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Although they may not necessarily be the blingiest, wedding rings are arguably the most important piece of jewellery that you will ever wear in your life. Symbolising the bond shared between a couple, wedding rings highlight that two people are bound to each other through the union of marriage. It is a tradition that dates back to the days of Ancient Rome when the men would give women plain gold rings to symbolise betrothment, and it is something that remains just as meaningful today despite our ever-changing values.
Exchanged between couples following the reading of the vows, there has always been a little bit of conjecture around wedding rings and traditions that go along with them, namely what finger you wear your rings on. While some people have given a lot of thought about wedding bands, engagement rings and even the person that will one day get down on one knee and present them with these rings, others haven't given it much thought at all and likely wouldn't have a clue.
So, how do you wear your wedding rings? Read on to find out.
Overview:
- How Do You Wear Your Wedding Rings?
- On Your Ring Finger With Your Engagement Ring
- On Your Ring Finger On Its Own
- On The Opposite Hand
- On The Index Or Middle Finger
- Around Your Neck
How Do You Wear Your Wedding Rings?
While many assume that there is only one right way to wear your bridal jewellery, elements such as the country you grew up in, your religious background, cultural values and even your lifestyle say otherwise. Then there is the fact that times are changing and more and more people are abandoning traditions in order to to make new ones that better align with their values and beliefs. Below are just a few ways that brides and grooms are choosing to rock their wedding rings.
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On Your Ring Finger - With Your Engagement Ring
Arguably one of the most traditional ways to wear your bridal bling is on your ring finger with your engagement ring. Occasionally referred to as a bridal set, wearing both your rings on the same finger not only helps to emphasise your diamond engagement ring, but it also holds special significance. Located between your pinky and middle finger, the ring finger has served as a placeholder for bridal jewellery for centuries. Legend has it that the Ancient Romans believed that the ring finger had a small vein known as the Vena Amoris ('Vein of Love') that led directly to the heart.
This theory has since been debunked, however, the tremendous significance of this ancient belief is something that remains to this day. Those who are shopping for wedding rings will likely come across many wedding bands that feature a small bend in them which are specifically designed this way to fit seamlessly against the diamond ring, namely diamond solitaire engagement rings that have a slightly raised prong setting. Upon exchanging vows, some couples will place their wedding ring first as it is closest to the heart and then will sit their engagement ring on top, however, some will do the opposite as it represents the order in which they are given.
On Your Ring Finger - Sans Engagement Ring
While there are a lot of people who would prefer to keep all their bridal jewellery placed firmly on the one ring finger, others opt to forgo an engagement ring altogether upon exchanging vows. Even though it is somewhat of a tradition, many are not fans of wearing both their wedding and engagement rings at once. This is because wearing two rings on the same finger can be somewhat restricting at times, especially if you have smaller fingers or work with your hands a lot. Not to mention, engagement rings can be a highly valuable piece of jewellery and therefore are a natural target for opportunists who may want to get their hands on them.
In fact, you will notice couples who travel a lot have adopted this approach when it comes to wearing their wedding rings for this particular reason. Others will avoid wearing their wedding and engagement bling together on their ring finger purely as a fashion choice, either as they like to wear other diamond jewellery and don't want it to clash, they are more of a minimalist when it comes to the accessories they wear, or simply because they would prefer to keep this very special piece of jewellery for special occasions.
On The Opposite Hand
For those that find wearing wedding rings and engagement rings too cluttered or restrictive but are keen to still show off all their bling, you also have the option to wear your band on the ring finger of your opposite hand. This approach not only gives you the freedom to wear your bridal jewellery without it being too restrictive but also provides you with a more subtle sparkle. The hand that you choose to wear your wedding ring on is very much dependent on the country you live in as well as the religious and cultural values that you follow.
In a majority of western countries, including Australia, bridal jewellery is traditionally worn on the ring finger located on your left hand and so if you are keen to separate your rings you would likely wear your right hand. Whereas in Asia as well as many parts of Southern and Eastern Europe, particularly countries such as India, Russia Switzerland, Bulgaria and Latvia, you would wear your engagement ring on your right hand and therefore may opt to wear your wedding piece on your left. Another reason a person may swap their wedding ring to the opposite hand is that the traditional ring finger may be located on your dominant hand and therefore may get in the way of certain tasks such as writing and housework. Alternatively, you could be looking at getting a classic yellow gold wedding ring to match your partner's which you don't want to clash with your white gold engagement ring or vice-versa.
On The Index Or Middle Finger
The idea and values of marriage have evolved so much over the years, and so it only makes sense that some of the traditions that come with it would also see a significant shift. Take getting engaged, for example, there used to be barely any options for men who choose to wear engagement bling, but today there are tons of men's engagement rings for guys to choose from. These drastic new values, beliefs and traditions are something that also extends to how a person chooses to wear their engagement and wedding rings. There is a growing minority of brides and grooms that are opting to wear their wedding ring on their index finger or even their middle finger.
The index or middle finger is not only a great way to show off their bling in a more noticeable way, but it also highlights your individuality. It shows that there is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to do things in life and therefore you should own it. No matter what finger you choose to wear your wedding ring on it won't take away from its beauty or the significance behind it. While it may confuse others, the only thing that matters is that it makes sense to you and your partner as well as your partnership.
Around Your Neck
Countless people are employed in professions that require a lot of manual labour, so it may not necessarily make sense to wear wedding rings-or any ring for that matter, on your hands. Confused? Allow us to elaborate. In some industries, where you are required to conduct a lot of heavy lifting or operate heavy machinery, jewellery on your hands including wedding rings can not only get in the way, but they can become damaged or even cause damage themselves. Pop culture fans will remember a few years ago when talk show host, Jimmy Fallon made the headlines for an injury he received to his ring finger after falling and getting his finger caught on his kitchen counter. The injury resulted in a condition known as ring avulsion, a soft tissue injury that can have long-lasting effects in urgent medical care is not sought.
But, this is not to say that you should have to forgo wearing your wedding and engagement rings altogether. A very unique approach that some people are adopting for their wedding jewellery is looping their wedding ring and even an engagement ring onto a chain so that it almost resembles a pendant. This very modern way of rocking your bridal bling ensures that you can still get a great deal of wear out these very meaningful pieces without worrying about them getting in the way of your work or your active lifestyle. It also gives you a fancy new necklace that you can just throw on before you leave the house that instantly dresses up your look.
