What Is the Traditional Way to Wear an Engagement Ring?

Showing off your engagement ring tells others you're getting married soon.

Engagement rings are traditionally worn by women after accepting a man’s marriage proposal. The ring symbolizes a man’s devotion to his future wife and her intention to marry him. Not to be confused with wedding rings, an engagement ring is worn before the wedding, though in much the same fashion as the wedding ring. Many women choose to wear both their engagement and wedding rings after the wedding, keeping both on the same finger.

Instructions

1. Wear your engagement ring on your left hand. Place it on your ring finger, between your pinky and middle fingers.

2. Move the ring to another finger for the wedding, or remove it before the ceremony. Since it’s worn on the same finger as the wedding ring, it may get in the way when your husband places your wedding ring on your finger.

3. Put your engagement ring back on your left hand’s ring finger after the wedding. Traditionally, it’s worn directly in front of your wedding ring.

References

• Blue Nile: Types of Men's and Women's Wedding Rings
• Elegant Woman: Engagement Ring Etiquette
• A to Z of Manners and Etiquette: Engagement Ring Etiquette