10 Engagement Ring Traditions From Around the World

In North America it can be hard for some people to envision an engagement without a big piece of diamond bling, but around the world gifting such jewelry is far from the norm. In fact, several cultures have unique ring traditions that are even more sweet and sentimental. Check out a few for yourself!

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Eastern Europe

For decades, Slavic brides and grooms have opted to wear their engagement and wedding rings on their right hands instead of their left. This includes folks from Austria, Germany, Poland and Russia!

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Italy

The diamond engagement ring trend wasn’t always the norm in Italy. The look was popularized because of wealthy Venetians.

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France

Why wear a diamond when you can wear a more expensive gemstone like a ruby, emerald or sapphire? This is the preference for chic Parisian ladies.

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Argentina

Argentinians do double duty with the rings they exchange during an engagement. More often than not, the bling they present when proposing will be used as the wedding ring, too.

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Chile

Male and female Chileans gift each other engagement rings, which they then wear on their right hands. When they’re married, they move the bands to their left!

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India

In various parts of this vast country, women are gifted bangles and bracelets instead of rings to celebrate their betrothal.

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Scandinavia

Throughout Europe’s Nordic countries men are treated to an engagement band just like the women. Like their sensibility in design, the simpler the less bling exchanged the better!

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China

Instead of rings, the Chinese have traditionally exchanged items for the home and money to mark an engagement. They only recently started proposing with rings.

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Native Cultures

Much like Parisians, Natives opt not to wear diamonds in favour or more simplistic ring designs; they reach for natural elements like turquoise and slate. Fun fact: aquamarine-hued stones are believed to represent marital happiness and longevity!

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Kenya

Ornate beading has long been a part of this African country’s culture and heritage, so it makes sense that they would gift elaborate jewelry instead of a diamond ring when marking an engagement.