<P> An engagement ring is a ring indicating that the person wearing it is engaged to be married, especially in Western cultures . In Western countries, engagement rings are worn mostly by women, and rings can feature diamonds or other gemstones . In some other cultures men and women wear matching rings . In some cultures, engagement rings may also be used as wedding rings . </P> <P> A ring is presented as an engagement gift by a partner to their prospective spouse when they propose marriage or directly after a marriage proposal is accepted . It represents a formal agreement to future marriage . </P> <P> In Western countries, it is customarily worn on the left hand ring finger, though customs vary across the world . </P> <P> A couple in a committed relationship may give each other and wear pre-engagement rings, also called friendship or promise rings . Neither the engagement nor any other ring is worn during the wedding ceremony, when the wedding ring is put by the groom on the finger of the bride as part of the ceremony, and sometimes by the bride onto the groom's finger . After the wedding, the engagement ring is usually put back on, and is usually worn on the outside of the wedding ring . Some brides have their engagement and wedding rings permanently soldered together after the wedding . </P>

What hand do you wear you engagement ring on