Wedding Band Placement: Left Or Right?

The wedding band is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which is known as the 'ring finger'. This custom is said to have originated in ancient Egypt, where people believed that a vein in this finger led directly to the heart. By placing the wedding band on this finger, the groom symbolically ensures that it is positioned closest to the bride's heart. In many Western cultures, the wedding ring finger is the digit on the left hand that is counted as the fourth finger from the body, excluding the thumb.

Wedding band placement varies across cultures

In China, some husbands wear wedding rings due to Western influence. However, many modern Chinese men do not wear wedding bands as the practice goes against the traditional culture, where higher-status men had several female partners or concubines. In Japan, there is no preference for wearing wedding rings on a specific hand, and lab-grown diamonds are popular.

In South Korea, wearing a ring on the index finger indicates friendship, while a ring on the middle finger signifies a career-focused individual. In Jewish culture, the groom traditionally places the ring on the right index finger of his future wife during the wedding ceremony. In Islamic culture, some men consider wearing gold rings haram (forbidden). Additionally, men are not allowed to wear rings on the index or middle finger, while women can wear their wedding bands on any finger.

In the United States, wearing wedding bands for both spouses became customary in the 20th century. In the United Kingdom, the tradition of wearing wedding rings on the left hand, also known as the ring finger, is widely followed.

The origin of the wedding ring finger

The wedding ring finger, also known as the fourth finger on the left hand, has been a symbol of marital union for centuries. The tradition of wearing a ring on this finger has its origins in ancient cultures, and has been influenced by various beliefs, customs, and practices over time. Here is an exploration of the history and significance behind the wedding ring finger.

The exact origin of selecting the fourth finger as the ring finger is not definitively known, but it is believed to have symbolic significance in many ancient cultures. In Latin, the word "anulus" means ring, "digitus" means digit or finger, and "quartus" means fourth, which together form the Latin name for the ring finger, "digitus quartus". The ring finger also has names in various languages that reflect ancient beliefs. For example, in Japanese, it is called "kusuri yubi", or "medicine finger", as it was considered the cleanest finger due to its limited use in traditional practices. In other languages, such as Sanskrit, Finnish, and Russian, the ring finger is called by names that translate to "nameless".

The ancient Romans and Greeks are believed to have influenced the tradition of wearing the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand. They held the belief that this finger contained the "vena amoris", or the "vein of love", which ran directly to the heart. By wearing the ring on this finger, a married couple symbolically declared their eternal love for each other. This belief was later adopted by early Christians, who incorporated it into their marriage ceremonies. During the ritual, the priest would touch the thumb, index finger, and middle finger while reciting, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit", and then place the ring on the ring finger as he said, "Amen", sealing the union.

Another theory suggests that the choice of the left hand for the wedding ring may be practical. Since most people are right-handed, wearing the ring on the left hand would reduce the chances of damage to the ring. This theory holds especially true for the fourth finger, which is one of the least used fingers, making it an ideal location for a valuable ring.

The wedding ring tradition has evolved over time, with different cultures adopting their own variations. In some European countries, such as Germany, Norway, and Spain, the wedding ring is traditionally worn on the right hand. In Jewish culture, the ring is placed on the bride's right-hand index finger during the ceremony, and is sometimes moved to the left hand after the ceremony. In Muslim countries, the use of a wedding ring is not traditional, but engagement rings are commonly worn on the right or left ring finger.

The history of the wedding ring finger is a fascinating journey through ancient beliefs, cultural influences, and symbolic gestures of love and commitment. While the specific origin of the tradition may be unclear, the wedding ring finger continues to hold significant meaning for couples around the world as a symbol of their union.

The history of wedding rings

Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome

Almost 5,000 years ago, ancient Egyptians exchanged "rings of love" made from woven reeds, leather, or other materials. They believed that the circular shape of the ring symbolised eternal life and love, with the open space in the centre representing a gateway to the unknown. This practice was later adopted by the Greeks, who gave rings to their lovers featuring depictions of Eros, the god of love.

Roman Interpretations

When the Romans conquered Greece, they incorporated this tradition into their culture, using iron and copper rings in marriage ceremonies. The iron rings sometimes featured key motifs to symbolise the wife's control of household goods. By the 2nd century CE, most rings were made from gold. The Romans also began personalising their rings, with carvings of the couple or fede rings depicting two hands clasped in agreement or love.

Middle Ages and European Renaissance

During the Middle Ages, around 900 AD, Christian marriage ceremonies adopted wedding rings. Many early Christian rings featured heavy engravings, which were later denounced by the Church as overly lavish. This led to the adoption of simpler styles, including plain wedding bands. During the Renaissance, gimmel rings became popular. These consisted of multiple interlocking bands, with the betrothed couple each wearing one during the engagement period and then rejoining them during the wedding ceremony.

Modern Times

In many cultures, it was traditionally only the woman who wore a wedding ring. However, this changed during World War II, when servicemen began wearing rings as a reminder of their wives back home. Today, wedding rings are worn by both partners and have become a universal symbol of marriage, with different cultures adding their unique touches to the tradition.

Wedding ring materials

Wedding bands are available in a wide range of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a guide to help you choose the best material for your wedding ring.

Gold

Gold is the most common metal used for wedding bands and has been used for thousands of years. It is also the most popular women's and men's wedding band metal. Gold rings are usually made from yellow, white, or rose gold, with either 9, 14, or 18 carats. 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold, 14-karat gold is 58% pure, and 9-karat gold is 37.5% pure. The higher the karat, the softer the gold, so 18-karat gold is more likely to scratch than 14-karat gold. Gold is a good choice if you want a versatile ring that anyone can wear and is easy to maintain. However, it is quite soft and delicate, so it can be scratched easily.

Platinum

Platinum is the second strongest precious metal and is highly scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic. It is also the rarest precious metal in the world and is part of a group of metals called platinum metals, which include palladium and rhodium. Platinum is a good choice if you want a durable, luxurious, white-coloured metal. It is more expensive than gold and heavier, but it ages nicely and is easy to polish.

Palladium

Palladium is part of the platinum family and has a lustrous, silvery-white finish. It is very durable and resistant to discolouration. Palladium is lightweight and comfortable to wear. It is a good choice for those who want a durable ring with a mirror-like finish. However, it does show scratches and can be tricky to resize, which might be a problem for long-term wear.

Tantalum

Tantalum is a rare earth metal that is fast becoming a popular choice for wedding rings. It is a durable, unique bluish-grey metal with a masculine look. Tantalum is the most precious of all alternative and contemporary metals, making it ideal for those seeking a rugged and strong ring. It is also hypoallergenic.

Black Zirconium

Black zirconium is a stylish, durable, and affordable choice for wedding rings. It starts as a silver metal but turns black during the heating process. It is also hypoallergenic and only medium-weight. Black zirconium allows for two-tone rings as the silver metal underneath can be exposed.

Tungsten

Tungsten is a versatile, hardy, and low-maintenance metal. It is hypoallergenic, strong, and scratch-resistant. It is a heavy metal and can be made into a wide ring to suit larger hands.

Titanium

Titanium is a strong, durable, and lightweight metal. It is hypoallergenic and comfortable to wear. It is usually silver-coloured but can also be found in black. Titanium is a good choice for those who are not used to wearing jewellery regularly. However, titanium rings cannot be resized.

Other Metals

Other metals used for wedding bands include carbon fibre, cobalt, stainless steel, and rhodium. Carbon fibre is a bold choice as it is a black, lightweight, and scratch-resistant material. Cobalt is a newer choice known for its durability and bright white colour. Stainless steel is a practical choice for those with physical jobs or active lifestyles as it is extremely durable. Rhodium is used to plate white gold and silver rings, making them stronger and reducing tarnishing.

Wedding ring placement and engagement rings

The wedding band is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the ring finger. This custom is said to have originated in ancient Egypt, where people believed that a vein in this finger led directly to the heart.

On the day of the wedding, the bride moves her engagement ring to her right hand, and the groom places the wedding band on her left hand. After the wedding, the bride moves her engagement ring back to her left hand, where it sits above the wedding band. This tradition is not strictly followed, and some brides choose to wear their engagement ring on their right hand or forgo wearing it altogether.

There are no rules for most faiths on how to wear wedding rings, and some couples are choosing to incorporate their unique style with traditional ring etiquette. For example, some couples opt to wear their wedding bands on their right hand or wear their engagement and wedding rings on separate hands. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the rings are comfortable and sized properly.

Frequently asked questions