Which hand and finger should a wedding ring be worn on?
Key Takeaways
- Which hand to wear a wedding ring on is a question that most couples wonder about before the big day. Depending on the customs of each country, the ring position may vary,...
Which hand to wear a wedding ring on is a question that most couples wonder about before the big day. Depending on the customs of each country, the ring position may vary, but the common meaning always points to love, attachment, and a lifelong vow. The article below will fully explain how to wear a wedding ring according to Vietnamese tradition, Western tradition, and important notes so you can easily choose.
Which hand is correct for wearing a wedding ring?
In Vietnam, the husband wears the ring on the left hand and the wife on the right hand, both on the ring finger. In Western countries such as the US, France, Italy, the UK, and Canada, both husband and wife traditionally wear it on the left ring finger according to the ancient Roman belief that the vein of love connects straight to the heart. Some countries such as India, Russia, Germany, and Norway choose the right hand instead. The ring finger remains the common standard. Specifically:
How to wear wedding rings according to Vietnamese customs
According to Vietnamese customs, the wedding rings of the wife and husband are worn on the ring finger, but on different hands based on the concept of “men left, women right.” The husband will wear the wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand, symbolizing his role as the pillar, protector, and his responsibility toward the family. In contrast, the wife wears the wedding ring on the ring finger of the right hand as an affirmation of her dexterity, care, and preservation of the family's happiness.
See more: In Vietnam, Which Finger Are Proposal and Engagement Rings Worn On?
The husband wears the wedding ring on the left ring finger, the wife wears it on the right ring finger
How to wear wedding rings by Western countries
In many Western countries such as the US, France, Italy, the UK, and Canada, both wife and husband wear their wedding rings on the left ring finger. This custom originated in ancient Rome, when Romans believed that a special blood vessel called “vena amoris” – the vein of love, existed in the left ring finger and connected directly to the heart. Therefore, wearing a wedding ring on this finger is seen as a way to express eternal love and the sacred connection between two hearts.
However, not every country follows this convention. In some European and Asian cultures, wedding rings are worn on the right hand:
- India: The right hand is chosen because the left hand is considered unlucky.
- Russia and Germany: Wedding rings are worn on the right hand, expressing respect for marriage vows and the sacred value of family.
- Norway and some Nordic countries: They have long maintained the tradition of wearing wedding rings on the right hand.
Both wife and husband wear wedding rings on the left ring finger in the West
Top 6 most popular couple wedding ring designs today
So now you clearly understand which hand a wedding ring should be worn on. Next, let’s explore with Jemmia 5 of the most loved wedding ring designs today to choose the perfect design for your big day.
Half-Eternity ring & horizontal ridge ring
The combination of sophistication and strength is expressed through this luxurious and modern pair of white gold diamond wedding rings WRMNJ2400841. The women’s wedding ring is a Half-Eternity style set with seven sparkling diamonds on a slim band, symbolizing eternal love. The men’s ring has a wider band, with a highly polished white gold surface accented by two simple horizontal ridges, strong and masculine. Both rings are harmonious in material and shine, representing the perfect connection between the bride and groom.
White gold diamond wedding rings WRMNJ2400841
Twisted wedding ring pair (Twisted)
The graceful twisted design is the highlight of this pair of white gold wedding rings WRMNJ2400161, symbolizing eternal bonding and harmony. The ring band is shaped from two twisted metal strips intertwined together, with a glossy surface that creates a graceful and modern look. The women’s ring has a delicate highlight of three melee diamonds neatly set in a slanted groove at the intersection of the twist, bringing sparkle and femininity. Meanwhile, the men’s ring retains the twisted design but is completely plain and thicker, expressing strength and solidity.
Pair of white gold wedding rings WRMNJ2400161
X-shaped interlocking wedding ring (Interlocking)
Natural diamond wedding ring WRMNJ2301221 is a symbol of inseparable connection with its soft X-shaped interlocking design. Crafted from glossy white gold, the ring band looks as if it is formed from two metal strips crossing over each other. The women’s ring is extremely sparkling with a row of melee diamonds set along the crossed strip, creating a feminine and standout look. Meanwhile, the men’s ring maintains a strong appearance with a single diamond bezel-set at the intersection, creating a subtle highlight on the smooth polished surface. This design brings a modern, luxurious, and meaningful appearance.
Natural diamond wedding ring WRMNJ2301221
Wedding ring with a diamond set in the center groove (Minimalist)
If you like a minimalist and refined style, then white gold diamond wedding ring WRMNJ2201561 will be a suitable choice. Both rings have smooth, elegant bands, highlighted by a center diamond subtly bezel-set between two horizontal grooves, creating a luxurious and secure feel. The women’s ring is made more prominent with two rows of melee diamonds set on both sides of the center stone, adding extra sparkle and femininity. The men’s ring keeps a simpler design with only one 5.4 mm diamond, creating a perfect balance between strength and matching sophistication.
White gold diamond wedding ring WRMNJ2201561
Diamond wedding ring WRMNJ2200041
A gorgeous and radiant appearance comes from this pair of diamond wedding rings WRMNJ2200041 densely detailed, creating a strong fashion statement for the love of the bride and groom. Both rings feature a symmetrical design, highlighted by two rows of melee diamonds set along the band for maximum sparkle. The central highlight is an X-shaped detail (or bow shape) adorned with small diamonds lying across the two main rows of stones, helping divide and emphasize the center area. With fairly wide bands and intricate details, this pair of rings expresses luxury, modernity, and lasting commitment.
Pair of diamond wedding rings WRMNJ2200041
Flat-cut wedding ring WRMNJ2300791
Perfect harmony is what this pair of diamond wedding rings WRMNJ2300791 with a modern flat-band design offers. Both rings have a subtle horizontal cut detail at the top, creating a synchronized and unique highlight. The women’s ring is extremely sparkling with a row of diamonds set closely together (Channel style or Pavé style) just below the cut, covering almost the entire upper surface of the band. The men’s ring keeps a minimalist design, focusing on the glossy white gold surface and only the cut detail, creating a balance between the groom’s strong look and the bride’s radiance.
Diamond wedding ring WRMNJ2300791
3 taboos to avoid when wearing wedding rings
Besides learning which hand a wedding ring should be worn on, couples should also pay attention to taboos related to the wedding ring, to avoid bad luck and preserve harmony in the family:
Wearing mismatched wedding rings
Wedding rings represent harmony and the bond between two people. Therefore, if the two rings differ in style or are too mismatched, this can easily be seen as a symbol of incompatibility in marriage. Ideally, both should choose rings with a unified design in style, color, and material.
Losing the ring or pawning/selling it
A wedding ring is a lifelong keepsake, so losing it or selling it is considered highly taboo. This action can easily cause the misunderstanding that you do not value your relationship, or even that you are willing to trade happiness for material difficulties.
See more: Is Selling a Wedding Ring Bad? Spiritual and Scientific Perspectives
Only one person wearing the wedding ring
Many couples, due to work or daily activities, have only one person wearing the ring. However, a wedding ring inherently carries the meaning of reminding both people to always cherish and think of each other. If one person does not wear it, it can easily make the other feel hurt, and may even lead outsiders to misunderstand that you are still single. Therefore, wearing wedding rings is the responsibility of both people to preserve happiness together.
See more: Taboo Notes to Know When Buying Wedding Rings!
Wearing wedding rings is the responsibility of both people to preserve happiness together
Frequently asked questions
Is it mandatory to wear a wedding ring?
Wearing a wedding ring is not a mandatory obligation. The two people can decide for themselves according to their preferences. However, it is still considered a beautiful traditional custom, symbolizing attachment and a marital promise.
What should you do if your wedding ring is too tight?
If the ring feels uncomfortable or too tight when worn, you should bring it to a jewelry store to have the size measured again and adjusted accordingly, or exchange it for one that fits better.
See more: What to Do If Your Wedding Ring Is Too Tight?
Does accidentally losing a wedding ring affect anything?
Folk belief says that losing a ring is an unlucky sign. But what matters most is the feelings and commitment between the two people. You can have a new ring made and continue cherishing its meaning.
See more: Is Losing a Wedding Ring Unlucky?
Why is a wedding ring worn on the ring finger?
The ring finger is considered a symbol of love, associated with the belief that a vein runs straight to the heart. Therefore, a ring worn on this finger symbolizes the lasting connection between husband and wife.
Wedding rings are usually worn on the ring finger
Should you consider your dominant hand when wearing a wedding ring?
Normally, people choose to wear the ring on their non-dominant hand to avoid inconvenience while working, reduce scratches, and help the ring maintain its durability longer.
Can a wedding ring be worn on the middle finger?
Traditionally, the middle finger is not the position for a wedding ring. The ring finger carries the symbolic meaning of marriage, while the middle finger is usually reserved for ordinary fashion rings.
Does wearing a wedding ring on a certain hand have any feng shui meaning?
The left hand often represents receiving good energy and luck, while the right hand represents action, responsibility, and power. Each person can choose the hand that suits their own beliefs.
Should you let someone else try on your wedding ring?
According to traditional beliefs, a wedding ring should not be tried on by someone else to avoid affecting harmony and luck in married life.
No matter which hand you wear your wedding ring on, the most important thing is still the love and appreciation you two have for each other. If you are looking for beautiful, durable, exquisite diamond wedding rings or diamond engagement rings with special meaning, Jemmia always has many suitable options for every style.
You can also refer to the diamond price list at Jemmia to choose a ring model you like that also fits your budget. Come to Jemmia to choose the perfect pair of rings for your big day.
