In Western cultures, it has been assumed that the person wearing an engagement ring is committed to getting married; the ring in many cases is presented by the man who is proposing. This type of jewellery is mainly worn by women on the ring finger of the right hand. However, in Anglo-Saxon countries, a ring is also customarily worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Engagement customs differ depending depending on the region. But there are certain circumstances in which such jewellery should be removed from the finger...
Engagement ring and wedding band
Traditionally, an engagement ring or any other ring should not be worn during the wedding ceremony. It can be said that by the time of the wedding day, the purpose of the engagement ring is already fulfilled. Leading up to the wedding, it has testified to the promise of marriage. Now the contract is confirmed in front of witnesses and sealed with an oath and the handing out of wedding rings.
What happens next? Is an engagement ring worn after marriage? Once a marriage has been entered into, it is customary to wear the engagement ring with the wedding ring on one finger. Sometimes, with this in mind, the wedding ring is adjusted in a special way so that it fits perfectly to the ring. In this way, they form one harmonious bond. You can also design a wedding ring according to the pattern of the engagement ring, mapping its characteristics so that both elements form a perfect set.
Rigid rules or personal preference?
Today, however, many of these traditions are dying out. Some people choose to wear an engagement ring on their left hand. As a result, the wedding ring stands out, and is assigned a more important role, as it is worn on the right hand. Some of my clients put an engagement ring on the middle finger of their right hand, next to the wedding ring. It can be said that it is a kind of compromise between an engagement ring + wedding ring set and wearing both rings on separate hands.
Nowadays, when all rules are blurred, there is a certain freedom allowed in wearing engagement jewellery after the wedding, when (with some kind of 'wedding guarantee') it becomes a priceless family heirloom. In the past an engagement was maybe a simpler event, but thanks to the ring, strong feelings and fondness for this special event remain for a long time.
