Joining Engagement Rings And Wedding Bands: Is It Possible?

There are many ways to wear an engagement ring and a wedding band, and the choice is completely up to the wearer. Some people choose to wear both rings stacked on the same finger, while others prefer to wear them on separate hands or fingers. Traditions vary across different countries and cultures, with some brides even choosing to wear their engagement ring on their right hand before the wedding and moving it to their left hand during the ceremony. Ultimately, the way you choose to wear your engagement ring and wedding band is a personal decision that reflects your unique style and preferences.

Which hand to wear the rings on

The hand on which a person wears their engagement and wedding rings varies depending on their country of origin, religion, and personal preference.

Country of Origin

In many Western cultures, the wedding ring finger is designated as the fourth finger on the left hand. This stems from the ancient Greek and Roman belief that this digit had a vein running directly to the heart, called the "Vena Amoris" or "vein of love". Despite this belief being disproven, the tradition has persisted.

However, couples in some countries, including India, Germany, Spain, Norway, Russia, Austria, Poland, Belgium, and Greece, traditionally wear their wedding rings on their right hand. This tradition also originated with the Romans, who believed that the left hand represented all that was untrustworthy.

In Brazil, couples wear their rings on both hands. They buy wedding bands during their engagement and wear them on one hand, then move them to the other hand during the wedding ceremony.

Religion

In Judaism, rings are not always exchanged during engagements and weddings. However, when they are, the groom will put the ring on the bride's right index finger during the wedding. After the ceremony, she will move it to her ring finger.

The Roman Catholic Church traditionally held that brides and grooms wore their rings on their right hands, but this was not linked to any religious convictions. As a result, Catholicism has since adopted the ring-wearing traditions of the countries it is present in.

Personal Preference

Today, personal preference is just as important as local traditions and religious customs when it comes to deciding which hand to wear engagement and wedding rings on. Couples may choose to wear their rings on the left or right hand based on what feels good to them or what is most practical in terms of other jewellery they wear.

The history of wedding rings

The Greeks and Romans adopted the tradition of exchanging rings from the Egyptians, with the Romans linking the ring to marriage. In ancient Rome, betrothal rings became an important part of the wedding ceremony, serving as a visual representation of the union between two people. Rings could be customised with carvings, beautiful gemstones, or special inscriptions. The Romans often used "fede" rings, depicting two clasping hands, symbolising the agreement and unity of the couple.

During the Middle Ages, when Christianity became the official religion of the Byzantine Empire, wedding rings often featured carvings of Jesus or a cross between the betrothed couple to symbolise a blessing on their marriage. The "fede" motif evolved into the Claddagh ring in the 16th century, which showed a pair of hands holding a heart, and is still commonly worn today.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, posy or poesy rings, featuring short verses or poems inscribed on the band, became popular. As the designs of the bands became simpler, the inscriptions became more personal, and goldsmiths had to learn to engrave on the inside of the rings to keep these messages private.

In the 15th through 17th centuries, gimmel rings, consisting of two or three interlocking bands, were also popular. Each band was worn by the bride and groom during their engagement, and then united during the wedding ceremony to symbolise the joining of two people.

The exchange of wedding rings has continued to evolve, with different cultures and time periods incorporating unique symbols and practices. Today, wedding rings are often worn by both men and women as a symbol of commitment, love, and devotion.

The differences between engagement and wedding rings

Joining your engagement ring with your wedding band is a popular choice for many brides and there are several ways to do this. You can wear both rings on the same finger, with the wedding band inside the engagement ring (so it's closer to your heart), or you can wear your engagement ring on one hand and the wedding band on the other. Some brides also choose to solder their two rings together to prevent movement and twisting, ensuring they remain aligned.

Now, here is some information on the differences between engagement and wedding rings:

Engagement rings are usually given as part of a wedding proposal or early in the engagement. They typically feature a dominant stone, either alone or surrounded by smaller stones. Modern choices have included three-stone rings, cluster rings, and even bands. The dominant stone in an engagement ring is usually larger than any stones included in a wedding ring. The ring is often more intricate, with skilled carvings and etchings, and can be quite large and obtrusive.

Wedding rings or wedding bands are usually exchanged during the wedding ceremony as a symbol of the union of marriage. They are often simpler in style and are typically a plain band of metal or a band with small diamonds or gemstones. Wedding rings are usually less expensive than engagement rings, even if they include diamonds or other gemstones, as the total carat weight is generally lower.

There is no right or wrong way to wear your engagement and wedding rings—it's a matter of personal preference. You can wear both rings together on the same finger, on different fingers, or even choose to wear just one ring to symbolise both your engagement and married status. Some people also choose to add additional bands to create a unique stacked set.

How to wear both rings

There are many ways to wear both your engagement ring and wedding band, and it is completely up to you how you choose to style them. Here are some of the most common ways to wear both rings:

Wear Your Engagement Ring First, Wedding Band on Top

You may choose to wear your engagement ring first, followed by your wedding band, particularly if you like the idea of wearing the rings in the order you received them. This method also carries symbolic significance, as it can represent how your engagement is a promise that is then crystallised by your wedding.

Wear Your Wedding Band First, Engagement Ring on Top

This is perhaps the most common way to wear both rings. If you choose to do this, simply remove your engagement ring before the wedding ceremony and wear it on your right hand or keep it safe. Then, after the ceremony, you can put your engagement ring back on top of your wedding band.

Wear Both Rings on Your Left Hand

In many Western countries, such as the US, UK, France, Canada, Mexico, South Africa and many Asian countries, it is customary to wear both rings on the left hand. This tradition stems from the belief in ancient Rome that the fourth finger of the left hand had a vein that led directly to the heart.

Wear Both Rings on Your Right Hand

In contrast to the above, in some Northern and Eastern European countries, such as Russia, Poland and Denmark, it is customary to wear both rings on the right hand. This is also common in India, Greece, Spain and Portugal.

Wear Your Engagement Ring on One Hand, Wedding Band on Another

This option is often preferred by those who don't have a matching set or don't like how the rings sit together. It is also a good option for those who don't like to stack multiple rings on one finger. This method is commonly seen in Germany and the Netherlands.

Soldering the Rings Together

If you want to wear your rings together, you can have them soldered together by a jeweller. This option may be preferable if your rings don't fit well together or you want to reduce the risk of losing one of the rings.

Other Options

Ultimately, there are no rules when it comes to wearing your engagement and wedding rings. Some people choose to wear their wedding band every day and only wear their engagement ring on special occasions, or vice versa. Others may choose to wear their rings on a chain around their neck if they work with their hands a lot.

The tradition of wearing engagement rings

The Ancient Origins

The tradition of exchanging rings is believed to date back 3,000 years, with the ancient Egyptians widely credited as the first culture to use rings as a symbol of eternity. This belief stems from the circular shape of rings, which has no beginning or end, reflecting the shape of the sun and moon, which the Egyptians worshipped. The open space in the middle of a ring was thought to represent a gateway to the unknown. The Romans adopted this tradition from the Egyptians, associating the ring with a physical connection to the heart, specifically the fourth finger of the left hand, known as the "ring finger".

A Symbol of Ownership

In the 2nd century BC, Roman brides-to-be were given two rings: a gold one for public display and an iron one to be worn at home while attending to household duties. This practice reflected the idea that engagement rings were a symbol of ownership and a bride price, though contemporary scholarship has questioned this interpretation.

A Sign of Commitment

Over time, engagement rings evolved to represent a serious commitment to a long-term relationship. Initially, these rings were simple, undecorated bands, but they gradually became more intricate, with inlaid stones and skilled carvings. In the Middle Ages, the church declared marriage a holy sacrament and established a ceremony that included the exchange of rings, further cementing the association between rings and matrimony.

The Diamond's Debut

The first diamond engagement ring on record was given by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. The diamond setting was shaped like the letter "M", reflecting his future bride's initial. This set a trend among the nobility and aristocracy, though diamond engagement rings remained a domain of the wealthy for centuries.

The Rise of Diamond Culture

In the 1930s, diamond giant De Beers launched a marketing campaign to boost diamond sales, which had declined due to the Great Depression. They popularised the idea that a man should spend a significant fraction of his annual income on an engagement ring, and their famous slogan, "A diamond is forever", linked diamonds with eternal love. During the 1940s and 1950s, Hollywood stars were seen sporting diamond jewellery, further elevating the stone's glamour and desirability.

Modern Trends

Today, engagement ring preferences continue to evolve, with coloured gemstones and unique materials gaining popularity. Couples are also breaking with tradition by wearing their engagement and wedding rings on separate hands or choosing to weld the two rings together. Ultimately, the choice of how to wear these symbolic rings is a personal one, reflecting individual style and comfort.

Frequently asked questions