How to wear your wedding ring

The wedding ring, also called a wedding band, is a symbol of love and union. This very special piece of jewelry carries many values governed by certain traditions in order to preserve their meaning. This ring represents the union of a couple, and it is, of course, given to the beloved on their wedding day. In this article, we will provide details on how to wear this precious piece of jewelry in France. On this page, you will learn which finger to wear your wedding ring on, according to French tradition.

Which hand should you wear your wedding ring on?

In several countries, such as France, Belgium, and Switzerland, the wedding ring is worn on the left hand. This applies to both women's and men's wedding bands. However, wearing the wedding band on the left hand is not a universal custom. In many countries, such as Spain, Germany, Russia, Poland, and Austria, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand.

Which finger should you wear your wedding ring on?

The wedding ring is generally worn on the ring finger, the fourth finger of the hand. According to French custom, the wedding band is therefore worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Wearing the wedding band on the ring finger is a true tradition that dates back centuries. Indeed, as the etymology of the word "ring finger" shows, the term refers to a ring worn. Given that the ring finger is used much less than the other fingers, wearing one's wedding ring on the ring finger was a way to protect the jewelry.

Why wear your wedding ring on your left ring finger?

Wearing your wedding ring on your left ring finger is linked to very old customs. The oldest tradition dates back toAncient Egypt. According to a legend adopted by the Greeks, the "Amoris" vein connects our left ring finger to the heart. This custom has left its mark in France, where wedding rings have been placed on the left ring finger for many years.
The French tradition can also be explained by the fact that there are more right-handed people than left-handed people, and it's easier to put your wedding ring on your left hand with your right hand. By wearing their wedding ring on the left, a right-handed person will also avoid damaging the ring.

Why wear your wedding ring on your right hand?

The choice of hand for wearing a wedding ring depends on the couple's religion or country of origin. Countries like Russia and Poland have Protestant or Orthodox influences. To distinguish themselves from Catholicism, they place the wedding ring on the right hand. This is also the case in Germany.
But in some cultures, the right hand is also considered auspicious, based on certain passages in the Bible. Wisdom is attributed to the right hand, while impulsiveness is associated with the left. This is the reason why Spaniards wear their wedding rings on their right hand. However, regardless of custom, the wedding ring is always worn on the ring finger to maintain its traditional symbolism.

Which finger should I wear the engagement ring on?

According to French tradition, the engagement ring should be worn on the same hand as the wedding ring, that is, the left. However, there is no rule specifying which finger to wear this ring on. You can therefore wear this precious piece of jewelry on any finger you like, as long as it is on your left hand.

In what order should you wear the wedding ring and the engagement ring?

While some women wear their wedding ring every day and their engagement ring only for special occasions, others prefer to wear both rings together. In this case, they often wear the wedding band and engagement ring on the same finger, typically the left ring finger. Regarding the order in which to wear these two pieces of jewelry, it's customary to place the wedding band first, so it's closer to the heart. The engagement ring is then placed second on the finger.
For your information, you can also wear the engagement ring on another finger on your left hand. As you can see, wedding bands and engagement rings go hand in hand, so it's important to choose them in the same material so they complement each other perfectly, especially if you're going to wear them on the same finger. Ideally, 18-karat gold is always the best choice for a piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime. Depending on your taste, you can choose between yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold.
Bollwerk jewelry store assists you in choosing your wedding rings, and offers exclusive models, as well as a service for creating custom-made wedding rings.