Now, what about wearing an engagement ring on the right hand? Right Ring Finger Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since ancient Rome! A betrothal ring signified a binding agreement of ownership over a future bride. Unfortunately, the Romans weren’t so romantic.
Vena Amoris isn’t actually real, however it’s a romantic, time-honored ritual meaningful enough to retain its tradition. This sentimental origin was centuries before engagement rings became a booming and lucrative industry. Alas, the left ring finger became the delegated spot for engagement rings. Prior to modern science, the ancients believed in a vein called “vena amoris.” They also believed that this “vein of love” connected the fourth finger on the left hand with the heart. What influenced them to choose the left ring finger? Attribute it to good ol’ mythology. Where did it all start? As previously mentioned: Ancient Egypt, and also Rome. However, non-english speaking countries including Italy, Mexico and Egypt also favor the left ring finger. The United States, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia and Great Britain are among countries whose people prefer to wear engagement rings on the left ring finger. However, this is the standard in most English speaking countries. Left Ring Fingerĭoes everyone wear their engagement rings on the left ring finger? Certainly not. Which hand and finger did the ancient Egyptians wear it on? The left hand ring finger. Accordingly, couples handcrafted braided plants and reeds to exchange and wear as a symbol of love and marriage.
So, where did it all begin?Īncient Egyptians believed circles were symbolic of eternity. How did the diamond work its way into the homes of common folk? Once diamonds were discovered in South Africa in the late 1800s, miners optimized production and by the mid 20th century, diamond engagement rings populated department stores.
Even then, diamonds and precious stones were reserved for royalty. The tradition of wearing fine jewelry to denote pending nuptials wasn’t made a standard until the last few hundred years.įurthermore, diamonds didn’t enter the engagement ring arena until the 15th century. Engagement Rings - A Brief HistoryĮngagement rings are the modern standard, but this wasn’t always the case. Which is it, then: left or right? Let’s explore how location, culture, history and tradition influence where people wear their engagement rings.īefore we get to the great debate of engagement ring fingers, here’s a brief overview of the history of engagement rings. In fact, in many countries it’s tradition to wear the engagement ring on the right hand. Truth is, wearing an engagement ring on left ring finger is not a universal or international tradition. Wait, it’s gotta be the left ring finger, right? Well, that entirely depends on where you’re from and what your values are. Right! Except for that tiny matter of which hand (and finger) to wear your engagement ring on. Wearing an engagement ring signifies to your betrothed and the world that you’re vowing to spend your life together. When you wear an engagement ring, you’re partaking in a cherished tradition of publicly announcing your intent to marry. Engagement rings are a centuries-old tradition representing everlasting love and lifelong commitment.
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