Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Traditions: History, Meaning and How to Wear Them
The tradition of giving an engagement ring dates back thousands of years, with its roots in ancient Egypt and Rome. Over time, the ring evolved from a symbol of commitment and a formal marriage agreement into the romantic tradition we recognise today.
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptians some people believe should be credited with inspiring the tradition of exchanging rings as symbols of love and commitment. The circle, with no beginning or end, represented eternity, making it a meaningful symbol for a lasting relationship.
Some accounts also associate Egyptian ring traditions with wearing a ring on the fourth finger of the left hand. However, the precise origins of this custom are uncertain.
Ancient Rome
In ancient Rome, rings became an established part of marriage and betrothal customs according to The MET Museum. A ring could signify a formal promise to marry, as well as the social and legal commitments involved in the union.
Early Roman betrothal rings were often made from iron, while gold rings were also used. Unlike the modern tradition, these rings were not necessarily given as declarations of romantic love; they could also represent an agreement between families.
1477
One of the most famous milestones in engagement-ring history came in 1477 according to the GIA, when future Roman Emperor Maximilian was advised on a diamond ring for his betrothal to Mary of Burgundy.
This was one of the earliest documented examples of a diamond engagement ring among European nobility. It helped establish diamonds as a symbol of commitment among the wealthy.
Victorian Era
During the 19th century, engagement rings became increasingly associated with romance and personal sentiment. Queen Victoria influenced jewellery fashions, and her own engagement ring from Prince Albert featured a snake design, symbolising eternal love.
Rings often incorporated diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls and intricate gold settings. They became a way to express affection and individual style, rather than simply formalising an agreement to marry.
20th Century
Although diamond engagement rings existed for centuries, they only became a widespread expectation during the 20th century.
Greater diamond availability with large diamond discoveries in South Africa during the late 19th century increased the supply of diamonds.
Why Do We Wear Engagement Rings On The Fourth Finger Of The Left Hand ?
The custom is often traced to the ancient Roman belief in the vena amoris, or “vein of love”, which was thought to run directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart.
Although this anatomical belief is incorrect, the tradition endured in many Western countries. Today, engagement-ring customs vary around the world, with some cultures favouring the right hand instead.
What Does An Engagement Ring Symbolise Today?
An engagement ring is now widely understood to represent:
Love - A tangible expression of affection for a partner.
Commitment - A public symbol of the intention to marry.
Eternity - The unbroken circle represents a lasting bond.
Individuality - The choice of metal, diamond shape and setting allows couples to express their personal tastes.
What Hand Should You Wear An Engagement Ring?
Traditionally in the UK, an engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, next to the little finger. However, the correct hand depends on the country & cultural traditions. Sometimes despite tradition people have personal preference on which hand they would rather wear their ring.
(An image of a Lucy Jurado Oval Solitaire Ring)
What About After The Wedding?
In the UK, many people continue wearing their engagement ring on the left hand after marriage. Some place the wedding band closer to the heart, followed by the engagement ring.
Others move the engagement ring to the right hand during the wedding ceremony before returning it to the left hand.
At the end of the day, in the UK, the traditional choice is the left hand, on the fourth finger. Having said that, there is no universal rule and either hand is perfectly acceptable.
How To Wear An Engagement Ring & Wedding Band?
Traditionally, an engagement ring and wedding band are worn together on the fourth finger of the left hand, with the wedding band closest to the heart and the engagement ring sitting above it.
Some people choose to wear only their wedding band for everyday activities, then wear their engagement ring on special occasions. This is practical for those with active lifestyles or jobs where a diamond ring might be damaged or get in the way.
Other couples even have their engagement rings and wedding bands soldered together, directly symbolizing their bond.
Some couples choose to wear the engagement ring first (closer to the palm), followed by the wedding band. Certain designs may look better like this or it may just be more comfortable.
Those with large or uniquely shaped engagement rings may opt to wear their rings on separate fingers or hands.
What if the engagement ring and wedding band don't fit together?
The straight wedding band is a classic, simple look that works well with many engagement rings, but sometimes it may not sit flush with your engagement ring if you have a low profile engagement ring or a prominent design.
A curved or V style wedding band is shaped to follow the outline of your engagement ring, allowing the two rings to sit closely together. This is particularly useful for engagement rings with low-set centre stones or settings that extend beyond the band.
That said, you don't necessarily need the rings to sit flush against each other. A small gap can look elegant and intentional, especially with solitaire engagement rings that have a prominent centre diamond or an unusual setting.
Alternatively some people choose to wear them separately. This is a practical option if the rings do not sit comfortably together.
Why don’t some engagement rings & wedding bands sit flush together?
- Low-profile settings: The centre diamond sits close to the finger, leaving insufficient space for a wedding band.
- Large centre stones: A prominent diamond may prevent a straight wedding band from sitting flush.
- Halo settings: The surrounding diamonds can extend beyond the engagement ring's band, this is often the case with hidden halos that are positioned underneath the diamond.
- Unusual diamond shapes: Pear, oval and marquise settings may need a specially shaped wedding band.
- Unusual shaped rings: The design of one ring may interfere with the other.
Can you wear an engagement ring and wedding band that don't sit flush together?
Absolutely. There is no rule that says your rings must sit flush against each other. You can wear them with a small gap.
Some people choose a wedding band that does not sit flush against their engagement ring because they prefer the aesthetic, want to create a distinctive bridal set, or simply like the way the two rings look when worn together.
Although a flush fit is popular, it is not essential for a beautiful or practical ring combination.
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