Engagement Rings on the Right Hand: A Modern Expression of Tradition
Engagement Rings on the Right Hand: A Modern Expression of Tradition
2 min read
For centuries, the engagement ring has been a symbol of promise and permanence, most often worn on the left hand. But as cultural traditions merge with contemporary style, the right hand is quietly stepping into focus. At Morgan & Co, we see this shift not as a break from tradition, but as an evolution — one that reflects individuality, intention, and the changing face of modern love.
The Origins of the Right Hand Tradition
Wearing an engagement ring on the right hand is far from new. In many cultures it is the norm: in Eastern Europe, Greece, and parts of South America, the right hand has always held this significance. In India, where the left hand was once considered less auspicious, engagement rings are traditionally worn on the right. These traditions remind us that symbolism is not fixed; it is shaped by culture, history, and personal meaning.
A Contemporary Shift
Today, couples are reinterpreting this tradition through a modern lens. For some, wearing the engagement ring on the right hand is a practical choice — especially for those who are left-handed and wish to protect their ring from everyday wear. For others, it is a statement of individuality, a way of setting their commitment apart from convention. In a world where personal expression defines luxury, the right hand is becoming a canvas for a new kind of heirloom.
Fashion and Symbolism
There is also a fashion element at play. The right hand offers a stage for diamonds to catch the eye, balancing other jewellery — a cocktail ring, a statement cuff, a sculptural stack of bands. For many, the right hand represents independence and self-expression, while the left remains a symbol of romantic tradition. The choice becomes less about etiquette and more about narrative: what feels authentic to the wearer.
Morgan & Co Perspective
At Morgan & Co, we design engagement rings with legacy in mind — whether worn on the left or right hand. Every detail, from diamond selection to setting style, is chosen with intention. Our philosophy is simple: a ring should not only symbolise love, but also feel aligned with the life and style of the one who wears it. If that means the right hand, then tradition evolves to meet the modern.
A New Kind of Timeless
The rise of right-hand engagement rings reminds us that jewellery is not static. It adapts, evolves, and redefines itself with each generation. What matters most is not where the ring is worn, but what it represents: a personal story, a future shared, and a piece designed to endure for a lifetime and beyond.
