<P> An engagement ring is a ring indicating that the person wearing it is engaged to be married , especially in Western cultures . 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 . In Western countries , engagement rings are worn mostly by women , and rings can feature diamonds or other gemstones . In some cultures men and women wear matching rings , and engagement rings may also be used as wedding rings . In Anglo - Saxon countries , the ring is customarily worn on the left hand ring finger , but customs vary considerably elsewhere across the world . </P>
where does a girl wear an engagement ring
on the left hand ring finger