In Germany, wedding rings are traditionally simple gold bands. although some modern Germans are influenced by American TV series and expect a diamond on the ring. Diamond engagement rings are available in Germany, but they are not the norm.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Engagement ring | Usually a gold band |
Sometimes with a diamond | |
Sometimes a white gold solitaire ring | |
Sometimes rose gold with a diamond | |
Sometimes silver with a crystal | |
Wedding band | Usually a gold band |
Sometimes with a small stone | |
Sometimes with the couple's names engraved on the inside | |
Who wears the rings? | Usually both men and women |
Sometimes only the woman wears an engagement ring | |
When are the rings worn? | Engagement ring is worn on the left hand until the wedding |
After the wedding, the engagement ring is moved to the right hand | |
Wedding band is worn on the right hand |
What You'll Learn
Diamond engagement rings are not common in Germany
While diamond engagement rings are not the norm, it is becoming more common for Germans to wear rings with small or mid-sized gems. Some people opt for rings with colourful stones, such as emeralds or sapphires. There is also a trend for rose gold engagement rings, which can accentuate the diamond.
When it comes to purchasing an engagement ring in Germany, buying online is 30 to 40% cheaper than buying from a physical store. However, there are many traditional jewellers and goldsmiths in cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, as well as established chains like Wempe and Bucherer.
In terms of cost, it is not common to spend a lot of money on engagement rings in Germany. One source suggests that one month's net wage (or 1000 euros) is enough, and that spending more is unnecessary. Another source mentions that a diamond ring can be special without being expensive.
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Germans traditionally wear their engagement rings on their left hand
In Germany, the wedding band is usually put on the right-hand ring finger. This custom may also originate from the Romans, who considered the right hand symbolic of honour and trust.
After the wedding ceremony, the engagement ring is typically moved to the right hand, where it is stacked with the wedding band. However, some people replace the engagement ring with a ring that matches their partner's, or store it in a safe place to give to their future children.
In Germany, it is not common to own an engagement ring. When engagement rings are worn, they are usually simple gold bands.
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Wedding bands are usually gold
Gold has been the most popular precious metal for jewellery around the world for thousands of years. In Germany, gold is the traditional choice for wedding bands, and engagement rings are also usually gold. White gold, rose gold, and yellow gold are all popular choices.
While gold is the most traditional choice, it is not the only option. Platinum, silver, and titanium are also used for wedding bands in Germany. Some couples may also opt for rings with small diamonds or other gemstones. However, large diamonds are not typical in German wedding bands, and are more likely to be seen in engagement rings.
German wedding bands are usually worn on the right hand, which is believed to date back to the Romans, who considered the right hand to be symbolic of honour and trust. This is different from some other countries, such as the US and the UK, where wedding bands are traditionally worn on the left hand.
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Germans don't have a 'fetish' for expensive engagement rings
In Germany, the traditional engagement ring is usually a gold band worn on the left hand. After the wedding, the same ring is worn on the right hand. Men also wear their wedding rings on the right hand. The wedding band is traditionally put on the right-hand ring finger, which is believed to date back to the Romans, who believed that the right hand was symbolic of honour and trust.
While diamond engagement rings are available in Germany, they are not considered a necessity or even a common tradition. Some sources suggest that German women are influenced by American TV series and may expect some sort of stone on the ring. However, it is not necessary for the stone to be a diamond, and a colourful gem is also an option. One source states that the largest stone they have seen on an engagement ring in Germany is a 1-carat diamond, and that most rings have a very small diamond or no diamond at all. Another source states that engagement rings with diamonds are available for under €1,500.
In Germany, it is not common to spend a large amount of money on an engagement ring. One source suggests that spending one month's net wage (or €1,000) is enough, and that spending more is unnecessary. Another source mentions that their significant other told them they would be angry if they spent more than €200 on an engagement ring, as they were saving up for a move to a new home.
Overall, while diamond engagement rings are available in Germany, they are not considered a necessity, and it is not common to spend a large amount of money on them. Germans do not have a fetish for expensive engagement rings, and instead, focus on the sentiment and specialness of the ring.
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German jewelers are known for handcrafted quality
German jewellers are known for their handcrafted quality. The country is home to many talented jewellery producers who combine stunning design ideas with a level of quality that satisfies even the most sophisticated tastes. German jewellers are known for their precision and perfection in handicrafts, paying attention to every detail in the manufacture of a piece.
The city of Pforzheim is a hub for jewellery production, with several well-known companies based there, including Blumer, Herbstrith, Hans Rivoir, and Heinrich + Denzel. Pforzheim is also home to the European Union's largest jewellery fair, Inhorgenta Europe, which showcases the work of established suppliers and unique products from goldsmiths and design-oriented manufacturers.
Another notable German jewellery company is Hemmerle, a fourth-generation family-run business known for its one-of-a-kind creations that combine innovative material combinations with a dedication to craftsmanship and quality. Their jewels are layered with cultural references, making each piece as original as a work of art.
In addition to these established companies, there are also independent jewellers like IsabelleFa from Eisingen, who produces precious chains by hand, and Angela Hübel, known as the "Lady of the Rings," who has staked out her place in the market with a production company custom-made for her unique designs.
When it comes to wedding bands, Germans traditionally wear their engagement rings on their left hand's ring finger before moving it to their right hand after the wedding. The wedding band is then put on the right hand's ring finger. While there is no mention of diamond wedding bands being a norm, Germans seem to value handcrafted quality in their jewellery, and there are many German jewellers known for their exquisite craftsmanship.
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Frequently asked questions
In Germany, the traditional wedding band is usually a simple gold band, without diamonds or other precious stones.
Unlike in the US or the UK, Germans traditionally wear their wedding band on their right hand's ring finger.
The tradition of wearing the wedding band on the right hand may date back to the Romans, who believed that the right hand was symbolic of honour and trust.
No, in Germany, both men and women typically wear their wedding bands on their right hand.
Other German wedding traditions include the Polterabend, a party held on the eve of the wedding where friends and family gather for food, drink, and the breaking of plates. Another tradition is the civil ceremony, which is held a few days or months before the church wedding and is all that is legally required for a marriage in Germany.