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The engagement ring is offered as a promise of an upcoming marriage. This ring in gold, silver, platinum... is adorned with one or more stone(s), most often a diamond set alone. It symbolizes the eternal love that unites two people. Several questions arise as to how to wear an engagement ring . On which hand and which finger should it find its place? And why ? The traditions and explanations are numerous, especially since the uses are not the same according to the countries, regions and religions.

WHY IS THE ENGAGEMENT RING WORN ON THE RING FINGER?

In France, and in many other countries, the engagement ring is worn on the ring finger, just like the wedding ring. Moreover, the fourth finger of the hand bears the name of “annular” precisely in reference to this function of ring bearer.

There are several reasons why the engagement ring is worn on the ring finger. The best known finds its origin in an Egyptian belief according to which the human body would only have one vein leading directly to the heart and that it would be at the level of the ring finger. Symbolic at will, this finger was therefore naturally chosen to wear a jewel that represents an unfailing bond of love. During Antiquity, Romans and Greeks perpetuated this tradition of the “Vena amoris”, this unique and meaningful vein of love. And even today, when we know perfectly the venous network of each finger, we continue to wear engagement rings and alliances on the ring finger.

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WHY DO WE PUT THE RING ON THE LEFT HAND?

Because it was believed that the ring finger of the left hand was irrigated by the Vena amoris mentioned above, it is on this hand that the engagement ring is worn, just like the wedding band. Other, more down-to-earth reasons are also put forward to explain this tradition. One of them is based on the fact that the population is proportionally made up of a larger proportion of right-handers than left-handers. However, to prevent the ring from being damaged, the choice of the left hand was essential. However, there are many countries that favor the right hand, such as Spain or Germany.