Wedding Band Blues: When It's The Only Gift

There are many traditions and expectations surrounding wedding bands and engagement rings. In the past, men were expected to propose with a diamond ring, but nowadays, couples are increasingly shopping for rings together. Traditionally, the wedding band is given during the wedding ceremony as the couple exchanges vows, and it is worn on the left hand. However, some people choose to wear both rings but on different hands or to wear just one ring. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide what rings they want to wear and how they want to wear them.

Wedding bands are traditionally worn on the left hand

Wearing a wedding band is a highly personal decision, and there are no hard and fast rules dictating that you must have one. That said, wedding bands have been a part of wedding ceremonies for centuries, and are steeped in tradition and symbolism.

In many Western cultures, wedding bands are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the 'ring finger'. This tradition dates back to Ancient Egypt, when it was believed that a vein called the 'vena amoris' or 'vein of love' ran directly from the tip of the left ring finger to the heart. The circular shape of the wedding band is thought to symbolise the eternal nature of romantic union, with the open centre representing the as-yet-unexplored life ahead as a married couple.

In some cultures, the left hand is considered unlucky or impure, and wedding bands are therefore worn on the right hand. This is the case in India, Sri Lanka, Latvia, Hungary, Greece, Serbia, Russia, Belgium, Portugal, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Spain, Denmark, Cuba, Norway, Peru, Colombia, Jordan, and Venezuela. In these countries, the right hand is seen as a symbol of trust, loyalty, and honour—all desirable qualities in a marriage.

In same-sex marriages, some couples choose to wear their wedding bands on the right hand as a symbol of a monogamous and loyal relationship. This is also a practical choice for left-handed people, as wearing a ring on the dominant hand can lead to more wear and tear.

Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to wear a wedding band, and on which hand, is a personal one.

Wedding bands are usually less intricate and less expensive than engagement rings

Wedding bands are traditionally less intricate in design than engagement rings, and therefore tend to be less expensive. Wedding bands are usually simple rings made from gold, silver, platinum, or a combination of these metals, and often do not feature a centre stone. They may be plain metal or encrusted with small stones in a pave design. In contrast, engagement rings are typically designed around a central diamond or larger stone, which significantly increases the cost. The price of an engagement ring will depend heavily on the size and quality of the main stone, with larger, higher-quality diamonds commanding a higher price.

Engagement rings often feature intricate and eye-catching details, such as cathedral mountings or pave accents, which also increase the cost. The more intricate the style of the ring, the more expensive it will be. In addition, popular styles and settings can affect the cost of both engagement and wedding rings. For example, a ring made from tungsten and topaz would cost considerably less than a cushion-cut diamond solitaire. However, impressive centre diamonds and intricate accents remain popular choices for engagement rings, and choosing a ring with a higher carat weight can easily triple the amount you pay.

While wedding bands are usually less intricate and less expensive than engagement rings, there are exceptions to this. For instance, some people choose to create custom wedding bands to match their engagement ring, which can increase the cost. Additionally, the choice of metal can affect the price, with more expensive metals such as platinum or palladium costing more than gold or silver. The number of diamonds on a wedding band will also impact the cost, with eternity bands costing more due to the larger number of diamonds.

Ultimately, the cost of wedding bands and engagement rings can vary depending on a variety of factors, including style, design, and material used. However, on average, engagement rings tend to be more intricate and expensive than wedding bands.

Wearing a wedding band is pointless according to some

Wearing a wedding band is pointless—some people believe this statement to be true. While wedding bands have been a long-standing tradition, symbolizing commitment and love, some people are moving away from this custom. There are several reasons why some individuals may consider wearing a wedding band pointless or unnecessary.

Firstly, wedding bands are typically worn on the fourth finger of the left hand as a sign of marriage. However, this custom varies across the world, with some countries and cultures using the right hand instead. Such discrepancies can make the indication of marriage unclear, especially when travelling or interacting with people from different regions. For example, in some countries, wearing jewellery on the ring finger does not necessarily signify engagement or marriage. Therefore, solely relying on a wedding band to indicate one's marital status may not always be effective.

Secondly, some people argue that wearing precious metals and diamonds is unnecessary to demonstrate commitment and love. The idea that expensive jewellery equates to deeper love or commitment can be seen as materialistic and outdated. Additionally, there are ethical and environmental concerns associated with the jewellery industry, particularly regarding diamond sourcing and gold mining. Fair labour practices and worker treatment in the diamond industry have been a cause for concern, and the environmental impact of gold mining has led some individuals to question the need for wedding bands.

Furthermore, wedding bands can be seen as an unnecessary expense, especially for young couples starting their lives together. With the average cost of an engagement ring already high, adding another costly piece of jewellery may be financially burdensome. This has led some couples to opt for using the engagement ring as both the engagement and wedding ring, or exploring more affordable alternatives such as sustainable jewellery made from recycled gold or fair trade gold.

Lastly, some people simply do not feel comfortable wearing rings. This could be due to personal preferences, skin allergies, or job-related reasons, such as working with their hands frequently. In such cases, individuals may choose not to wear a wedding band, not because they devalue the tradition but because it is not practical or feasible for them.

Ultimately, the decision to wear a wedding band is a personal choice, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. While wedding bands remain popular and hold symbolic value for many, some people choose to express their commitment and love in other ways that resonate with them.

Wedding bands are a sign of commitment and love

Wedding bands are steeped in history and tradition, but what do they symbolise?

A Symbol of Commitment and Love

Wedding bands are a symbol of commitment and love. They are exchanged during the wedding ceremony as a couple exchanges their vows. The act of giving and receiving a wedding band is a powerful statement of the enduring bond between two people who have chosen to share their lives together. The unbroken circle of the band represents the everlasting nature of their love.

A Daily Reminder

Wedding bands are a daily reminder of the commitment and love shared between a couple. The physical presence of the band is a constant reminder of the vows and promises made to one another. It is a symbol of a deep connection and a reminder that you are no longer alone.

A Universal Symbol

The wedding band is a universal symbol, transcending culture and language. While there are variations in how and when they are worn, and even on which hand, the meaning is the same. The simple band is an instantly recognisable symbol of matrimony and commitment.

A Personal Choice

While tradition may dictate that a wedding band is a plain metal ring, couples today have a wide range of choices. From unique designs and engravings to the incorporation of birthstones and other meaningful symbols, couples can create a ring that truly represents their love and their story. Whether a couple chooses a simple band or an elaborate design, the most important thing is the love and commitment the ring symbolises.

Wedding bands can be worn on the right hand

Wedding bands are traditionally worn on the left hand, but there are several reasons why someone might choose to wear one on their right hand.

Firstly, it is a common practice in several countries, including Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland, Austria, Norway, Russia, and Spain. Therefore, wearing the wedding band on the right hand can be a nod to one's heritage and cultural background.

Secondly, it can be a matter of practicality, especially for left-handed individuals. Wearing a ring on the dominant hand can be uncomfortable and get in the way during activities such as writing or sketching.

Additionally, some people might prefer wearing their wedding band on the right hand simply because it is more comfortable. This is because the majority of the population is right-handed, so having the ring on the non-dominant hand can be more convenient.

Furthermore, in the past, same-sex couples often wore their wedding bands on the right hand as a symbol of their commitment before gay marriage was legalized. Although this practice is less common now, some couples may still choose to do so.

Finally, wearing a wedding band on the right hand can be a stylistic choice, especially if one wants to wear multiple rings. By distributing the rings across both hands, each ring can be given its own space to shine.

Frequently asked questions