In Germany and Austria, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the left hand — on the ring finger, the fourth finger next to the little finger. The wedding ring usually moves later to the right hand. This tradition is not set in stone: what matters is that the ring suits you and your beloved. In this guide, we clarify hand and finger, help with style, size, and budget — and show what really matters in an engagement ring.
Engagement ring: which hand in Germany & Austria?
The short answer: In Germany and Austria, the engagement ring is worn on the left hand, on the ring finger. After the wedding, the wedding ring traditionally moves to the ring finger of the right hand — many couples then wear both rings on the right hand or combine them. The origin of this tradition goes far back: even in antiquity, it was believed that a vein ran directly from the ring finger to the heart, the so-called “vena amoris.” This is not anatomically proven, but the romantic idea has endured for centuries.
Internationally, it is often the opposite: in the USA, Great Britain, or France, the engagement ring is on the left hand and remains there as the wedding ring. So there is no “right” or “wrong” — just customs that differ from country to country. If you like, you can consciously reinterpret the tradition and wear the ring where it feels most fitting.
On which finger is the engagement ring worn?
The engagement ring sits on the ring finger — the fourth finger, counted from the outside between the middle finger and the little finger. This applies equally to the left and right hand. If someone already wears another ring on this finger, the engagement ring can exceptionally move to the other hand. The only important thing is that it fits comfortably and does not interfere in everyday life.
And the man? More and more couples today choose two engagement rings — he then also wears a ring, classically on the left ring finger. It doesn’t have to be a single diamond; often a simple gold ring without a stone that matches the later wedding ring is enough.
When the engagement turns into a wedding, many couples wear the engagement and wedding rings together on the same finger — stacked. When buying, make sure both rings match well in style and height so they look beautiful side by side.
Choosing the right style: solitaire, gold, or white gold
The classic among engagement rings is the solitaire: a single diamond that shines all on its own. This form is timeless and suits almost any style. There are also rings with several small stones, with a halo setting (a stone surrounded by fine diamonds), or simple versions without any stone. Consider what suits the wearer: those who work a lot with their hands daily are often better off with a low setting than a high-set stone.
The color of the gold also tells a story: yellow gold feels warm and traditional, white gold cool and modern, rose gold delicate and romantic. At Splendido Jewelry, you will find engagement rings made of genuine 585 gold — nickel-free, skin-friendly, and crafted so the gold does not tarnish. Discover our handpicked gold rings with diamonds or browse the entire selection of engagement rings.
- Solitaire: A single diamond — timeless and the epitome of the engagement ring. For example, the 585 gold round solitaire.
- Multiple stones & halo: More sparkle and presence on the hand when the ring is meant to stand out.
- Gold color: Yellow, white, or rose gold — best matched to the wearer’s other jewelry.
Finding the right ring size — even secretly
If the proposal is to remain a surprise, ring size is the biggest challenge. A few proven ways: secretly borrow a ring that your beloved wears on the correct finger and have it measured. Or ask a trusted friend for help. If the ring is slightly off later, it’s no drama — the size can usually be adjusted, and thanks to the return policy, you can arrange an exchange calmly.
How to determine the ring size precisely at home is explained step by step in our guide Determining ring size. There you will also find a conversion table and a simple method using string and ruler. A small tip: fingers are different thicknesses in the morning and evening — ideally measure in the evening when the hand is a bit warmer.
How much should an engagement ring cost?
The old rule of “two months’ salary” is long outdated. An engagement ring should fit your life — not a guideline. What matters is the quality that accompanies you for a lifetime: real gold instead of gold plating, a well-set stone, and clean workmanship. At Splendido Jewelry, genuine materials and fair prices are central — you pay for substance, not a name.
An engagement ring is measured not in carats, but in the story it begins.
Splendido JewelryIf you want to start with a smaller diamond, you will also find delicate options with us like the solitaire with 0.08 ct — a full-fledged gold ring that can grow with the relationship. More important than the size of the stone is that the ring belongs to your story in the end.
Buying an engagement ring at Splendido Jewelry
A proposal is a special moment — and buying the ring should be just as relaxed. At Splendido Jewelry, you will find carefully selected engagement rings made of 585 gold by Italian goldsmiths. If the size doesn’t fit right away or the ring isn’t the right one, the following applies: free shipping and returns as well as 30 days return policy — the return label comes conveniently by email, and our customer service responds within 24 hours. This way, you can choose at your leisure. Discover our gold rings and the entire gold jewelry collection from Splendido Jewelry.
