Engagement ring - a visible promise before the wedding

An engagement ring is, at its core, a visible promise: a “we” before the wedding. For some couples it’s given in the proposal moment as a surprise; for others it’s chosen together afterwards. Either way, the point is the same: the ring marks that the decision has been made and that you’re stepping into a new phase as a couple.

That’s why engagement rings remain so popular. They’re both romantic and practical: they signal commitment to the outside world and give you a tangible symbol that can stay with you—often alongside a wedding band later on.

Tradition in English-speaking countries

One of the first questions people ask is which hand the ring “should” be worn on. In much of the UK and the US, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the left hand ring finger, and after the wedding many people wear the wedding band on the same finger—often placed closest to the heart, with the engagement ring above it.

That said, there are plenty of variations internationally, and even within families. The most useful “rule” is simply this: choose what feels comfortable and meaningful for you, and what works with your everyday life.

Choose a ring that works in real life

Many engagement rings are chosen with the heart, but the right ring is also chosen with everyday life in mind. Will it be worn daily? Does the wearer have work or hobbies where the ring is exposed to knocks, lifting, or cleaning products? And do you want it to sit neatly alongside a wedding band later?

A practical approach is to match the ring to the person’s style (yellow gold vs white metal, minimal vs more statement) and, if you plan to wear two rings together, think early about how they will sit side by side without feeling bulky or catching easily.

Materials and style

There isn’t one “correct” choice—just typical options that suit different tastes and lifestyles:

Gold is a classic choice for its warm colour and long-standing popularity.
White gold is often chosen for a cooler, more contemporary look.
Silver can be beautiful, but it’s typically softer and can show wear more quickly with daily use than harder ring metals.

If the ring includes stones, everyday durability also depends on the setting and how the ring sits on the finger—not only on the stone itself.

Ring size

Ring size is the detail that most often goes wrong, especially with surprise proposals. That’s normal. The key is choosing a purchasing route that allows resizing or exchanging when needed, depending on the design.

Some people propose with a simple placeholder ring and then choose the final engagement ring together afterwards, which can be the easiest way to get both style and fit right.

FAQ

What is an engagement ring?
A ring given in connection with an engagement or proposal as a symbol of a promise to marry.

Which hand do people wear an engagement ring on in the UK/US?
Commonly on the left hand ring finger, and many later wear both engagement ring and wedding band on that same finger.

Do you have to propose with a ring?
No. Many couples propose without a ring and choose it together afterwards—especially to get style and size right.

Can you wear an engagement ring and wedding band on the same finger?
Yes, many people do. It can help to think about the pair early so they sit comfortably together.

What if the ring doesn’t fit?
It’s very common. Aim for an option where resizing or exchange is possible, depending on the ring design.

Are there fixed rules?
Not really. Tradition varies, but in practice comfort, personal style, and your preferences matter most.

Hvis du vil, tager jeg tysk eller hollandsk som næste og tilpasser “hånd/tradition”-afsnittet til de mest almindelige lokale vaner, så det ikke bliver en “direkte oversættelse”.