A wedding ring symbolizes eternal love and has been there for years. You probably have an idea of how you want your wedding ring to look but might be wondering which hand and finger it should be put on.
People have different opinions on where a wedding ring should be placed, depending on their culture and religious beliefs. If you try to ask around, you can be left even more confused.
Here is everything you need to know about a wedding ring and where you should put it.
Which Hand Should a Person Wear a Wedding Ring?
Most often, wedding rings are worn on the left hand, on the fourth finger. Although traditions may dictate a person to wear a ring on their left hand, you may decide to break the norm and wear it on the right.
Wearing the finger on the fourth finger of the left finger dates back to Roman times. During that period, people believed that the finger had a vein that connected directly to the heart, which they referred to as the vein of love. Wearing the ring on that finger symbolized a confession of eternal love for couples.
In Britain, initially, only married women used to wear wedding rings. That changed during the 1st and 2nd world wars when soldiers adopted the norm. They would wear the rings as a reminder of their loved ones when they were away.
In some cultures, such as the eastern orthodox tradition, people wear wedding rings on the right hand. Some left-handers also choose to wear their wedding rings on the right hand to keep their left hand free since it’s the dominant one.
Can You Wear a Ring on The Ring Finger When You Are Not Married?
There is an old wives’ tale that says that wearing a ring on your ring finger when you are not married brings you bad luck. If you are not a superstitious person, there is no need to believe this.
Perhaps the only bad luck it brings is making potential suitors think you are taken and avoid making any moves on you. Someone will definitely avoid approaching you when you make them think you are committed elsewhere.
Should You Wear a Wedding Ring All the Time?
To some people, you are not supposed to remove your wedding ring at any given time. They associate that with being promiscuous. However, some situations might make you remove your wedding ring for some time.
For example, if you don’t find it comfortable having your ring when cleaning or engaging in physical activities, it’s only logical to remove it then put it on when you are done. This might also save it from scratches.
Why Do Some People Wear Tattoos Instead of Wedding Rings?
New couples are taking their confession for eternal love further by getting tattooed on their ring fingers instead of wearing a wedding ring. Some even use both. One of the advantages of wearing a tattoo is that it can never get misplaced, unlike a ring.
In some professions, especially electricity-related, having a ring on your finger might expose you to dangers. In such a case, you can opt for the tattoo.
However, tattoos are not for everyone. You really need to think critically before getting one.
A tattoo also has its downsides. It is permanent, while marriage is not. While we all hope that marriage will last forever, it is not usually the case.
Things happen, and divorce might be the only option. If you part ways with your partner, and you already have a tattoo as a confession of your love, erasing it is not a walk in the park.
Can You Redesign or Replace Your Wedding Ring?
If you don’t like your wedding ring, you can redesign or replace it. Maybe you did not like it from the very beginning but couldn’t say it to avoid hurting your partner. Or maybe it’s the only one you could afford at that time, and you strongly feel that you should upgrade to a better one.
First, you need to get your desired design before heading to the jeweler. Have an idea. If you don’t have any, ask for inspiration. There are several options to choose from when redesigning your ring. You can add more stones, make alterations to the ring setting, replace the ring stone or get its band updated.
What Hand Should an Engagement Ring Go on?
Just like wedding rings, engagement rings are often worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. Mostly, it’s women who wear engagement rings. Surprisingly, some people wear their wedding rings on the right handwear engagement rings on the left, then transfer them to the right after getting married.
Some people also wear an engagement ring on their right hand. There isn’t a right way to wear an engagement ring. It all comes down to personal beliefs, culture, and comfort.
Ring Fingers and What They Mean
Now that you know which hand and finger you should put on a wedding ring, let’s delve into other ring fingers and what they mean.
The Pinky Finger
Wearing a ring on the pinky finger symbolizes the ability to communicate and come into an agreement with others more easily. It can also signify a wearer’s artistic values. A ring on this finger doesn’t have cultural or religious meaning.
It’s also the best finger to wear a statement-making ring since it will be more noticeable.
The Middle Finger
If you want to wear a ring and don’t want to keep people guessing about your marital status, wear it on your middle finger. Being the boldest finger, it also symbolizes balance.
The Index Finger
A ring on the index or pointer finger symbolizes self-confidence, ambition, and leadership. Maybe this is the reason why queens and kings wear a ring on their pointer fingers.
The Thumb
The thumb symbolizes influence and wealth. The finger is usually big and requires a ring with more materials. This is what created this belief since the more material a ring has, the more expensive it is.
Ancient Greeks associated a ring on the thumb as a symbol of power, masculinity, and dignity.
Types Of Wedding Rings
There are several types of wedding rings available. You are left to make the decision of which to buy according to your taste and budget. Some of the most common types include:
Classic Wedding Band
A classic wedding band is usually made of precious metals such as white gold, yellow gold, and platinum. The metals usually have a smooth and reflective finish. Classic wedding bands are more affordable than other types of rings, comfortable, and rhyme with most styles.
Channel Wedding Band
In a channel wedding band, the stones on the ring’s shank are set between two metal walls along a track. These wedding bands are very popular as they give a ring a clean look. The gems are usually placed below the level surface of the ring, making them safe from damage.
Eternity Wedding Band
An eternity wedding band or an infinity wedding band comprises a precious metal band that has a continuous line of similarly cut gemstones. This ring symbolizes eternal love. You can wear it as your wedding ring or wear it together with a wedding ring.
5-Stone Wedding Band
The 5-stone wedding band is usually made of rose or yellow gold and five other gems such as diamond. The five stones can be of any size and shape to fit a specific design. All the stones usually have the same shape and size to create a harmonious look.
The stones can be used to symbolize five qualities a relationship should have or a 5th wedding anniversary.
Vintage Wedding Band
Vintage wedding bands are stylish and unique. Basically, a vintage wedding band is a band that was crafted several years ago and perhaps pre-owned by someone else. You can choose to wear your mother’s or grandma’s ring as your vintage wedding band.
Can Wearing a Wedding Ring for Too Long Hurt Your Finger?
Wearing a wedding ring for too long can make your fingers develop some marks, even permanent ones. This is mostly possible when your ring is very tight.
It’s also good to note that a finger’s size might change over time due to weather changes or biological conditions. That’s why you shouldn’t buy a ring that fits too tight, as it might feel uncomfortable whenever your finger gets larger.
If your finger swells and your ring feels so tight, you can remove it and have it resized or wait until the finger goes back to its normal size before wearing it again.
Wedding Ring Maintenance Tips
- A wedding ring, just like any other thing, requires to be maintained properly for it to maintain a beautiful appearance and last long. Here are some tips on how you can maintain it
- Clean it up regularly. Rings collect dirt and oils, which interferes with their appearance. Cleaning a ring is very simple. You only need to wash it using warm water and soap.
- Remove it when you need it. You don’t have to feel guilty for removing your ring. For example, if it is delicate, you don’t have to risk having it on when playing tennis or doing vigorous exercises.
- Have several ring dishes around your home, especially if you remove your ring frequently. By having them, you will always have an idea of where to look for your ring.
There is no right or wrong way of wearing a wedding ring. You can wear it on either the left or right fourth finger. Personal preference comes into play here, although your culture or religious belief can also guide you. You also have the option to choose the type of ring that you like. Remember also to take care of your ring so that it can remain clean and appealing for years to come.
Do you have some comments you’d like to make concerning wedding rings and which hand they should go on? Please feel free to do it in the comments section below.
