How to Wear Your Wedding and Engagement Ring

Over the past hundred years, many aspects of a wedding have changed. Nowadays, couples may opt to do a first look, skip the plated dinner, or even decide to elope. However, there’s one thing that’s remained constant: the ring exchange. “Even though many cultures didn’t have engagement ring traditions prior to the mid-20th century, the Romans first began wearing the ring next to the pinky finger on the left hand, as they believed it connected to a vein directly to the heart, making the connection between the couple stronger,” says Aditi Daga, the co-founder of Angara, a jewelry company. “That’s also why it is typically worn at the bottom of the stack, closer to the vein that reaches the heart.”

However, even though such a styling is rooted in tradition, the way you choose to wear your wedding rings should be informed by your own preferences and daily routine. “Everyone’s finger shape and length is different, and more importantly, lifestyle is different,” says Daga. “For example, a doctor or teacher who is constantly using their hands around patients and students all day may want a ring with a lower, or more flush, setting.” And if you’re just starting to look at rings, consider how you plan to style your jewels before selecting them. For example, if you want to wear your engagement ring and wedding band on the same finger, you may want to get a set that fits together. However, if you’d rather wear them on different hands, you may choose more creative statement pieces. 

Ultimately, how you choose to wear your engagement and wedding ring is a personal choice. “Always do what’s true to you,” says Daga. “Whether it’s wearing a colored red gemstone engagement ring because it’s your birthstone or the favorite of your deceased grandmother, choosing a diamond band as your only ring, or wearing your engagement ring on your right hand if you’re a lefty—these are all valid reasons to break from tradition. Have fun with the process and wear your rings in a way that feels comfortable for your daily lifestyle.”

4 Ways to Wear Your Wedding and Engagement Ring

Looking for some inspiration on how to style your engagement ring and wedding band? Here, Daga offers four different styles to consider, depending on your personal preference and daily habits. 

Traditionally: As a Matching Set

Typically, when you wear an engagement ring with a wedding band, the former will be stacked on top of the latter. “The wedding band is typically worn on the inside, closer to the vein that reaches the heart, while the engagement ring is more prominent,” Daga says. However, you can also opt to change the ordering. “Personally, I sometimes switch it around and wear the band on top, as the engagement ring is usually of higher value, and I feel assured that it will always be protected,” she adds.

Artistically: With Colored Stones

Adding colored stones to your wedding band or engagement ring can create a bright and playful look. Choose a single emerald, ruby, sapphire, amethyst, or other sentimental stone for your engagement ring, or incorporate a colorful accent into your wedding ring. “My engagement ring has an emerald center stone, so I chose to go with a diamond band,” says Daga. “However, you could also do the reverse, styling a colored gemstone band with a classic diamond ring.” Such an addition allows your stack to be versatile, giving you the opportunity to switch up the finger on which you wear your rings.

Creatively: By Mixing Pairs

If you opt not to get a wedding and engagement ring that are designed to fit together, choose individual bands that complement each other. “A classic solitaire ring with a heavy, prong-set diamond band is a timeless combination that also allows you to pair the band with other rings, unlike a band that is perfectly contoured to fit the wedding ring,” says Daga. “This gives more flexibility to stack with rings on the other hand, and even change one piece in the future as tastes and lifestyles change.”

Unexpectedly: Not on Your Hand 

Don’t limit yourself to wearing your bands on the third finger of your left hand. Instead, switch up the finger or hand on which you don the jewels, or place them on a chain necklace or bracelet. “If I want to clear my hand as a palette to make room for other statement bracelets or cocktail rings, I will often put my engagement ring and wedding band on a longer chain necklace as charms,” says Daga. “A thicker shank ring with [fewer] prongs tends to sit well on the neck. This is still a meaningful, fun and fashionable way to style your rings, especially when paired with a complementing neckline, such as a collared shirt.”