How to Wear Your Wedding Rings

Rings are symbolic of spouses’ everlasting love and commitment to one another. There are engagement rings, wedding rings, and eternity rings. If you’re the traditional type, here’s a guide to help you wear your wedding rings. That is unless you want to be a trailblazer and buck tradition. More on that later.

Wedding Ring Etiquette

The rules of etiquette regarding wedding rings have been around for thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians believed the left ring finger has a vein that leads directly to the heart. Wearing your wedding ring on this finger means it’s as close to your heart as possible. Here are a few rules to consider at different stages of marriage:

• Engagement Rings: Are traditionally presented when a partner proposes marriage to their prospective spouse. The engagement ring is usually worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. It is typically removed before a wedding ceremony, put in a safe place, or moved to the right hand. Some women choose to put it back on after the reception or wait while they admire their new wedding ring.
• Wedding Rings: Symbolic of a couple’s future together, a wedding ring is a universal symbol of love. It was popular among ancient Greeks and Romans. Wedding rings worn by both spouses didn’t become customary in the U.S. until the 20th century. They’re put on the fourth finger of the left hand. The design of wedding rings varies. Many wearers choose a platinum and gold base; while diamonds are still popular, many other gems may be used.

After the Wedding

After the wedding, engagement ring etiquette varies. Some women choose to place it on their other hand, while others choose not to wear it at all. There are also couples that weld the wedding and engagement rings together to create a truly customized piece.

Some couples wear eternity rings as well. An eternity ring is typically not received with an engagement or wedding ring. It’s often presented to celebrate an anniversary or the birth of a first child. Also known as infinity rings, eternity rings symbolize eternal love.

There’s no universal definition as to how to wear an eternity ring. Some people wear it on top of their wedding or engagement ring, while others place it in the middle. Others choose to wear it on their right hand.

Placement of Engagement and Wedding Rings

If you go by tradition, you’ll put your wedding ring on first, on the inside, as this puts it closer to the heart. Both rings are typically worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.

It is also common to wear the engagement ring first. Some people prefer to wear their rings in the order they received them. Others cherish the symbolism of a wedding ring solidifying the promise an engagement ring represents.

If you have short fingers and wearing two rings on one isn’t sensible, or you prefer to, you can wear your wedding ring on your left hand and engagement ring on your right hand.

Then again, some couples don’t follow any sort of tradition. Being a trailblazer is fine in most faiths and cultures, so you can pick alternative precious stones, have matching wedding bands for both spouses, or something else.

Order Custom Jewelry from Jeweler’s Touch

Jeweler’s Touch offers custom design services for bridal jewelry so you can create a ring that suits your personal taste and style. We also offer ring sizing, repairs, and financing. Call 714-942-0494 or contact us online to learn more.