How to wear wedding ring sets? If you’ve recently gotten engaged, or, are now married, I’m sure this question has crossed your mind. It’s certainly crossed mine.
When I think of my wedding ring sets, I typically imagine them being on my left ring finger. This tradition stems from all of the women in my life wearing them this way. However, is this technically the correct way to wear your wedding sets? To give you the short answer, it’s really up to you.
In this article, we’re going to do a deep dive into the different ways you can wear your rings and where the traditions come from. That way, you can make a decision for yourself.
When it comes down to it, your wedding ring set represents the love between you and your significant other. No matter how you wear them won’t change that.
How to wear wedding ring sets
Who invented wedding rings?
Wedding rings are so common in this day and age however their origins might surprise you.
The earliest known wedding rings come from the ancient Egyptians. They believed there was a vena amoris (vein of love) running from the ring finger (the third finger) on your left hand to your heart. Thus, starting the tradition of wearing your wedding ring sets on your left hand.
What is a wedding ring set?
First, let’s talk about the rings. A wedding set or a bridal set is when an engagement ring and wedding band are worn together.
The engagement ring is typically a diamond ring that consists of one center stone (you have Mary of Burgundy to thank for that). However, your engagement ring can look however you want it to look. It should reflect your unique style and be personal to you.
Engagement rings can often be passed down by a family member or relative. Making them a family heirloom. These sentimental rings are one of a kind and can really bind families together.
The wedding band on the other hand traditionally consists of one or more small diamonds or can be a plain band that is more discreet than the engagement ring. It’s presented at the wedding ceremony, where the engagement ring becomes a set.
What Finger?
In western cultures, like the United States, it’s customary to wear your wedding ring set on your left ring finger. However, in other cultures like India, Germany, Spain, Norway, and Russia, some couples choose to wear their rings on their right hand’s ring finger.
In Chinese culture, some choose to wear their engagement ring on the middle finger. Whereas in some traditional Jewish ceremonies, the wedding ring is put on the right index finger.
There is no right way or wrong way when it comes to choosing which finger you’re wearing your wedding sets on. It comes down to culture, traditions, and personal choice. The important thing to remember is that you’re the one wearing them, so you can make the decision yourself.
If you really want to be unique why not were your rings on different fingers? The engagement ring can go on the left hand’s ring finger and the wedding band can go on the ring finger on the right hand.
Style of wedding rings
Once you’re engaged and planning the wedding, it’s always fun to start looking at wedding rings! Finding the perfect ring can be hard since there are so many styles out there.
Typically, getting a matching wedding ring is ideal if you want both the engagement ring and the wedding ring to blend together. This might consist of matching the engagement ring band to your wedding ring or getting a plain band.
However, lately, it’s very on-trend to go with a completely different wedding band than your engagement ring. Having different rings is a perfect way to be unique.
A lot of brides and grooms also choose to get their engagement ring and wedding band welded together. This is a great option if you prefer to have one ring instead of two.
Order of your rings
When it comes to wedding sets, which ring goes on top?
Traditionally, the engagement ring goes on top of the wedding band. This is the popular choice, however, it’s really up to personal preference.
The reasoning behind this is, is that traditionally the bride (or groom) would wear no rings while walking down the aisle. The wedding band would be added during the ceremony and then the engagement ring would be added after.
In modern times, however, many brides choose to walk down the aisle with their engagement ring on, therefore changing the order.
If you prefer to wear your wedding band on top of the engagement ring, then go for it! A lot of the time this could happen for practical reasons, so whatever feels most comfortable to you!
What is a Promise Ring?
A promise ring traditionally is given to someone as a “promise of engagement” in the future. Often if the couple is young or early in their relationship, a promise ring is a way to show that future commitments are being considered.
A promise ring can really be any type of ring you want. You can also wear a promise ring on different fingers than the traditional wedding ring.
What is an Eternity Ring?
Eternity rings are usually rings gifted to the bride (or groom) on milestone anniversaries or special occasions in addition to their engagement ring and wedding band.
A nice idea would be to get similar anniversary bands for each other with complimentary ring styles. This is a great option not only for sentimental reasons, but it’s also a nice symbol of your eternal love.
When to take off your wedding set?
We’ve been talking a lot about how to wear wedding ring sets however it’s important to note when to take them off.
Now, with that said, in some cultures, it may be seen as bad luck however sometimes taking off your sets keeps you from losing them or tarnishing them.
1) Showering & Dish Washing
The same concept applies to both of these activities. Soap, shampoo, and other body care products can build up on the ring reducing its shine. Additionally, in some cases, they can get under the ring, which can make it more difficult to remove.
To keep that extra sparkle, take it off before cleaning up or hopping in the shower.
2) Going to the beach
Waves and lose rings do not go well together. Wearing your ring in choppy water is an easy way to lose it! It’s also almost impossible to find afterward.
The same thing goes for sand on a beach! Unless you rent a metal detector you might never find your ring again.
3) Active Lifestyle
If you’re doing any sort of active physical activity like rock climbing, skiing, even hiking, you might want to consider leaving the ring at home.
Typically your ring is made of white gold, yellow gold, or silver. Even though a diamond is one of the hardest materials on earth, precious metals are not. Therefore to avoid damaging your ring or having it slip off leave it at home.
4) Travelling
Depending on where you’re going, you might want to consider leaving your ring behind when your travel. There is always a risk of theft. Additionally, who wants to lose their ring on vacation? Sounds like the perfect way to ruin your relaxation.
Whenever you take your ring off make sure it’s put in a safe place. I personally, like to use a ring holder. Here are some of our top choices:
We hope that this article helped you figure out how to wear your wedding ring sets. The short answer is really it’s up to you. There are so many different ways you can wear these rings and it comes down to your personal style.
Whether you make your decision based on tradition, religion, or personal preference, it won’t change what they represent to you and your significant other!
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