“Is it Okay to Wear Your Wedding Ring on the Right Hand?”
This is 100% a personal decision and what you feel the most comfortable with.
Traditionally, couples will choose to wear their rings on their left ring-finger. The tradition dates back to Roman times with the spot be chosen because there’s a vein that runs from your left ring-finger all the way to your heart. And that romantic idea (whether it’s scientifically proven or not), still holds strong today. But is that the only place you can wear your wedding ring? It sure isn’t.
Presently, it’s becoming more and more popular for gay and lesbian couples to exchange their rings and wear them on their right ring fingers. Within the community, the wearing of a ring on the right-hand is an instant marker that someone is in a monogamous relationship.
Other Expert Answers
The Jewellery Editor
“If anyone was under the impression that checking for a wedding ring on the left hand was a sure-fire way of determining someone’s marital status, think again. The tradition of wearing engagement rings and wedding bands on the left ring finger is not the same all over the world.
In many countries, such as Germany, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Russia, Spain, Colombia and Poland, it is customary to wear wedding bands on the right hand. In Brazil, Turkey, Lebanon and Syria women wear their engagement ring on the right hand until the wedding when it is switched to the left. The German tradition is the reverse of this, with the engagement ring migrating from the left hand to the right after a couple ties the knot.
There are numerous variations across the globe. In China, for example, the bride wears the wedding ring on the right hand, the so-called ‘working hand’, to signify that she is in charge of the household, while the groom wears his on the left hand.
These days the decision is often dictated by personal choice and preference as much as by tradition. For example, if a bride is right handed, she may prefer to wear the engagement ring on her left hand so it doesn’t get in the way of daily life.” – The Jewellery Editor
House Beautiful
“Maybe she landed a long-time-coming promotion, bought her first home or graduated from a master’s program. Whatever the reason, more and more women are celebrating their biggest special moments by adorning their right ring fingers — that is, not their wedding ring finger — with a little special sparkle.
That right-hand ring might look a lot like an engagement diamond. But don’t misunderstand: This isn’t an “alternative” to an engagement ring, nor is it meant to put down women who have chosen marriage. According to legend (and some news reports) over the years, women buy them for themselves as personal declarations of independence and a celebration of single life. The right-hand ring is simply just a celebration of you.” – House Beautiful
The Knot
“Although many people seek out engagement and wedding ring sets —or buy an engagement ring that has his-and-her wedding band counterparts—it’s not the norm. Your fiance may buy an engagement ring that catches his eye or present you with a family heirloom ring that may or may not resemble the wedding bands you end up buying. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear your engagement ring on your right hand (you may have to get it resized), or not at all!
Some women, especially those with active lifestyles, find that the traditional prong-set solitaire can wreak havoc in their everyday lives, catching on clothes and getting scuffed. To avoid losing or damaging their ring, they opt to wear only the wedding band every day, saving the engagement ring for special occasions. When and how you wear your heirloom ring is entirely up to you.” – The Knot