Wedding Band Or Diamond: Which Comes First?

There are several traditions and beliefs about whether the wedding band or diamond goes on the finger first. Some sources suggest that the wedding band should be placed first, followed by the engagement ring, as it is believed to be closer to the heart, symbolising the couple's bond. This tradition is thought to have originated from the ancient Egyptians and Romans, who believed in the existence of a vein of love or vena amoris that ran directly from the left ring finger to the heart.

On the other hand, some believe that the engagement ring should be worn first as it is received before the wedding band, and wearing them in the order they are received makes logical sense. Additionally, wearing the engagement ring first symbolises the promises made, with the wedding band representing the fulfilment of those promises. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to wear these rings, and individuals can choose to follow traditions or create their own based on their preferences and comfort.

Wedding band first, then engagement ring

There are various ways to wear your wedding band and engagement ring, and it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and style. However, if you want to follow the tradition of wearing your wedding band first, here are some reasons and guidelines to consider:

History and Symbolism:

The tradition of wearing the wedding band first can be traced back to ancient times. According to ancient Egyptians and Romans, the "vena amoris" or the "vein of love" was believed to run directly from the left ring finger to the heart. Placing the wedding band closest to the heart symbolises the deep emotional connection and the bond of marriage between partners. This romantic tradition has endured and is still popular in many Western cultures.

Wedding Day Logistics:

On your wedding day, you may choose to temporarily move your engagement ring to your right hand or keep it in a safe place to make room for the wedding band. This way, you don't have to worry about losing or fumbling with your engagement ring during the ceremony. After the wedding, you can slip your engagement ring back on your left hand, placing it above the wedding band.

Personal Comfort and Preference:

Some brides find that wearing the wedding band first, followed by the engagement ring, is more comfortable, especially if the rings are not a matching set. This arrangement allows the wedding band to sit snugly against your finger, with the engagement ring on top.

Matching Sets and Customisation:

If you have a matching wedding ring set, wearing the wedding band first ensures that the rings fit together harmoniously. Some brides even customise their rings to be soldered together as one solid piece, reinforcing the idea of unity and the unbreakable bond of marriage.

Stacking Options:

If you plan to add more rings to your collection, such as eternity or infinity rings, wearing the wedding band first provides a solid foundation for stacking. You can stack multiple wedding bands to create a nested look or wear additional rings on separate fingers or hands to showcase each ring's brilliance.

Symbolism of Progression:

Wearing the wedding band first also symbolises the progression of your relationship. The engagement ring signifies the acceptance of the marriage proposal and the promise of devotion. The wedding band, placed closest to the heart, then represents the fulfilment of those promises and the lasting commitment made during the wedding ceremony.

In conclusion, while there is no right or wrong way to wear your wedding band and engagement ring, wearing the wedding band first honours ancient traditions and symbolically reinforces the bond of marriage. It also provides a practical solution for stacking multiple rings and showcases the journey of your relationship. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make, and you can choose the arrangement that best suits your style and beliefs.

Engagement ring first, then wedding band

There is no right or wrong way to wear your wedding and engagement rings, but if you want to follow tradition, there is a common approach. This consists of placing the wedding band on the finger first, followed by the engagement ring. This is because, historically, the wedding band was said to represent the 'vena amoris' or the 'vein of love', which was believed to run directly from the ring finger to the heart. Therefore, the wedding band is placed first to symbolise the couple's bond and commitment and to keep it closest to the heart.

However, some people prefer to wear their engagement ring first, with their wedding band on top. Logically, it can make sense to wear the rings in the order they are received. Symbolically, the idea that your engagement represents a promise, and your wedding ring crystallises that promise, might resonate with you. Wearing your wedding ring on the outside gives your engagement story a figurative bookend—first, you're engaged, and then it's official.

If you choose to wear your engagement ring first, you can still take part in the tradition of switching your engagement ring to your right hand during the wedding ceremony. Then, after the ceremony, you can slip your engagement ring back on above your wedding band.

Wear on the left hand

It is a long-standing tradition in many cultures for a married couple to wear their wedding rings on their left hand. This practice is rooted in history, with one of the earliest accounts dating back to ancient Egypt. According to their beliefs, the vein of love, also known as the Vena Amoris, directly connected the fourth finger on the left hand to the heart. This symbolic placement represented an enduring bond of love and commitment between husband and wife.

Over time, this tradition spread across the globe, gaining popularity in various societies. In Christian cultures, for instance, the custom of wearing the wedding ring on the left hand was adopted to align with the concept of being blessed by the heart. Similarly, in Eastern Orthodox Christian ceremonies, the priest places the wedding bands on the left hands of the bride and groom to signify the sacredness of their union.

In many Western countries, the left hand is the customary choice for wearing wedding rings, including both the wedding band and the engagement ring. The wedding band is typically a plain, simple ring, while the engagement ring often features a diamond or other precious stone. When worn together, the proper order is to place the wedding band first, followed by the engagement ring.

There is a symbolic reason behind this specific order. The wedding band represents a couple's commitment and is often the first ring exchanged during the wedding ceremony. It is a physical symbol of the vows they have made to each other. The engagement ring, on the other hand, represents the promise of a future together and is often given during the proposal or engagement period. Wearing the wedding band first, closer to the heart, emphasizes the sacredness of the marriage vows and the deep emotional connection between the couple.

Some couples choose to solder or weld their wedding bands and engagement rings together after the wedding ceremony. This practice symbolizes the unity and permanence of their relationship. By joining the two rings, they create a single, cohesive piece of jewelry that represents their enduring love and commitment to each other.

Wear on the right hand

While it is more common for wedding rings to be worn on the left hand, wearing them on the right hand is becoming more popular. The right hand is a symbol of trust, loyalty, and honour—all characteristics you'd want in a marriage. Here are some reasons why someone might choose to wear their wedding ring on their right hand:

Cultural Differences

Every country has different cultural norms and traditions. In some countries, wearing your wedding ring on your right hand is the norm and is seen as a symbol of loyalty and honour. These countries include Latvia, Hungary, Greece, Serbia, Russia, Belgium, Portugal, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Spain, Denmark, Cuba, Norway, Peru, Colombia, Jordan, and Venezuela. In India, couples who follow traditions and customs also wear their wedding rings on the right hand, as the left hand is considered impure. In Sri Lanka, only the groom wears his wedding ring on his right hand.

Same-Sex Marriages

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community might choose to wear their wedding ring on their right hand as a symbol of a monogamous and loyal relationship. Before gay marriage was legalized in the United States, same-sex couples often wore a ring on their right hand as a show of commitment to their partner.

Left-Handedness

Wedding rings are usually worn on the non-dominant hand, so you limit damage to the ring. Therefore, left-handed people might prefer to wear their wedding ring on their right hand.

Comfort

It can be more comfortable to wear your wedding ring on your non-dominant hand. This is especially true for people who write or sketch often, as having a ring on your dominant hand may get in the way.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, there are no rules for how you choose to wear your wedding ring. You might simply prefer the way it looks on your right hand, or you might want to wear a ring that has sentimental value to you on your left hand and move your wedding ring to your right hand.

Wear on different hands

There are no hard and fast rules about which hand to wear your wedding and engagement rings on. It is a matter of personal preference. However, there are some traditions and beliefs that may influence your decision.

In many Western countries, it is customary to wear both rings on the left hand, specifically on the ring finger. This tradition is believed to have originated from the ancient Egyptians and Romans, who thought that a vein in the left ring finger, known as the 'vena amoris' or 'vein of love', connected directly to the heart.

However, in some countries and cultures, it is customary to wear wedding and engagement rings on the right hand, including in Northern and Eastern European countries such as Russia, Poland and Denmark, as well as India, Greece, Spain and Portugal.

Some people choose to wear their engagement ring on one hand and their wedding band on the other. This can be for aesthetic reasons, such as if the rings do not match or the wearer does not like the look of two rings on one finger. It can also be a practical choice, as wearing multiple rings on one finger can be uncomfortable or awkward. Additionally, wearing the rings on separate hands can make it easier to remove the engagement ring for cleaning or when it might get damaged, such as during manual work.

Ultimately, the decision of which hand to wear your wedding and engagement rings on is a personal one and there is no wrong answer. You may choose to follow tradition or create your own modern take on ring-wearing.

Frequently asked questions