What Hand Do Men's Wedding Rings Go On?

Wedding rings are widely recognised as a simple commitment between a couple - and are worn all around the world to symbolise marriage. But what hand is the most traditional hand For men to wear their wedding ring?

Although becoming increasingly popular in recent years, it is not traditional for men to wear engagement rings, so why do men wear wedding rings?

Let's take a look at today's blog, where we will look into the history behind wedding rings, what they symbolise and what hand to wear them on.

What Hand Is The Most Traditional For Wedding Rings?

The most traditional hand for a wedding ring is the left hand on the finger next to the pinky, known as the ring finger. This is because the left hand is the closest to the heart.

However, not every man follows this tradition. The hand and finger the wedding ring goes on varies across different cultures and personal preferences.

In today's modern world, societies standards are changing - and people are steering away from the more traditional route and choosing which hand they prefer to wear their ring.

Let's take a closer look into some reasons why you may choose to wear your wedding ring on the opposite hand to tradition.

Culture

As previously stated, different cultures have different traditions around marriage and wedding rings. For example, in Russia, Germany and Poland, the traditional hand for an engagement ring to be worn is on the right.

In Sri Lanka, married couples follow the tradition of the bride wearing their wedding ring on the left hand and the groom also wears theirs on the left.

Same-Sex Couples

Some same-sex couples opt to wear their wedding ring on the right hand. This is not only a way to show their love and commitment to their partner but also to signify that they are a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Left Handed

Some left-handed people may find it more comfortable to wear their ring on the opposite hand..

At the end of the day, it is down to personal preference on what hand you wear your wedding ring. Although traditionally it is the left hand, it is entirely up to you! The wedding ring still holds the same symbol of love and commitment no matter what hand it is worn.

Why Is It Not Traditional for Men to Wear Engagement Rings?

The history of an engagement ring dates back to the Roman Empire in ancient times. In the early days, engagement rings were made out of materials like:

• Flint
• Bone
• Ivory
• Bronze
• Iron

During the Renaissance period, engagement rings became more unique, with some featuring intricate and romantic designs often featuring gemstones and gold.

The reason why it is not traditional for a man to wear an engagement ring is down to strict gender roles in a patriarchal society. The engagement ring was to symbolise the woman being ‘taken’. However, more and more men are deciding to wear engagement rings.

How Much Do Wedding Rings Cost in the UK?

Unlike engagement rings - where it is traditional for the value of the ring to cost 3 months of an annual salary - in the UK, wedding rings cost an average of £1000.

However, you do not have to spend a set amount. It is up to you and your personal budget as there is no tradition about how much a wedding ring should cost.

Whilst wedding rings don't cost as much as engagement rings, you should still look at the quality over the price tag, you will be wearing it forever after all! Here at Miltons Diamonds, our male wedding rings start from £199.

Second-Hand Wedding Rings

In recent years, it has become increasingly popular to purchase second-hand wedding rings. Not only are these rings lower cost, they still hold their quality and they also carry a rich history of love.

At Miltons Diamonds we have a wide selection of second-hand wedding rings for you to browse, all hand-selected by us and refurbished in-house by our professional Goldsmiths. There are many benefits to choosing a second-hand ring - let's take a look:

Lower Price Tag and High Quality

Most second-hand jewellery is resold for a lower price than the original, meaning you are still receiving a high level of quality, for a lower price.

Older wedding rings tend to have high levels of craftsmanship,, and they are sure to last you for years and years to come.

Unique and Timeless

Second-hand rings are usually from collections that can date back decades, making them discontinued.

With a second-hand ring, you can have a level of uniqueness in your ring whilst also maintaining a timeless appeal that you will still love years down the line.

Sustainable

When you buy a wedding ring brand new, it increases the supply and demand. Choosing to repurpose preloved jewellery is better for the environment and reduces the waste of materials that may cause an environmental impact.

Why Do People Steer Away From Second-Hand Wedding Rings?

There are many reasons why people may steer away from second-hand engagement rings - they may just want something new for their new marriage or they may be superstitious.

Here are some reasons why people may not like second-hand:

Superstition

Some people may believe the ring is attached to a failed marriage and could be bad luck. It is important to remember that if the ring is attached to a failed marriage, there was still a time when the ring symbolises love in that marriage. Just because the ring was once a part of someone else's love story, doesn't mean it can't be a part of yours.

Sizing

The sizing is limited if the ring has intricate designs or stones around the shank, as it restricts how many sizes the ring can be adjusted.

Wedding Rings at Miltons Diamonds

Here at Miltons Diamonds, we have a wide selection of pre owned and brand new male wedding rings. Ranging from platinum to yellow and white gold.

If you require any assistance in choosing the perfect wedding band, then please do not hesitate to get in touch and our team here at Miltons Diamonds will be happy to help you in the best way possible.

Choosing a wedding ring is a huge decision in your life and we would love to be part of your memorable journey.