Happy National Left Hander’s Day! Today is the day to celebrate being a south-paw with the likes of Brad Pitt, Barack Obama, and Keanu Reeves. Of course, thinking of hands we immediately turn to rings. What hand to wear which ring?
The ring finger (the 4th finger on the hand from the thumb) became the perfect choice for a wedding ring due to its reputation of containing the “vena amoris” or the “vein of love,” a vein that ran directly from that finger to the heart. This notion started in Egypt around 2800 B.C. but the tradition was passed on to the Romans in 332 B.C.
Traditionally in America the left ring finger has long been associated as the wedding/engagement ring finger. In the western countries, the wedding ring is typically made of gold and started out as a ring that only wives wore until the 20th century when men got on board.
However, there’s a whole host of traditions around the world concerning which finger to wear the wedding ring. A Greek Orthodox bride will wear the ring on her left ring finger before the ceremony, and then transfer the ring to her right hand after the wedding. In a Jewish ceremony, the ring is placed on the bride’s index finger and then moved to a ring finger after the ceremony. In India, the right hand is considered the more fortunate so wedding rings are typically worn on that hand. During the Elizabethan period in Europe, it was accepted for a period of time to wear the wedding ring on the thumb.
Here is a list of countries by what hand they choose to wear a wedding ring:Left Hand | Right Hand |
Catalan | Germany |
Czech Republic | Poland |
Portugal | Serbia |
United States | Catalonia |
Italy | Lithuania |
Japan | Austria |
Greece |
Ultimately, whatever finger you’re most comfortable with wearing your engagement ring or wedding ring is the best. In fact, some people choose to wear the wedding ring on one hand and the engagement ring on the other. There is no right or wrong. After all, limiting the left hand for wedding rings takes up prime jewelry-wearing real estate when there’s a whole world of colorful cocktail rings and decadent fashion rings to be worn.
King Jewelers offers an exceptional selection of stunning engagement rings, wedding bands, eternity bands, cufflinks, watches, and other wedding accessories. King Jewelers has a long history of extraordinary craftsmanship and quality. We work closely with you to help you realized the engagement ring design of your dreams. If you are interested in your own custom bridal design, please contact us at info@kings1912.com.
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