There are no hard and fast rules about ring fingers. However, long-standing traditions, cultural beliefs, symbolic meanings, and fashion statements can be applied when wearing them. One tradition about ring fingers is that a wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. It’s also worn differently when you’re engaged, so we’ve outlined how to wear diamond engagement rings and diamond eternity rings.
Engagement Rings
Wearing engagement rings is the initial declaration of love accompanying a marriage proposal. It is a symbol of commitment, the promise of devotion and fidelity between couples.
For some religions, like Catholics in the Netherlands, they wear them on the right hand. During the wedding ceremony, they transfer the ring to the left hand. For most people who are right-handed, the engagement ring jewellery is worn on the left hand to avoid damage.
Can You Wear an Engagement Ring on the Right Hand?
Of course! It’s not always about ring fingers. Upon marriage, some women use the left hand for the wedding ring and the right hand for the engagement ring. Should you want to purchase engagement rings now, feel free to enquire at our showroom.
Wedding Rings
The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity, its circular shape represents endless love. The wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because the vein in that finger runs directly to the heart. This practice is common in Asia and other Western countries. Apart from this, we often see that the wedding ring finger for male is also on the left hand.
Eternity Rings
An eternity ring has many different meanings. And it also comes in a range of colours and designs. Traditionally, it’s worn by couples to celebrate the anniversary of the wedding. For those in romantic relationships, it’s called a promise ring.
What Finger Does a Promise Ring Go On?
Typically, still, at the ring finger of the left hand.
How to Differentiate Eternity Rings from Wedding Rings?
Eternity rings are usually characterised by a full or half-band of gems, often corresponding with the appropriate gem for a particular anniversary.
What If You Have All Three?
It’s common to purchase engagement, wedding and eternity rings together. As mentioned earlier, wedding rings are worn on the left hand on the fourth finger. The engagement ring is then placed on top, with the eternity ring right above it. If this feels uncomfortable, or the rings don’t match together, it’s perfectly okay to wear the eternity ring on another finger or the right hand.
In all cases, it will be less important which finger is the wedding finger, or which is the engagement ring finger. As symbols of love and commitment, how you treasure the rings matter more than how they should be worn.
Can I Wear Rings on My Ring Finger If I’m Not Engaged or Married?
An old wives tale tells that wearing a ring on your left ring finger upon engagement is bad luck, but if you’re not the superstitious type, and you badly want to wear one, go for it. As long as it fits, there should be no problem. It’s your choice.
Undoubtedly, wearing rings on your ring finger could signify your relationship status, so best to wear it in the proper season.
Also, in the past, it was considered disrespectful to ask someone if he or she was in a relationship. Without having to ask a lot of personal questions, a ring would tell if the person is married or not.
In modern culture, the decision not to wear a ring on the ring finger could be for practical reasons. You might be travelling and risk losing the ring. Also, your profession requires getting your hands dirty, so you need to take off the ring to protect it.
Is It Okay to Wear Rings All the Time?
Although there are no major health risks involved, you can potentially damage your ring when you wear it at all times. If you wear it when cleaning, you could disfigure the setting, scratches the metals, or harm the stone. When you’re dealing with harsh chemicals, you’re exposing the ring, and it can get damaged. You’ll also want to remove your ring if you’re going to the gym or to sleep. Removing rings at night not only prevents swelling and protects the jewellery but also keeps you from having scratches.
Not taking your ring off can also become problematic to the skin. If your skin is sensitive to jewellery, wearing a ring at all times is discouraged. With prolonged exposure, your skin can get itchy, irritated, dry, or flaky.
Show your symbol of love with custom jewellery that’s elegant to wear and a priceless treasure to keep. Shop at Max Diamonds today.