The ring finger is most typically connected with wedding symbolism in the United States and most of North and South America: a band on the right fourth finger symbolizes engagement, while a band on the left fourth finger indicates marriage. The tradition comes from an ancient belief that there are four fundamental human desires: gold is the metal for the hand that earns it, silver is for the one who receives it, iron is for the worker, and so on. A ring on each fourth finger therefore represents a promise to keep each other locked in eternal love. In Europe, the sign of the ring finger being covered by its corresponding hand is taken as evidence that someone is married or partnered. It is not known exactly when this practice began but it is known that it was common during the Middle Ages. During this time period, coverings for the hands were commonly used by noblewomen to show their status; only the wealthy were able to wear multiple layers under their clothes. These coverings often took the form of gloves or even whole armors that the women would don before going out into dangerous situations where they might be captured by enemy soldiers. Covering your hand with a ring signals that you are married or partnered.