Is It Bad Luck to See Your Engagement Ring Before the Proposal?

There are a surprising amount of superstitions tied to engagements and weddings. One popular one is that it is bad luck to see your engagement ring before the proposal. Many people feel that the person getting this very special piece of jewelry shouldn't get to see the ring before the big question is asked—and some think that doing so might actually lead to some unfortunate situations. It's similar to the idea that the bride should never show her partner her wedding dress before they get married. Since many to-be-weds want things to go smoothly through the engagement, wedding and beyond, it's normal to wonder about these things. So, is it bad luck to see your engagement ring before the proposal? Read on to find out.

In this article:

• Is it Bad Luck to See Your Engagement Ring Before the Proposal?
• Where Does This Superstition Come From?
• What Happens if You See Your Engagement Ring Before the Proposal?
• How to Keep the Ring Hidden From Your Partner

Is it Bad Luck to See Your Engagement Ring Before the Proposal?

The idea that seeing your engagement ring before a proposal is bad luck isn't quite as common as some other wedding superstitions, however, some people believe that. The truth? This superstition isn't true—and if it was, a lot of couples would probably be dealing with some bad luck right now.

While an engagement ring used to be something the proposer picked out on their own, the process has become a lot more collaborative. To-be-weds aren't afraid to make it clear that they want a say in the ring they'll wear every day, which absolutely makes sense. According to one 2021/22 trend report from jewelry brand Taylor & Hart, 28% of couples shopped for and selected an engagement ring together, while 23.2% worked together in some way when it came time to shop for the ring.

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In many cases, seeing the engagement ring before a proposal is probably a good thing—it means the person receiving the ring has a chance to pick something they really love. It also shows that a couple is able to team up to make this huge financial decision together, which is a good thing.

Where Does This Superstition Come From?

It's unclear exactly where this engagement ring superstition originated, but it probably came from similar ideas, like the superstition that brides shouldn't show their partner their dress before the wedding day and that the couple shouldn't be with each other the night before the wedding.

It may have also come from basic etiquette or a more old-fashioned way of thinking. Back in the day, an engagement ring was selected without a partner's involvement. For some people, it's considered rude to help them select the ring, since it's a gift you're being given. However, this is definitely a more outdated way of thinking and a lot of people have embraced the idea of searching for the perfect ring together.

What Happens if You See Your Engagement Ring Before the Proposal?

Whether you were by your fiancé's side as they purchased your dream ring or you happened to stumble upon it in their drawer before the proposal happened, don't stress: most people do not consider it bad luck to see the engagement ring before the proposal. If you still believe that it is, take comfort in knowing that there is no evidence that points to that being a factual statement.

If you do see the ring in person, though, and the engagement was meant to be a complete surprise or the ring was meant to be a surprise, it's probably a good idea to keep that to yourself. Planning a proposal is a big deal, and you don't want to let your partner know that you're in on the secret.

How to Keep the Ring Hidden From Your Partner

Whether you think it's bad luck or not, chances are good that you probably don't want your partner getting a glimpse of the ring before you pop the question. This could be because you want to keep the engagement a secret or because it just feels a little more special that way. Regardless, keeping a ring hidden can be fairly simple.

If you think there is even a small chance that your partner is going to go searching for the ring, put some thought into clever hiding spots. Look for trick spots like putting it in a hollowed-out book or taking it out of the ring box and putting it in a junky-looking container instead. There are tons of products online with hidden compartments and spaces specifically meant to hide small objects like an engagement ring. This tip is also helpful if you plan to travel with the engagement ring and you want to keep it tucked away without your future spouse seeing it in your suitcase.

Another popular option is putting the ring in a pair of socks and tucking them into the back of your sock drawer—just be sure your partner isn't going to go through there looking for socks. You can try placing it in the pocket of out-of-season clothing that is stashed away or putting it in a travel bag that isn't being used. These can all be great, but just be careful if you live with your partner. You never know if they're going to unexpectedly go through one of these things.

At the end of the day, you know your home best, so put the ring in a spot where it is safe, secure and completely out of sight… or at least in a spot you know your partner wouldn't ever dream of checking.