Engagement Ring: Which Hand Does It Go On?

Our daily lives are full of questions that seem to have no right answer:

• How often do people kiss each other on the cheek when greeting one another?
• In "Mensch ärger dich nicht," do the dice roll clockwise or counterclockwise?
• Should the Backstreet Boys release another album?

The question “Which hand do you wear the engagement ring on?”—which you’ll ask for the first time right after the proposal, if not sooner—also belongs on this list, because it’s not that easy to answer either. We’ll tell you in which countries the engagement ring is worn on the left hand and where in the world couples wear it on the right ring finger.

Engagement Ring: Which Hand Is the Right One?

In Germany and Austria, brides wear their engagement ring on the left ring finger until the wedding. After the wedding, they have the option of moving the engagement ring to their right hand, where it is worn in front of the wedding ring. While this practice is common in many Central European countries, the engagement ring is worn on the right hand in places like Switzerland, the U.S., and some southern countries.
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The Supposedly Right Finger for an Engagement Ring

However, this answer regarding the supposedly “right finger” for an engagement ring does need a small addendum: There’s no rule and no truly “right hand” for an engagement ring—as an engaged couple, you can, of course, wear the ring on whichever hand feels right to you. So if you simply choose the hand and finger where the ring fits most comfortably, that’s perfectly fine, too.

As you can see, the decision about which finger and which hand to wear an engagement ring and wedding band on is often a matter of personal comfort and style. Some couples, for example, choose to wear their ring on the middle finger or on a chain around their neck. The many options for wearing an engagement ring highlight just how unique and personal love—and the ways we express it—can be.

The engagement ring on the left ring finger: pure symbolism!  

The tradition of the engagement ring has a rich and varied history. So for those who love romance and history, it’s worth noting that even in Roman times, the ring was considered a symbol of togetherness and love. Particularly romantic is the ancient concept of the “Vena Amoris”—a vein of love that supposedly runs directly from the ring finger of the left hand to the heart. This concept was adopted by many cultures across Europe. In German-speaking regions, including Germany and Austria, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand, a custom that traces back to this ancient belief in the “Vena Amoris.”
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Put on the engagement ring.

If you’re reading this, you may have already presented that sparkling ring—but for some, the big question may still be ahead. Here’s what you need to know: Once you’ve made your plans and the day of the proposal has arrived, it’s just as important—besides choosing the right location—to ask the question of all questions loud and clear. Whether you’d like to say a few words about your relationship and your love beforehand is, of course, entirely up to you. Then, as you slip the ring on, your hand will probably tremble a little, but that’s no big deal—the important thing is to decide in advance which finger you want to put the engagement ring on. That way, you’ll have time to look into your partner’s eyes as you slip the ring on and enjoy this unique, shared moment of your engagement!

Are wedding rings worn on the right or left hand?

After the engagement comes the wedding, and of course, the question of which finger to wear the wedding ring on arises once again. In Germany and Austria, the wedding ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger of the right hand. It’s quite different in the southern countries of Europe: In Portugal, Spain, and even France, wedding rings are worn on the left hand. Jewelry experts throughout Bavaria will provide you with detailed advice regarding which hand to wear it on and how to ensure it’s comfortable.
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Left finger or thumb: Engaged is engaged!

Whether on the left or right hand, on the ring finger or the middle finger, traditional or modern—the engagement ring—and later the wedding ring—is a symbol of love and unity. Ultimately, it’s the personal meaning behind it that makes the ring a special symbol of your unique love.
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Allow yourselves to respect traditions, but also to let your individual preferences and wishes influence your decision. The engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewelry; it is a symbol of your bond, your history, and your shared future.