While the left-hand ring finger is considered off-limits for any jewelry until somebody pops the question, this long-held notion may be coming to an end. According to a report from Brides.com, more brides are opting for an alternative way to wear their engagement rings, leaving prime real estate on the left hand, ready for any jewelry a woman chooses.
The reason why brides typically wear their engagement ring and wedding band on the left-hand ring finger is because, in Roman times, people believed that a vein, known as the vena amoris, ran directly from your left ring finger to your heart. However, even long after that myth was disproved, tradition still stands, and many will flaunt their wedding jewelry on their left hand.
The idea of an engagement ring didn’t even occur until 1477, when Maximillian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a ring as a token of love and a promise of marriage. Before that, rings were not worn to symbolize marriage.
These days, there is no right or wrong way to wear bridal jewelry, and many choose to mix it up to fit their unique tastes.
While traditionally the engagement ring is worn atop of the wedding band, stacked, some brides choose to add even more dazzle to their fingers. They may choose to wear two wedding bands on either side of the ring for a more symmetrical touch. Some even have custom jewelry made to have the ring look even bigger. Whether you want a subtle, elegant band and stone or something flashy with a “wow” factor, it can certainly be done.
Other brides have decided to wear their rings on separate hands for balance, presumably. You can wear either ring on either hand and perhaps even add anniversary bands later to create a meaningful stack.
One of the biggest problems for left-handed brides is that their engagement and wedding rings may get in the way when they write. But in fact, in some Orthodox communities, it is customary to wear your bridal jewelry on your right hand. Conveniently, this leaves your dominant hand free for other tasks.
Some brides who work with their hands very often don’t like wearing a ring at all. While they may don it on special outings, some choose to wear their ring as a pendant from a matching chain to keep the hands free.
None of these ways are wrong. It is totally the decision of the bride. So if you have a unique idea for your bridal jewelry, consider visiting McGee Jewelers for a custom jewelry design that you’ll treasure forever.