A timeless tradition, worn on one finger
The tradition of giving an engagement ring goes back thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, the ring symbolized eternity—its circular shape representing a bond with no beginning and no end. Later, the Romans added a poetic belief: the vena amoris, or "vein of love", was said to run directly from the left ring finger to the heart.
This idea, although scientifically unfounded, has endured through the ages and inspired the custom we still follow today. History, symbolism, and emotion come together to give this simple gesture a profound meaning.
Which finger for an engagement ring?
In France and many Western countries, it's customary to wear your engagement ring on the left ring finger. This finger carries romantic symbolism, but it’s also practical: less active in everyday use, it helps protect your ring from knocks and scratches.
Some brides-to-be wear their engagement ring alone throughout the engagement period, and later pair it with their wedding band on the same finger. Others prefer to separate them—for comfort or for style. If you're looking for an elegant, delicate ring to highlight this finger, don’t hesitate to explore our collection of fine rings.
Which hand should you wear your engagement ring on?
In France and many Western countries, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the left hand. This practice is rooted in Roman customs and the symbolic connection between the heart and the left side of the body. However, practices vary widely across cultures.
In countries like Germany, Poland, Norway, or Russia, it’s more common to wear the engagement ring on the right hand. In Spain and parts of Northern Europe, the ring is sometimes worn on the right during the engagement, then moved to the left after the wedding. Ultimately, the choice is both cultural and personal—there are no strict rules you must follow.
What if I want to do it differently?
There’s no single right way to wear an engagement ring. What matters most is that your ring reflects who you are. More and more women are moving away from tradition to wear their ring in a way that feels right to them. Here are a few common alternatives:
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Separate the symbols
Some choose to save the left ring finger for their wedding band and wear their engagement ring on the right, either on its own or paired with other rings.
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Choose a different finger
You can wear your ring on your middle finger or even your index finger if that feels more natural or better suits your hand shape.
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Try stacking
A growing trend, stacking allows you to combine your engagement ring, wedding band, and other delicate rings into a unique and personal look.
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At Aglaia, we believe jewelry is a reflection of your identity. Our ring collection is designed to match your personal story—whether you follow tradition or write your own rules.
And what about the wedding band?
When your wedding day arrives, you may wonder how to wear both your engagement ring and wedding band. Tradition suggests placing the wedding band closest to the heart—which means putting it on first, followed by the engagement ring. This sequence also reflects the timeline of events: first the union, then the celebration of your bond.
However, depending on the design of your engagement ring—especially if it’s set with a gemstone—some women choose to reverse the order for better comfort. Others may wear the two rings on different hands or reserve the engagement ring for special occasions. What matters most is your comfort and personal aesthetic balance.
How to choose the perfect engagement ring?
Choosing an engagement ring means choosing a symbol that will last a lifetime. That’s why at Aglaia, we design rings that are timeless, meaningful, and responsibly made. Handcrafted in France or Europe, our pieces are created with care using high-quality materials such as gold-plated or 925 sterling silver—jewels that shine with elegance and ethics.
Whether you’re looking for something subtle and delicate or more distinctive, you’ll find the perfect match in our selection of fine rings and unique designs that speak to your story.
In summary
In France, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the left ring finger, but customs vary from one culture to another. Whether you wear yours on the left or right, on the ring finger or elsewhere, what matters most is that the ring feels right for you—and becomes part of your everyday life.
