Which hand for an engagement ring

You have made the decision. The ring has been selected and the big moment is getting closer. But then suddenly a question pops into your head. Which hand do you actually slide that ring on? Is there a hard and fast rule you should follow? Or can you decide this all by yourself? It is a detail that almost everyone doubts about just before the proposal. Of course, you want to do it exactly according to the rules, or consciously start your own tradition.

Traditions and religious customs in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the obvious choice is often related to tradition and faith. Traditionally, different movements have had their own preferences. Catholics usually wear their engagement ring on the right hand. When they get married, the ring moves to the left hand. For Protestants, this works exactly the other way around. They wear the engagement ring on the left and the wedding ring on the right. Nowadays, these rules are a lot less strict. Many people don't even remember what the original reason was. They simply choose the hand that they like best or that is the most practical.

The romance of the Vena Amoris

One of the most common reasons for choosing the left hand comes from the time of the ancient Romans. They believed in the existence of the 'Vena Amoris'. This is Latin for the vein of love. It was thought that a vein ran directly from the ring finger on the left hand to the heart. By wearing the ring on that finger, the connection was directly connected to your heart. It is a beautiful and romantic story that still appeals to many people today. Although medical science has long since refuted this, it remains a popular thought when making the choice.

Practical considerations for your valuable possession

Sometimes the choice for left or right is very down-to-earth. Are you right-handed? Then you use that hand for almost everything. You open doors, lift bags and work with tools. So your right hand has to endure much more. An engagement ring with a diamond is a prized possession. Of course, you want to prevent the stone from getting damaged or the setting from getting caught on something. In that case, the left hand is often a safer place. The ring simply stays beautiful and shiny there longer. It's a shame if your beautiful purchase wears out unnecessarily due to daily actions.

What do you do with the ring after the wedding?

The proposal is only the beginning. After the wedding, a wedding ring is added. So what do you do with the engagement ring? Some people choose to wear both rings on the same finger. This is also called 'stacking'. It often looks very luxurious and complete. In our online collection, you will see many rings that are specially designed to fit together perfectly. Another option is to move the engagement ring to the other hand. This way you give both pieces of jewelry their own place and they both stand out equally.

Finding the perfect ring online

At Royal Coster, we understand that this is one of the most important purchases in your life. You are looking for craftsmanship and quality that will last a lifetime. In our online shop you can browse through the extensive collection at your leisure. Whether you like a classic solitaire or a modern ring with lots of small diamonds, you will find it in our range. The advantage of ordering online is that you can compare the specifications in peace. You can filter by the type of gold, the clarity of the diamond and of course your budget. We provide discreet and safe shipping, so that the surprise remains great.

Global differences and modern choices

If you look across the border, you will see that the habits differ enormously. In the United States and the United Kingdom, the left hand is the standard. In countries such as Germany, Austria and many Eastern European countries, you see the right hand more often. So it really depends on your background and personal preference. There is no right or wrong. It is the symbol of your love. Nowadays we also see more and more people wearing the ring on the hand that they simply find most comfortable. After all, comfort is also worth something if you wear a piece of jewelry every day.

Choose quality and history

Whichever hand you choose, the quality of the ring is paramount. An engagement ring is an investment in the future. At Royal Coster we look at the rich history of diamond processing in Amsterdam. You can see that expertise in every piece of jewelry in our webshop. Take the time to discover the different styles online. Have you found the right ring? Then all you have to worry about is the text of your proposal. The ring will impress anyway, no matter which hand it shines on.