How To Wear Your Engagement Ring:
A Guide To Styling

The engagement ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand in the UK and most Western cultures. This custom is rooted in the ancient Roman belief that this finger contains the vena amoris or vein of love, which is thought to lead directly to the heart.

However, in several cultures around the world, the tradition is to wear the engagement ring on the right hand, reflecting diverse customs and historical influences. For example, in Germany and Austria it's customary for the engagement ring to be worn on the left hand initially, but after the wedding, the ring is moved to the right hand. In countries like Russia and India, people will wear engagement rings on their right hand as it is considered more significant or pure, reflecting blessings and good fortune. While many regions wear their wedding jewellery on the right hand for traditional reasons, some individuals do so to break the norm, or simply just prefer to have a ring on their dominant hand.

These variations highlight how engagement ring customs can serve as a reflection of cultural identity and personal significance, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ways different cultures celebrate love and marriage. At the end of the day, it comes down to your preference – the most important factor is that your engagement ring is comfortable and works for you, whether on your left or right hand.

The engagement ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, often referred to as the ‘ring finger’. Individuals will often refrain from wearing jewellery on their ring finger, reserving it specially for their future engagement ring.

People first began wearing their engagement ring on their ring finger during ancient Greek and Roman times, with records showing the earliest sighting to be in the 1600s. The fourth finger was believed by the Romans to contain the ‘vein of love’ that leads directly to the heart. Since then, the tradition has held and become the defining symbol of someone in a committed relationship.

Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from wearing your engagement ring on a different finger. More and more couples are making their own rules, breaking with tradition and cultural norms and instead striving toward a form of equality and individual expression. It’s completely up to you how you choose to wear your engagement ring – whether that means on a different finger or on a chain around your neck.

So how do you actually find out your partner’s ring size? Read our guide dedicated to secret ways you can discover your partner’s ring size and make sure your proposal is a total surprise.

Yes, you can absolutely wear your engagement ring down the aisle and most people do. The typical practice is to wear your engagement ring on your right hand during the ceremony, and then switch it back to the left hand above the wedding band after the exchange of rings. This avoids any awkward juggling of the different rings and allows the wedding band to be placed first on the finger during the ceremony. This arrangement also means that your wedding band will sit closest to your heart, exactly where it belongs.

After getting married, deciding how to wear your engagement ring can reflect both personal style and practicality. Whether you choose to keep it on the same finger as your wedding band or wear it in a different fashion, there are several common practices to consider:

• Wear your engagement ring next to your wedding ring: Stacking your two rings is the most traditional option and means you can admire both at the same time!

• Switch your engagement ring onto your right hand: Give your engagement ring its solo spotlight by moving it to your right hand, keeping your wedding band on the left.

• Wear your ring on a chain around your neck For those who find wearing rings uncomfortable or impractical, wearing them on a chain around the neck keeps them close to your heart – literally.

Each option offers a unique way to honour the sentimentality of your engagement while embracing the commitment symbolised by your wedding band. Choose the method that best suits your lifestyle and personal preference.

For those who cherish both their engagement and wedding rings, wearing them together on the same finger is a beautiful way to symbolise your union. Typically, the wedding band is worn first, lower down on the ring finger, followed by the engagement ring.

A common and traditional way to wear engagement and wedding rings together involves placing the wedding band first on the fourth finger of the left hand, closest to the heart, and then topping it with the engagement ring. This style not only adheres to Western matrimonial customs that prioritise the wedding band's proximity to the heart but also allows the engagement ring, often more ornate, to be more visible and prominently displayed. This arrangement helps to protect the typically finer details of the engagement ring while creating a beautiful, cohesive display of both symbols of love and commitment.

In a reversed style of wearing rings, the engagement ring is placed first on the fourth finger of the left hand, followed by the wedding band. This style, though less traditional, is chosen by some for practical or aesthetic reasons. It allows the engagement ring to sit directly on the finger, which can be more comfortable for daily wear, especially if the engagement ring has a larger or more intricate setting. Placing the wedding band on top can also help secure your engagement ring, which is typically of higher value. This method offers a modern twist on tradition while still representing the beautiful commitment between partners.

Choosing to wear your wedding ring and engagement ring on separate hands offers a distinct style that can be both practical and visually appealing, especially when the two rings differ significantly in design. Typically, the wedding band remains on the fourth finger of the left hand, as per tradition, while the engagement ring moves to the corresponding finger on the right hand. This arrangement not only balances the aesthetic impact of each ring but also avoids any clashing styles or discomfort that might arise from wearing them together. It’s a perfect solution for those who love both rings but prefer each to stand out on its own.

At Queensmith, we celebrate the unique ways individuals choose to wear their engagement rings. This philosophy extends to our bespoke ring services, where we offer tailored guidance in creating a ring that perfectly matches your aesthetic and lifestyle preferences.

For those looking to design a ring that is uniquely theirs, our bespoke engagement ring services provide the perfect opportunity. At Queensmith, we have gemmologists and design experts on hand to guide you every step of the way – from understanding the nuances of carat, colour, cut and clarity, to designing the perfect engagement and wedding rings that complement each other beautifully. This personalised approach ensures that your rings not only symbolise your love but also your individuality, making them as unique as your relationship.

There’s no one way to wear your engagement or wedding rings. Whether you wish to wear your rings on the opposite hand to tradition, on different fingers, just for special occasions, or around your neck in the form of a necklace, these options allow individuals to reflect their personal style and show the personal significance of a unique relationship in the way they feel comfortable.

Get inspired and explore our broad array of engagement rings, from time-honoured designs to modern twists, ensuring that everyone can find a ring that speaks to their story and style. For those who are more eco-conscious and budget-aware, consider our selection of lab grown engagement rings. These rings offer a cost-effective and more sustainable alternative without compromising on beauty or quality.

Discover our diverse ring designs, with various diamond options, and a spectrum of styles and colours that are as easy to love as they are to style. Find your forever ring with Queensmith, where beauty meets bespoke craftsmanship.