Traditional Ways to Wear Wedding Rings With Engagement Rings

The exchange of rings is a poignant part of the wedding ceremony.

Wedding rings and engagement rings are more than just pieces of jewelry. Perhaps more than any other item you will ever wear, these rings are steeped in both emotion and history. The importance of wearing them -- and how they are worn -- can best be understood when you recognize the elevated status they possess.

History of Wedding Rings

Ancient Egyptians were the first people to utilize a ring as a symbol of betrothal. These first wedding rings were made of woven rushes, the plant that grew prolifically along the Nile riverbed. It is no mistake that a ring was used, as a circle was the symbol of eternity in Egyptian ideology. Because the wedding ring has no beginning and no end, it is a fitting representation of love, which should also be ceaseless. Because these grass rings were generally short-lived, versions made of bone, ivory or leather became popular soon after the custom began.

History of Engagement Rings

In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring upon their decision to wed. Her acceptance of the ring indicated that she would accept the Archduke as her husband. Many wealthy couples wished to follow in the steps of the royals, and the tradition of presenting a diamond ring to your intended bride was born. Diamonds have symbolized romance for thousands of years, as the ancient Greeks believed that Eros, also called Cupid, used diamond-tipped arrows when he shot his victims.

Which Finger?

Traditionally, wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. Ancient Egyptians believed that the vein often seen clearly in this finger ran directly to the heart of the person, making this the finger of love and romance. After the invasion of Egypt by Greece, this belief was adopted and widely spread.

Certain Jewish wives may wish to wear their wedding band on their left index finger, instead. It is thought that wearing the ring on the index finger allows it to be more clearly seen. It is still displayed on the left hand, allowing the groom to present it to the bride from his right hand, following the Torah verse that indicates all good things are given by the right hand. Some Jewish grooms do not wear wedding bands at all, but instead cover their shoulders with a special tallit to display their marriage status after the ceremony. Other Jewish couples may compromise, choosing to have the bride wear her ring on her index finger and to have the groom wear a tallit during the ceremony, then switching to traditional wedding bands for the duration of their married life afterward.

Which Order?

Because some brides wear their engagement ring during their wedding ceremony, the wedding band may end up being worn on the outside. However, tradition says that the wedding band should be worn on the finger inside of the engagement ring so that it is closer to your heart. For the wedding ceremony, you may wish to leave your engagement ring at home, wear it on your right hand, or quickly remove it during the ceremony just before the groom places the wedding band on your finger.

References

• The Knot; Wedding Rings: Wear Engagement Ring During Wedding Ceremony?
• TheHistoryOf.net; The History of the Wedding Ring -- A Recognizable Symbol of Love; Matt Jacks; September 2008
• Jewish Celebrations; Wedding Ceremony Part II: The Ring & Its Significance -- an Orthodox Perspective; Rivka C. Berman
• Temple San Jose: The Tallit
• Reader's Digest; Family -- The History of Engagement Rings; Kelly Bare
• Circa1930s.com: The History of Engagement Rings