One of the most widely cited reasons for wearing an engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand comes from an ancient Roman belief. Romans believed that the vein in the fourth finger, which they called the "vena amoris," or "vein of love," ran directly to the heart. This notion suggests that by wearing the ring on this finger, the bond between the couple would be symbolically connected to the heart, the seat of emotions and love. Although modern anatomy has debunked the idea of a direct vein from the fourth finger to the heart, the symbolism remains deeply ingrained in engagement ring customs today.

As Christianity spread through Europe, the idea of wearing a wedding ring on the left hand took on religious significance. In Christian tradition, the left side was often associated with notions of loyalty and faithfulness, especially in the context of marriage. This is reflected in various religious texts and customs, where the left hand, often seen as the “less dominant” hand, was used to signify a humble yet strong commitment. The left hand’s association with faithfulness and devotion made it a natural choice for the placement of engagement rings, which symbolise a lifelong promise.

The practice of wearing an engagement ring on the left hand was further solidified in Europe through the influence of royalty. One of the earliest examples of an engagement ring being worn on the left hand dates back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, his betrothed. This public act of courtship set a precedent among European aristocracy, and over time, this custom spread to the wider population. The fourth finger, or “ring finger,” became the chosen finger for both engagement and wedding rings, reinforcing the idea of a shared, permanent bond.

Though engagement rings have been a symbol of commitment for centuries, it wasn’t until the Victorian era in the 19th century that engagement rings became more common and standardised. As diamond mining became more prominent and the jewellery industry grew, engagement rings were increasingly worn by the wider public, particularly in Western cultures. Queen Victoria was also a major influence on the popularity of engagement rings, with her famous snake ring given to her by Prince Albert. By this time, wearing the ring on the left hand was already a long-established tradition, and the practice only grew stronger as engagement rings gained popularity.

In modern times, the left-hand tradition continues to hold strong, especially in Western cultures. For most of the world, the engagement ring remains a symbol of lasting love, commitment, and the promise of marriage. While some cultures, such as certain parts of Eastern Europe and South America, may place engagement rings on the right hand, the left-hand tradition remains dominant globally. Today, the ring finger is not only a symbol of love but also a statement of social and personal identity. From ancient Roman beliefs about the vein of love to the influence of Christian and royal customs, this practice has evolved over centuries into the modern tradition we observe today. While customs may vary in different cultures, the left hand continues to serve as a symbol of the emotional and spiritual connection between two people, marking a promise of love, commitment, and loyalty.