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Engagement Ring FAQ

Engagement Ring FAQ

ENGAGEMENT RINGS 101

Which finger do engagement & wedding rings go on? (and why?)

It may be a well-known fact that in the United States and most western countries, the majority of engaged and married couples choose to wear their engagement or wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand—you know, the one we’ve nicknamed “the ring finger,” right next to the pinky. But do you know the reason behind the tradition?

It may be a well-known fact that in the United States and most western countries, the majority of engaged and married couples choose to wear their engagement or wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand—you know, the one we’ve nicknamed “the ring finger,” right next to the pinky. But do you know the reason behind the tradition?

QUESTION 01

What hand is the ring finger on, and why is that so? (and why?)

Turns out the underlying reason behind questions like ‘which finger is for engagement rings?’ and ‘which hand does a wedding ring go on?’ comes down to ancient ideas about anatomy and a pretty romantic—although totally false—sentiment. We have two Latin words for you: Vena Amoris.

QUESTION 02

Which finger does an engagement ring go on? Answers from ancient Rome.

Rewind to ancient times, when people believed there was a single vein that ran straight from the ring finger to the heart. This supposed vein was called the Vena Amoris, which literally translates to “vein of love.” As inaccurate as this belief was anatomically, we admit it’s a pretty charming explanation for why the engagement ring and wedding ring go on the finger it does. It’s no wonder we’ve kept up with the tradition for millennial. Further in keeping with this dreamy idea, you can wear your wedding ring at the base of your finger (closest to your heart, they say) and stack the engagement ring on top of it. 

QUESTION 03

Which hand or finger does a wedding ring go on in other cultures?

While wearing your ring on the left hand is the most common way to signify you’re engaged or married in this country, there are plenty of other countries and cultures that do things differently. Head to some countries in northern Europe or Asia, for example, and you’ll find those rings are mostly worn on the right hand, for reasons unique to each culture. 

QUESTION 04

Which finger does the ring go on? Choose for yourself.

Like most things related to being married, there’s plenty of tradition to draw from—but it’s also totally fine to do things your own way, too. Wear your engagement or wedding ring on the hand or finger that feels right to you.

QUESTION 01

What hand is the ring finger on, and why is that so? (and why?)

Turns out the underlying reason behind questions like ‘which finger is for engagement rings?’ and ‘which hand does a wedding ring go on?’ comes down to ancient ideas about anatomy and a pretty romantic—although totally false—sentiment. We have two Latin words for you: Vena Amoris. 

QUESTION 02

Which finger does an engagement ring go on? Answers from ancient Rome.

Rewind to ancient times, when people believed there was a single vein that ran straight from the ring finger to the heart. This supposed vein was called the Vena Amoris, which literally translates to “vein of love.” As inaccurate as this belief was anatomically, we admit it’s a pretty charming explanation for why the engagement ring and wedding ring go on the finger it does. It’s no wonder we’ve kept up with the tradition for millennial. Further in keeping with this dreamy idea, you can wear your wedding ring at the base of your finger (closest to your heart, they say) and stack the engagement ring on top of it. 

QUESTION 03

Which hand or finger does a wedding ring go on in other cultures?

While wearing your ring on the left hand is the most common way to signify you’re engaged or married in this country, there are plenty of other countries and cultures that do things differently. Head to some countries in northern Europe or Asia, for example, and you’ll find those rings are mostly worn on the right hand, for reasons unique to each culture. 

QUESTION 04

Which finger does the ring go on? Choose for yourself.

Like most things related to being married, there’s plenty of tradition to draw from—but it’s also totally fine to do things your own way, too. Wear your engagement or wedding ring on the hand or finger that feels right to you.

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