Choosing the best engagement ring style entails more than just finding a beautiful ring within your price range. When wearing your engagement ring on your left hand, you should consider how you use that hand and how your ring will be affected on a daily basis.
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Why Are Engagement Rings Weared on the Left Hand?
Engagement rings are traditionally worn on the left hand in many western countries, including much of Western Europe, the United States, and Canada. This is due, in part, to an ancient Roman belief that the “vena amoris,” or “vein of love,” runs directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart, providing a link between one’s engagement ring and the heart. While such a vein does not exist, the romantic notion has persisted, and many people choose to wear their engagement ring on that finger.
Some couples prefer the left hand simply because it is the non-dominant hand. Because approximately 90% of the world’s population is right-handed, the left hand is non-dominant and thus used less. Because the hand is not under as much stress from holding, gripping, and other activities that could damage a delicate ring, an engagement ring is more protected.
There is no absolute right or wrong hand or finger to wear an engagement ring on, and the decision is ultimately a matter of personal preference. If you do wear your ring on the left hand, choose a style that complements the hand while also protecting the ring.
4 Best Left Hand Engagement Ring Styles
- Bezel Set RingDepending on how that hand is used, any style of engagement ring can look stunning on the left hand. If you are left-handed, you should consider a more robust ring setting that will securely hold a diamond or gemstone and protect it from damage, such as a bezel or channel setting. Consider avoiding very high profile settings or sharp corners, such as princess cuts, as these are more easily damaged.
- Halo RingA halo setting can help protect the center stone from damage, and many antique engagement rings have detailed settings with gorgeous stone arrangements ideal to symbolize your romantic commitment while still protecting the center stone. When selecting the best engagement ring style, it is also important to consider your hand’s proportions. Due to extra muscle use and development in the fingers, the dominant hand – either left or right – tends to be very slightly larger than the non-dominant hand, which can affect the appropriate ring size. Choose a ring style that complements the finger shape and overall length of the hand to ensure that the ring is not lost on a large hand or overwhelming on a small hand.
- Solitaire RingEven if you are right-handed and will wear your engagement ring on your left hand, when selecting an engagement ring style, consider how you normally use that hand. If you frequently put your left hand in your pocket or purse, you may prefer a ring with a lower profile. Similarly, if you frequently participate in sports, go to the gym, or perform a lot of two-handed tasks that could endanger your ring, it is best to select a ring style that will complement your lifestyle.
- Select the Engagement Ring Style You PreferFinally, choose an engagement ring style that you like, with a quality that fits comfortably within your budget. Consider trying on different styles to see how they look on your left hand, and then practice using that hand in normal ways to ensure the ring fits well and is comfortable on your hand. From Edwardian and Victorian styles to mid-century modern vintage pieces, you can easily find a beautiful left hand engagement ring that will suit not only your hand, but also your style preferences and the symbolism of your relationship.
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