At Ethan Lord Jewelers, we hear questions about ring tradition all the time from couples designing their custom engagement rings and wedding bands here in Chicago. While there are long standing traditions around ring placement, there’s also room for personal meaning and modern interpretation.
The History Behind the “Ring Finger”
In Western culture, the fourth finger of the left hand has been known for centuries as the ring finger. This tradition dates back to ancient Rome, where it was believed a vein (called the vena amoris, or “vein of love”) ran directly from that finger to the heart.
Though anatomy has since proven otherwise, the symbolism stuck. Wearing a wedding band on the left hand has become a sign of love and connection to one’s partner.
Over time, this tradition spread throughout Europe and North America, becoming the norm for how many wear engagement rings and marriage rings today.
What Hand Do People Wear Their Wedding Ring On Around the World?
While left-hand placement is common in the U.S., Canada, and much of Western Europe, that’s not the case everywhere.
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Eastern Europe: Russia, Greece, and Poland traditionally wear wedding bands on the right hand.
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India: Customs vary by region and religion; some wear the marriage ring on the right hand, others on the left.
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Asia & Middle East: Engagement and wedding jewelry may take other forms such as, gold bangles, gemstone bracelets, or ornate rings.
No matter which hand or finger it’s worn on, the meaning stays the same: a visible, lasting symbol of love and partnership.
Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: Which Comes First?
Traditionally, the engagement ring is given first (often featuring a diamond or gemstone center) followed by the wedding band during the ceremony. After the wedding, most people wear both rings together on the same finger, with the wedding band the first or closest to the heart.
However, some couples choose to wear their engagement ring on one hand and their wedding band on the other, or alternate depending on the occasion. There’s no wrong answer; it’s about what feels right for you.
Do Men Wear Engagement Rings?
In modern relationships, many men now choose to wear engagement rings too. While it’s not a long-standing Western custom, more couples are embracing gender neutral jewelry traditions to celebrate equality and partnership.
Why a Ring, and Why Diamonds?
Rings have symbolized commitment for thousands of years, long before diamonds were introduced. The circular shape represents eternity with no beginning and no end.
Diamonds became the gem of choice after the famous De Beers “A diamond is forever” campaign of the mid-20th century. Today, couples are embracing more variety with lab grown diamonds, colored gemstones, or mixed metal settings that express personal style and sustainability values.
At Ethan Lord, we specialize in custom engagement rings, crafted in Chicago, so you can design a piece that’s uniquely yours, whether that’s a traditional diamond solitaire or something completely unexpected.
Can You Change or Redesign Your Wedding Band?
Absolutely. Over time, styles evolve, or you might want to add engraving, diamonds, or redesign your set to match your partner’s. Many of our clients come to us to reset heirloom stones or create updated versions of their original rings while preserving sentimental value.
Matching Rings with Your Partner
Some couples love coordinating their wedding bands, whether that means matching metals, engravings, or design elements that subtly tie them together. Others prefer completely different looks that reflect their personal taste.
At the end of the day, your wedding rings are a celebration of individuality and connection, so there’s no rulebook, only what feels meaningful to you both.
Whether you wear your wedding ring on your left or right hand, with or without an engagement ring, what matters most is what it represents: love, commitment, and partnership.
If you’re ready to create your own timeless symbol, visit our Chicago showroom or schedule a custom ring consultation today. Our team of expert jewelers will help you design a piece that honors your story, whichever hand you wear it on.