How to wear a ring - A complete guide to engagement and wedding rings
• Darren
Rings are the perfect way to symbolise statements of commitment and affection. Because those feelings can be showcased in many different ways, various types of rings are used for different special occasions and moments.
All these moving parts and emotions can result in some confusion about the rings themselves. Many are left pondering, how am I supposed to wear this? The answer differs from ring to ring.
At Francis & Gaye, we know how important these rings are and how much they mean to you, so we're here to help you get it right. Follow our handy guide to learn how to wear your engagement, wedding, and eternity rings perfectly. Also, discover how they're supposed to fit, as well as which order to stack them in on your finger.
Table of contents
- How to wear an engagement ring
- How to wear a wedding ring
- How to wear an eternity ring
- Engagement, wedding, and eternity rings at Francis & Gaye
How to wear an engagement ring
Dating back to the times of Ancient Rome, engagement rings have been a cultural cornerstone for centuries. Although we immediately associate these rings with love, commitment, and eventually marriage today, the origins aren't quite as romantic. To the Romans and Egyptians, they were symbols of ownership, and it wasn't until 850 CE that Pope Nicholas I declared that the jewellery was to be used to symbolise an intention of marriage.
Traditionally, the recipient of an engagement ring would wear the piece as a statement of pending marriage and remove it when the wedding arrives, only to replace it afterwards. The fourth finger of the left hand is commonly known as the ring finger, where engagement rings are usually worn. After marriage, the engagement ring often sits above the wedding ring on the same finger.
The ring finger is also a concept born from Ancient Rome. Romans believed that the finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart. They called this vein 'Vena Amoris', translating to 'vein of love'. While the initial purpose of engagement rings in Rome didn't continue through the years, this symbolism did.
If you're thinking about asking the all important question to your partner, take our engagement ring quiz to find the perfect stone for your loved one. Our extensive collection of engagement rings will leave you spoiled for choice.
How to wear a wedding ring
Wedding rings date back to a similar era as engagement rings, and they act as a symbol of a loving future. The circular shape of wedding rings emphasise that the love will remain unbroken. It will be constant and unrelenting.
It is commonplace now for both spouses to proudly wear a wedding ring, but that wasn't always the case. Initially, it was only wives who were to wear wedding rings; those from affluent marriages would sometimes have two rings. One ring was for their home, while the other was to be worn publicly. In the United States, it was as recent as the 20th century that only women would wear wedding rings.
Like engagement rings, wedding rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand. It is customary for the engagement ring to be removed and replaced by the wedding ring, and then the engagement ring would be returned to the finger above the new jewellery. The reason the rings are ordered this way harkens back to the idea of 'Vena Amoris', as the wedding ring sits further down the finger and is, therefore, closer to the heart.
At Francis & Gaye, we offer various beautiful wedding ring designs so you can find the perfect ring for the perfect person to make it a perfect wedding day. Our gorgeous diamonds are set in rose gold, white gold and platinum, and they will all sit on your loved one's finger just as seamlessly.
How to wear an eternity ring
Eternity rings share symbolic meaning with engagement and wedding rings in that they represent the celebration of never-ending love. Where they stand alone, however, is that eternity rings are often given to celebrate a milestone of a marriage rather than an intention to marry or a confirmation of the occasion itself.
The first anniversary of a couple's wedding is the most common time an eternity ring is given or when a couple welcomes their first child. These rings are also known as infinity rings. The infinity name comes from their conception in Ancient Egypt, as the design resembles the infinity symbol.
Rules on gifting and wearing eternity rings are much looser than engagement and wedding rings. Eternity rings can be gifted as a Valentine's Day or even a birthday present, while there is no set finger they need to be worn on. However, it is popular to adorn the ring finger with yet another piece in the form of an eternity ring on top of the existing jewellery. If this feels uncomfortable or doesn't fit properly, feel free to swap to the fourth finger on your right hand.
18ct White Gold Full Diamond Eternity RIng
Give that special gift to your spouse with a beautiful eternity ring from Francis & Gaye. Choose from diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies depending on your occasion and celebration.
Engagement, wedding, and eternity rings at Francis & Gaye
All of these rings represent the power of eternal and everlasting love. They symbolise the best and most emotional moments of a couple's life and cement a bond that will never be broken. The emotional significance of engagement, wedding, and eternity rings should be reflected in the look of the ring itself.
Give your partner a ring that reflects their personality, and choose wedding rings that exude the qualities you both share. At Francis & Gaye, we stock an array of gorgeous rings for these loving occasions, like our three-stone diamond engagement rings or stunning and impactful men's wedding rings. Choose the right ring for you, and give these incredible moments an incredible look to match.
