Traditional ring-wearing is on the decline. However, that only makes it more classy when you wear your ring the right way.
Rings have a surprising language of their own, and you don’t want to get caught sending the wrong message with yours. Are you ready to learn more? This guide to the symbolism of ring finger meanings will help you choose the right way to wear your ring, so keep reading.
Wearing Rings on the Pinky Finger
Wearing a ring on your right pinky finger shows that you belong to an association or profession. Engineers wear their professional rings on this finger so that (if they’re right-handed) it will touch the drafting paper that they sketch on, reminding them of their professional responsibility as they work.
Other associations, such as the Freemasons, usually wear their rings on a pinky finger. But the associations don’t stop there. Pinky finger rings are thought to show that you are part of the Mafia in some cultures.
Pinky rings can be a good fashion choice, but make sure to keep your pinky ring simple to avoid being misidentified as part of a club or organization.
Rings on the Fourth Finger
The fourth finger of both hands is associated with romance, love, and commitment. However, ring finger meanings vary across cultures. Western-born people usually put their wedding ring on the fourth finger of their left hand, while Eastern Orthodox people are more likely to put it on their right hand.
The fourth finger is known as the “ring finger,” which reveals that it’s a common place to wear any ring. In most cultures, though, you’ll find promise rings, engagement rings, and wedding rings on the fourth finger.
Rings on the Middle Finger
Wearing rings on your middle doesn’t have specific cultural or religious associations. That’s why it’s a popular choice for fashion rings, especially ornate ones that display a flashy style sense.
Middle finger rings look bold and striking, so they’re a good choice for a ring that you want to show off, but doesn’t have a deeper meaning. If you have a ring that doesn’t fall into any other category, put it on your middle finger.
The middle finger is sometimes associated with spiritual balance, so you may want to choose a meaningful gem or a wooden ring for your middle finger.
Rings on the Pointer Finger
Pointer finger rings are very visible, so they’re associated with rings that show identity, class, wealth, and status. In some cultures, lower-class people were historically forbidden to wear rings on their first finger, since it implied that they belonged to a higher class.
If you’re proud of a family crest or a college fraternity, wear the ring on your pointer finger. However, some people feel that wearing a crest ring on their first finger is ostentatious.
If you want to make your statement more subtle, wear your crest ring on your fourth finger. It won’t be mistaken for a wedding or engagement ring, and it will tone down the ring’s aesthetic impact.
Symbolism and Ring Finger Meanings, Explained
Don’t get caught in a ring etiquette faux pas. With this guide to the symbolism of ring finger meanings, you can wear your gorgeous jewelry with confidence.
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