Should I Wear My Engagement Ring On My Wedding Day?

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Ring, ring! It's the question every love-struck individual, amid wedding planning chaos, has probably lost sleep over - should you or should you not wear your engagement ring on your wedding day? 

We understand your predicament. 

On one hand, you have that dazzling diamond - the very symbol of your partner's undying love - that you've grown attached to. 

On the other hand, you have the new glittering band waiting to be slipped onto the same finger that currently hosts your beloved rock. 

We're here to tell you, don't overthink it! 

From traditional customs to bold trendsetters, we've got you covered. So stick with us because, much like the perfect diamond cut, we're about to shine some clarity on this twinkling topic. 

Buckle up because the ride to jewelry enlightenment starts now!

Engagement Ring Etiquette Depending on Culture

Let's imagine culture as a jeweler's bench, where each society molds its distinctive band of love.

The cultural tapestry adds a unique charm to engagement ring etiquette in the whirlwind of glimmer and glamor, where diamonds dance with the light.

Western Culture - Left Hand, “Vena Amoris”

In the West, our lovers have a left-leaning bias - not speaking politically but in terms of their ring finger!

Picture a glistening gemstone poised elegantly on the fourth finger of the left hand. 

This tradition springs from the ancient Romans, who believed in the "Vena Amoris" or the "vein of love," supposedly running directly from this finger to the heart.

Although anatomically debunked, this delightful belief has stood the test of time like a classic solitaire diamond.

In some Eastern Cultures - Right Hand

The word "Sinister" originates from the Latin word sinister meaning "on the left", therefore, the left hand was seen as unlucky!

Venture east, and you'll find an interesting twist. The engagement ring in countries like India and Russia often dazzles on the right hand.

This dates back to antiquated notions that associated the left hand with inferiority.

It’s like wearing pearls with a leather jacket, unconventional perhaps, but it gives the wearer a sense of identity and style!

Is It Unlucky to Wear an Engagement Ring During Your Wedding?

Ah, the old debate: to wear or not to wear the engagement ring at the wedding ceremony!

Many find themselves juggling superstitions like a jeweler balancing gems on a scale.

The Western tradition usually insists on the wedding band being closer to the heart, signifying a deeper bond.

So, if you're sporting your engagement ring, it may be a bit like putting the wedding band in the backseat on the ride to marital bliss.

But fear not! Many simply switch their engagement ring to the right hand for the ceremony, then reunite it with the wedding band later, like a sweetly crafted pair of matching earrings…or rings!

Indeed, this "unlucky" notion seems to be as vague as a foggy diamond.

Although it’s mostly a Western concept, the specifics are as elusive as the perfect emerald cut.

Rest assured, the world of jewelry is open to interpretation. Your wedding, your rules!

After all, what's an engagement ring but a sparkle of your unique love story etched in precious stone and metal?

How do different cultures wear both engagement rings and wedding rings?

Let's jet off on a thrilling expedition across the vast, glittering landscape of global jewelry customs. 

Typical Western Tradition 

The classical Western tradition is a bit like stacking your favorite gemstones. 

You start with the foundation - your engagement ring, a beacon of promise, like the diamond at the heart of a solitaire. 

Then comes the wedding band, a solid circle of commitment that layers on top of the engagement ring.

But hold on, after the vows are said, and the wedding band is slipped on, the engagement ring goes back on top - a sort of diamond sandwich, if you will. 

This customary stacking symbolizes the journey of love: from a dazzling promise to a solid commitment, then back to the daily sparkle of life together.

Brazilian Tradition

Brazil, the land of samba, carnival, and, believe it or not, innovative ring swapping. In this passionate South American nation, an engagement ring is worn on the right hand.

But after the wedding, the ring pirouettes like a Samba dancer, crossing over to the left hand. A waltz of gold and gemstone, if you will.

Some choose to jazz things up further by wearing the engagement ring and wedding band on different hands, dancing to the beat of their drum, or, shall we say, their diamonds.

Each culture adds its unique charm to the timeless tradition of engagement and wedding rings.

It's akin to having a variety of stunning gemstones to choose from - each one holds its appeal, each one perfect for different occasions. 

But when it comes to picking that special ring, whether you're in the heart of New York or the coasts of Brazil, remember, it's the sentiment that counts, not the side of the hand it's on. 

There is no “one size fits all”

Diamonds are as diverse as snowflakes, folks. Every single one has a unique cut, clarity, and twinkle that can make your heart beat.

Just like in the world of jewelry, the variety is simply dazzling when it comes to marriage customs and traditions.

If you thought there was one universal approach to weddings, I hate to burst your bubble, but it's high time we demolished this misconception.

When making this oh so tough decision, think of it like choosing a gem for a ring. Not every diamond is right for every setting, and not every custom is right for every couple.

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You wouldn't want to shove a radiant-cut diamond into a setting designed for an oval cut, would you?

Similarly, why follow a custom that doesn't resonate with your personal beliefs or upbringing?

We’ll level with you, all that matters is that your choice reflects your background, culture, values, and love story.

It should shine brighter than any diamond, make your heart flutter more than any carat size, and feel as right as finding the perfect ring that fits snugly on your finger.

So go ahead, choose the tradition that sparkles the brightest for you!

To Wear or Not to Wear? That's the Engagement Ring Question

Now comes the part where we take our metaphorical polishing cloth and add a final gleam to this shining discussion.

To wear or not to wear that ring of engagement?

If there's one thing we can engrave on the band of certainty, it's that this choice is as personal as the inscription on the inner circle of your wedding ring.

Think of it as a jewelry box. Your wedding day is a separate compartment, a unique moment, a gem of its own.

Whether you want to add the sparkle of your engagement ring to that compartment or keep it separate is entirely up to you. It's your jewelry box, your story.

So, the final verdict? Much like how every diamond needs to reflect its owner's personality, your decision should reflect your journey and values.

Remember, authenticity always outshines conformity when it comes to love and jewelry.

And if you ever need expert advice on the 'right' ring, remember, you can always turn to your trusted jewel encyclopedia - Ben Garelick. 

With our help, you'll always be on the 'bright' side of style!

So go ahead, let your love story shine brighter than a radiant-cut diamond in the heart of a hidden halo setting.

Visit us at our Buffalo, NY store today.

Not nearby? Not to worry - chat with our wedding experts online 24/7, call us on (716) 631-1584, or text (716) 574-0966. Let’s find the perfect jewelry for your special day!

Peter Manka Jr

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.

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