Rings have been symbolic signs of love, commitment, and important life events for centuries. The engagement ring, wedding band, and eternity ring all hold special meaning to couples. But with all three rings in mind, in which order do you wear engagement, wedding, and eternity rings?
In this blog, we will look into the tradition, meaning, and practicality behind the arrangement of those rings, providing clarity on how to wear them in a way that appeals to both symbolism and style.
How to Wear Each Ring: Meaning and Purpose Explained
Before we explain why the wedding ring needs to come before the engagement ring, let's first reflect on the purpose and meaning of each ring.
1. Engagement Ring
Traditionally, the engagement ring is the first one you buy. It is a promise ring, mostly given along with a diamond or another expensive gemstone, symbolizing marriage. Usually, an engagement ring is for proposal purposes, and it's worn throughout the period of engagement.
2. Wedding Band
The wedding band is also known as the wedding ring. These are exchanged during the wedding ceremony; the wedding band symbolizes actual marriage and is less design-orientated than the engagement ring. The wedding band symbolizes love that is eternal and never-ending.
3. Eternity Ring
An eternity ring is one that is worn to mark a larger milestone in the marriage, like an anniversary or the birth of a child. Normally, it is embedded with either diamonds or gemstones throughout the ring band to indicate never-ending love and an infinity of nature in the relationship.
Which Order Do You Wear Engagement, Wedding, and Eternity Rings?
Now that we have established the meanings of each ring let's continue answering the big question: Which order should you wear engagement, wedding, and eternity rings?
The Traditional Order
According to tradition, the rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, known as the "ring finger." It is not surprising that this practice, which would seem ridiculous to us only a few centuries ago, comes from ancient tradition—there was said to be a vein that connected this finger to the heart, the "vena amoris." Rings should be worn in the following traditional order:
- Wedding Band (nearest to the heart): The first position goes to the wedding band, bottom of the pile. It is symbolic; the wedding band symbolizes the marriage itself and should, therefore, be the nearest one to your heart.
- Engagement Ring: wedding band's left side: This sign goes above the wedding band on the left-hand side. It symbolizes a promise of marriage as it continues and sits above the wedding band, reminding you of the journey that led to the marriage.
- Eternity Ring (top): The eternity ring is worn above the engagement ring, closing out the set of rings. Because its name implies, the eternity ring is often added to the set after or during the time frame that the couple has been married for a few years. Therefore, it fits well to be worn on top, both literally and metaphorically—it symbolizes anniversaries that occur following the wedding.
Alternative Orders and Personal Preferences
Whereas tradition may call for one order, personal preference, cultural differences, and even practical considerations may mean the person will wear rings in a different order. Here are some changes:
- Engagement Ring on Right Hand, Wedding Band on Top: Some women like to have their engagement ring on first with the wedding band on top. This is often out of practical necessity since the engagement ring would not necessarily have to be removed during the marriage ceremony.
- Eternity Ring is Center: One likes to have the eternity ring as a centerpiece with the wedding and engagement rings on either side of the eternity ring. This also looks really pretty, and because the eternity ring, although sometimes more ostentatious or elaborate, is placed in the center, all focus goes on it.
- Wearing the Rings Stacked on Different Hands: Some married women opt for a wedding band on one hand and an engagement ring on the other hand. This way, it becomes the most convenient setup when multiple rings need to be stacked together if the wearer is not comfortable or the rings do not stack well together. The eternity ring likely can be worn on either hand based on preference.
- Mix and Match with Flair: Contemporary fashion fads do not have any set rules for putting rings on the left or right hand or even a specific finger. Wearing rings on separate fingers, piling them on the fingers of your choice, has become a style individualized by women.
How to Stack Your Rings: Practical Considerations
Beyond tradition and personal style, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind as you determine which ring to wear first, second, and last: which rings to wear together and which individually.
- Ring Size and Fit
Multiple rings in one finger are more about fit and comfort. Make sure all the rings are properly sized since rings that fit a little too tight or too loose can be rather uncomfortable, especially when placed one on top of another.
- Ring Shape and Design
Some will fit right underneath a wedding band, while others have some space in between. Depending on whether or not your engagement and wedding rings are going to fit snuggly together, you might consider a different setup, wearing the two on separate hands, or opting for a custom-fitted wedding band that matches your engagement ring.
- Everyday Wear and Wear
Ponder over the wear and tear that daily life brings as you stack your rings. If you have a job that involves working with your hands most of the time, then it could be sensible to stack the rings in a manner that minimizes the probability that rings will get damaged. For example, you may put the engagement ring on top or on another finger if you need to go for a hands-on job.
- Lifestyle
Your lifestyle will then dictate what your rings look like. For instance, an active person or someone who works with their hands would prefer a minimalist arrangement, such as wearing only their wedding ring on most days, but its combination with the engagement and eternity rings on special days.
The Significance of Layering
Remember that each ring could tell a different story in terms of your relationship. Here's how you can remember which order to place the engagement, wedding, and eternity rings. Recall how each one represents the journey of you and your partner in your wedding:
The Wedding Band: Closest always to the heart, symbolizing the strength of your marriage.
The Engagement Ring: Sends them back to the love and excitement that day sparks.
The Eternity Ring: This is the celebration of the life and memories that you will continue building together.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. In which order do you wear engagement, wedding, and eternity rings?
Usually, the order goes like this: wedding band on the innermost side of the ring closest to the heart, followed by the engagement ring, and finally, an eternity ring on top. Personal preferences and style will, however, influence how you wear them.
2. Can you wear the eternity ring on a different finger?
Yes, most women wear the eternity ring on a different finger or hand if they do not wish to stack all three rings on one finger.
3. Do I have to wear all three rings every day?
No, this is a matter of personal choice; some opt to wear the wedding band all day and save the engagement ring and the eternity ring for occasions.
4. What if my engagement and wedding rings don't fit together?
You can wear them on different fingers or hands if they don't sit flush together. Alternatively, you can get a custom band designed to fit around your engagement ring.
5. When should I get an eternity ring?
For example, eternity rings can be bestowed upon an anniversary or at the birth of a child. There are no strict and rigid norms, though; you can give or receive one when you feel it is the right time.
Conclusion
It is the traditions, personal preferences, and how practical and convenient it is that determine which order you wear engagement, wedding, and eternity rings. Whether you remain strictly to the classic wedding band, engagement ring, and eternity ring or mix them up into a very personal combination, what matters most is that each ring tells a story.
Enjoy your love story, and wear your rings in a meaningful and comfortable way to you. Of course, these rings are far more than just jewelry themselves; they symbolize forever love, devotion, and the life you and your lover share.
