Which hand do you wear your engagement ring and wedding band on?
Many soon to be married couples face the same romantic dilemma: Which hand should the engagement ring and wedding band be worn on – the right or the left? While it may seem like a small detail, the placement of the ring is rooted in beautiful traditions and old myths about love.
Get inspired here and learn more about which hand your engagement and wedding bands should be worn on.
Right or Left Hand – What Does Traditions Say?
Traditions surrounding the placement of engagement and wedding rings vary across Europe and the rest of the world. In countries such as Denmark and Norway, wedding bands are traditionally worn on the right hand, while in Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, they are most often worn on the left hand.
These traditions are not strict rules - you are free to choose what best suits your personal preferences and love story.
Old Myths: The Vein of Love and the Wedding Vow
Behind the tradition of wearing wedding bands are beautiful stories and old myths. One of the most romantic dates back to Ancient Rome, where people believed in a special vein called vena amoris - the “vein of love.” According to the myth, this vein ran directly from the heart to the ring finger of the left hand. By wearing the wedding band there, love was symbolically connected straight to the heart.
Although the idea of the vena amoris has since been proven to be a myth, many still find it romantic and meaningful. This may be one of the reasons why wedding bands are still traditionally worn on the left hand in many countries.
Others believe that the wedding band should be worn on the right hand, as the right hand has traditionally been used when exchanging vows during the wedding ceremony. As a result, the right hand has become a symbol of loyalty and everlasting love.
Different ways to wear engagement and wedding rings
In Denmark and Norway most people choose to wear both the engagement ring and wedding band together on the right hand, with the wedding band typically placed closest to the heart and the engagement ring worn on the outside.
However, there are many beautiful ways to wear and combine your rings. Some prefer to reverse the order, wearing the engagement ring closest to the heart and the wedding band on the outside, while others choose to wear the rings on separate hands.
Should your rings match?
When choosing your rings, the most important thing is to follow your hearts rather than tradition. Some couples love the idea of matching rings as a symbol of unity, while others prefer different designs that reflect each person’s individual style and personality.
There are no rules - what matters most is choosing rings that feel right for you, suit your lifestyle, and that you will love wearing for a lifetime.
Explore our guides
Engagement ring guide
Learn more about shapes, sizes, styles, and materials, and explore our selection of classic and modern engagement rings.
Wedding band guide
A detailed guide covering our wedding band profiles, materials, engraving, and much more.
About lab-grown diamonds
Would you like to learn more about our diamonds, general diamond terminology, and how diamonds are graded? Explore the guide here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use your engagement ring as a wedding Band?
Yes, absolutely. For some couples, it feels natural to give the engagement ring even greater meaning by also using it as a wedding band. In Denmark, it is common to move the ring from the left hand to the right hand on the wedding day to symbolize this transition. Others prefer to pair the engagement ring with a new wedding – the choice is entirely yours.
What is the tradition for men’s wedding bands?
Traditionally, most men in Denmark and Norway wear their wedding band on the right hand, just like women do. While in Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the USA they are most often worn on the left hand.
In the past, it was uncommon for men to wear engagement rings, but today more men also choose to wear a ring during the engagement period. On the wedding day, the ring is often moved to the opposite hand.
Do you wear your engagement ring during the wedding ceremony?
Yes, it is very common to wear your engagement ring during the wedding ceremony. Typically, the engagement ring is moved to the opposite hand or temporarily removed during the exchange of wedding bands. Afterwards, it is placed back on the finger – either stacked above the wedding band or worn on the other hand.