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 to the right hand later. This tradition is not set in stone: what matters is that the ring suits you and your loved one. In this guide, we explain which hand and finger to choose, help with style, size, and budget, and show what really matters when choosing 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—from then on, many couples wear both rings on the right or combine them. The tradition dates back a long way: even in antiquity, people believed that a vein ran directly from the ring finger to the heart, known as the “vena amoris.” This has not been confirmed anatomically, but the romantic idea has endured for centuries.
Internationally, it is often exactly the opposite: In the USA, the UK, or France, the engagement ring is worn on the left hand and stays there as a wedding ring. So there is no “right” or “wrong”—only customs that vary from country to country. Anyone who wishes can also consciously reinterpret the tradition and wear the ring wherever it feels most natural.
Which finger is the engagement ring worn on?
The engagement ring is worn 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 hands. If someone already wears another ring on this finger, the engagement ring can exceptionally be worn on the other hand. The only important thing is that it fits comfortably and does not get in the way in everyday life.
And what about the man? More and more couples today are choosing two engagement rings—so he also wears a ring, traditionally on the left ring finger. It does not have to be a single diamond; a simple gold ring without a stone that matches the future wedding ring is often all that is needed.
When the engagement leads to marriage, many couples wear the engagement ring and wedding ring together on the same finger—stacked. When buying, make sure both rings complement each other well in style and height so they look beautiful side by side.
Choosing the right style: solitaire, yellow gold, or white gold
The classic among engagement rings is the solitaire: a single diamond that shines all on its own. This style is timeless and suits almost any look. There are also rings with several small stones, halo settings—a stone framed by delicate diamonds—or understated versions without a stone at all. Consider what suits the wearer: anyone who works a lot with their hands in everyday life may be better served by a low setting than by a high-set stone.
The color of the gold also tells a story: yellow gold feels warm and traditional, white gold cool and modern, and rose gold delicate and romantic. At Splendido Jewelry, you will find engagement rings made from genuine 585 gold—nickel-free, skin-friendly, and made so the gold does not tarnish. Discover our handpicked gold rings with diamonds or browse the complete selection of engagement rings.
- Solitaire: A single diamond—timeless and the very definition of an engagement ring. For example, the round 585 gold solitaire.
- Multiple stones & halo: More sparkle and greater presence on the hand when the ring is meant to stand out.
- Gold color: Yellow, white, or rose gold—ideally coordinated with the wearer’s other jewelry.
Finding the right ring size—even secretly
If the proposal is to remain a surprise, the ring size is the biggest challenge. A few tried-and-tested methods: Secretly borrow a ring that your loved one wears on the correct finger and have it measured. Or ask a friend who is in on the secret for help. If the size is slightly off, it is not a disaster—the band can be adjusted in most cases, and thanks to the return policy, you can arrange an exchange at your leisure.
We explain step by step how to determine your ring size precisely at home in our guide Determining your ring size. You will also find a conversion chart and a simple method using string and a ruler. One small tip: fingers are different sizes in the morning and evening—ideally, measure in the evening when the hand is slightly warmer.
How much should an engagement ring cost?
The old rule of “two months’ salary” is long outdated. An engagement ring should suit your life—not a prescribed figure. What matters is quality that will be with you for a lifetime: genuine gold rather than gold plating, a well-set stone, and precise workmanship. At Splendido Jewelry, genuine materials and fair prices are at the heart of what we do—you pay for substance, not a name.
An engagement ring is not measured in carats, but in the story it begins.
Splendido JewelryIf you would like to start with a smaller diamond, we also offer delicate styles such as the 0.08 ct solitaire—a full-fledged gold ring that can grow with the relationship. In the end, what matters more than the size of the stone is that the ring becomes part of your story.
Buying an engagement ring from 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 from 585 gold by Italian goldsmiths. If the size is not right straight away or the ring turns out not to be the right one after all, the following applies: free shipping and returns as well as a 30-day return policy—the return label is conveniently sent by email, and our customer service responds within 24 hours. This allows you to choose at your leisure. Discover our gold rings and the complete range of gold jewelry from Splendido Jewelry.
Genuine engagement rings from Splendido Jewelry
Handpicked diamond solitaires in 585 gold—crafted by Italian goldsmiths:
