Traditions and Trends on Wedding and Engagement Rings
Wedding and engagement rings are worn on the left hand in most countries, especially in the West. But what if you wear it on your right hand? Does that change the meaning of your cherished jewellery?
If you travel across the globe, you’ll find it fascinating that different cultures have different traditions and “rules” on wearing diamond rings and other rings with precious gems. This is in particular to those made to signify milestones in relationships and in life. And the meanings have also evolved for some over the years. You’ll see people wearing a ring or rings on their left hand, their right hand or even their toes.
Traditions
Rings made to symbolise events like engagement, wedding and anniversary are commonly worn on the ring finger of the left hand for most countries. It’s believed that a vein goes from this particular part of the hand straight to the heart.
In fact, it’s for this very reason that Egyptians in the ancient times named the third finger of the left hand as the official ring finger. In the middle of the 16th century, King Edward VI of England even made a decree stating the same idea.
But the Romans, who are considered among the first to exchange rings in wedding ceremonies, have always worn their rings on the right hand. In their culture, the “left” is associated with evil doings and weaknesses; thus, a valued piece of jewellery like a wedding band or an engagement ring has to be worn on the right hand.
The Eastern Orthodox Christians’ culture, particularly in Greece, follows the same “rule” as the Romans’. Other countries where people generally wear rings signifying love and commitment are Colombia and Poland. Couples in India also have their rings on their right hand, although they’ve used toe rings to symbolise betrothal or marriage before they went under the rule of the British Empire.
Trends
There’s a rise in wearing special rings on the right hand, however. These include wedding band and engagement rings, as well as other rings with precious stones and bands made for special events in relationships and in life. And the reason varies from nothing but simple practicality to the wearer’s current status and lifestyle.
You’ll see many men wear their wedding band on the right hand often without any meaning. They simply feel more comfortable with it. And for the left-handed, the jewellery will be worn more easily if it’s on the left hand. So they simply place it on the right.
Men were traditionally not expected to wear wedding bands in most areas across the globe. But it’s now the norm in many countries for both men and women to wear them. In some places, men even wear engagement rings. Jewellery designers in the recent years even started launching their own men’s engagement ring collections.
But these designers aren’t just busy with creating engagement and wedding rings. Hollywood A-listers like Julia Roberts and Halle Berry have been seen wearing right-hand rings with a diamond or another kind of precious gem. Women who can afford such fine jewellery have followed suit. These rings are meant to let the world know of their independence. Of course, it doesn’t have to be said that it marks their financial capability. Many men also interpret this ring as a sign that these women are single and available for a romantic relationship.
It’s amazing, indeed, to know why people wear an engagement ring on the left hand or a wedding band on the right. And it’s also enlightening to know why a single woman has a diamond ring on her right hand.
These special rings are definitely so much more than just an accessory, unlike your usual pieces of jewellery. It’s like a handshake, a greeting and any of the other important elements in a culture. It can express the deeply rooted traditions of people, their sense of practicality or the evolving trends of the society.
About the author
Sofia Angeli is a PR & communications consultant for companies in various industries. In particular, she brings her writing skills and passion for travel, culture, arts and lifestyle, including wedding planning and www.goldenet.com.au engagement rings, to the online world.
