Engagement rings and wedding rings have been a part of the whole wedding convention for quite some time. However, people still find it confusing when it comes to choosing one. Both these rings serve a different purpose and have their own significance, and people wonder what’s the right way to wear an engagement ring and a wedding rings.
It all comes down to your style of the proposal and what you have in mind when you pop the question. Knowing the difference between a wedding ring and an engagement ring can help you understand which one you should choose. With that said, here are some common questions about these rings answered for you.
What is the Ring Finger?
The finger between the middle finger and the pinky finger on both hands is called the ring finger. They’re called the ring finger as people wear their engagement rings on this finger. In most cases, however, the ring finger may specifically refer to the one on the left hand where the engagement ring goes.
What is the History and Meaning Behind the Ring Finger?
The ring finger gets its name and significance from Ancient Roman times. It was believed that a vein called Vena Amoris on the ring finger directly ran to the heart. Vena Amoris translates to the vein of love because the heart has always signified love.
It was from Roman times that people would wear a ring on their finger, which symbolized commitment to a loved one, thus becoming a mark of love and romance.
Can I Wear Rings on My Ring Finger If I’m Not Engaged or Married?
While there is no rule that suggests you cannot wear a ring on your ring finger without being engaged, people generally get curious when they spot a gold band or a diamond ring on this finger. So, if you’re wearing a ring on your ring finger, many people might assume that you’re either married or engaged.
However, when you choose a ring that does not look like a classic engagement ring, such as a stack of rings or a fashion ring, it might not be mistaken for a wedding ring or an engagement ring.
What Finger Do You Put A Promise Ring On?
While getting a promise ring is not a very common trend, the trend of wearing promise rings as a commitment to marriage or engagement in the future is definitely on the rise.
People generally wear a promise ring on their left ring finger as a placeholder for an engagement ring, or on their right ring finger.
What Does a Wedding Ring Symbolize?
Wedding rings are a symbol of the eternal commitment of love towards a partner in the relationship. People exchange wedding rings on the day of their wedding after the vows.
A wedding ring is thought to be a little greater in significance when compared to an engagement ring as it marks the beginning of a life full of love and commitment together. However, in many cases, people use their engagement ring as a wedding ring as well.
In What Order Should I Wear My Engagement and Wedding Ring?
When people choose to wear both an engagement ring and a wedding ring, they generally stack the wedding ring below the engagement ring, which means they like to wear the wedding ring closest to the heart.
However, you can also wear an engagement ring below the wedding ring if you’re more comfortable with it.
Can Men Wear Engagement Rings?
While it is not as common in western cultures for men to receive engagement rings, it is not unusual for men to wear one. The idea behind men wearing an engagement ring is that it is the same commitment that they have towards their partner as do women.
There are numerous male celebrities who wear engagement rings, including Ed Sheeran, Michael Bublé, and David Otunga, among others.
Engagement Ring Vs. Wedding Ring: What’s the Difference?
While wedding and engagement rings are two terms that many use interchangeably, they both hold a special significance and symbolize two different milestones. An engagement ring is the choice of the ring when someone proposes, while the wedding rings are exchanged during the wedding vows.
Buying the right type of wedding jewelry and the way you would want to wear these rings is a lot about your personal preference. People might choose to wear one ring or may pick two rings- one for the proposal and the other specifically to exchange during the wedding vows. It is important to point out that there’s no right or wrong way of choosing a certain ring.
If you’re confused as to which one would suit your commitment to love, you can always seek professional assistance and talk to the seller to have more clarity.