers to shrink, making it easy for the ring to slide off.

A: There are no rules saying that you cannot wear a ring on your ring finger if you are not engaged or married! However, if you choose to wear a ring on this finger – especially if it is a gold band or a diamond ring – be prepared for some people to assume that you are married or partnered.

It is perfectly fine to wear a wedding ring even if you are not married. For some people, a wedding ring is a symbol of commitment and love, even if they are not married. Others might wear a wedding ring to signify that they are in a committed relationship, even if they are not married.

The middle finger ring represents balance and structure. When a woman wears another ring on her middle finger, it generally doesn't have a meaning. People may choose to place a ring on any finger, but a middle finger ring is prominent and easily visible, so it can mean balance and stability.

In many Western cultures – from the UK to the USA, Canada and a variety of European countries - engagement rings and wedding bands are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.

The short version. Pinky – expression – signifies intellect and communication skills. Ring finger – relationship status – this is where your wedding band goes. Middle finger – individuality – communicates order and purpose. Index finger – allegiance – leadership and ambition – mainly used for membership rings.

Which Hand do Single People Wear a Diamond Ring? Most single women prefer wearing a diamond ring on the right hand ring finger, but this is truly up to personal preference! The left hand ring finger is usually reserved for marriage, so some prefer to avoid this hand as it could dissuade other potential partners.