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There is no doubt that rings add to your beautiful jewelry collection. However, depending on what kind of ring you're wearing on which finger, you can express a lot about yourself without saying a word.
People from different cultures have different traditions and associate different symbols with rings and the finger one chooses to wear them on. Ring symbolism originating from pre-civilization cultures has been carried down through centuries, with each finger on your left and right hand signifying something different - and important.
This article details what each ring finger symbolizes in different cultures worldwide and how you can use this knowledge as a form of expression.
In Canada and the United States, a ring on the fourth left finger signifies a promise of marriage - the engagement ring, whereas, after the wedding for both men and women, it shows their marital status. However, in many other cultures, the wedding band is worn on the right hand's fourth finger as it is the hand used to take oaths and vows.
Even though marital status is usually the most common information showcased through ring placement on each hand's finger. Rings on other fingers have meaning rooted deep in tradition and history.
Let us learn what a ring on each finger means.
On the left hand, two rings on the pinky finger once signified a man's marital status. Out of the two rings, the bottom one was the wedding ring, and the other was a signet ring. However, over time people stopped sporting wedding bands in this way. In more recent times, rings on the left pinky finger popularly depict ties with the mafia - a concept that TV shows have regularly propagated.
Many people also wear simple bands on the pinky fingers of their dominant hand, which is the right hand 90% of the time, to symbolize getting a degree in specific fields - engineering and ecology, for example.
In most western countries, the left ring finger is usually reserved to signify marital status. People wear wedding and engagement rings on this finger to signify a promise of forever. This practice is said to have found its origin in ancient Egypt and Rome. However, in some cultures, the right ring finger is reserved to signify the same.
Some people also choose to wear promise rings on the left ring finger, while others adorn purity rings. Purity rings or chastity rings indicate a promise of abstinence from intimate premarital relations.
Although gold, platinum, and diamond wedding bands still enjoy immense popularity among the masses, modern alternative options are rapidly starting to take over the wedding industry.
Durable options like tungsten bands and ceramic bands are quickly becoming customer favorites. They are not only long-lasting, scratch-proof, and easy to maintain, they are also much more pocket-friendly than their less durable counterparts. These are the wedding band options that we offer at Steven G Designs.
Rings worn on both right and left middle fingers do not hold a particular significance. It is a great choice to wear a ring on this finger if you wish to do so without making any statements. Having said that, since the middle finger is centered and the most prominent finger on either hand, it could signify responsibility and power. But, usually, any meaning associated with a ring worn on this finger is open for interpretation.
Even though there is no particular symbol associated with the left index finger, people often find it an excellent choice to place something like a class ring. You can place a ring associated with your family, class, or fraternity on this finger. Since the index finger is used to point, it provides a great canvas to showcase any piece you would like to show off.
As for the right index finger, it can be a symbol of marriage in some cultures. In traditional Jewish wedding ceremonies, the groom places the wedding ring on the right index finger of his partner. The wedding band, usually a simple gold one, is sometimes moved to the left ring finger afterward.
The index finger, in general, represents leadership and ambition. You can go for various rings like diamond-centered rings, plain bands, or sleek tungsten and ceramic bands for this finger.
Most of the time, people steer clear of rings on the thumb because it impedes the movement of other fingers. Compared to all the other fingers, the thumb is the most uncommon palace to sport a ring.
However, some people associate a ring on the thumb finger with wealth. In some cultures, thumb rings are usually adorned by people with a lot of money, which could also be because it costs more to have a thumb ring made as it needs more material than any other ring.
These days thumb rings are usually worn as a fashion statement. If you wish to wear one, a chunky statement ring is a good option.
Most of the rings worn on different fingers have the same meaning for both men and women. However, there are a few exceptions. In some cases, rings worn on certain fingers by men might represent different meanings.
In many western countries, men wear a signet ring on their pinky finger. This ring signifies the importance of family status and usually bears a family crest or a coat of arms. The ring finger, as for women, symbolizes marital status.
The middle finger does not hold any particular symbolism, but over the years, in part, because it's the most prominent finger, wearing a ring on this finger has become associated with confidence and masculinity. Tungsten bands and ceramic bands have recently gained popularity among men, thanks to their longevity and sleek designs.
As for the index finger, a ring represented social status hundreds of years ago. If you did not belong to a certain societal ranking in some European countries, you couldn’t sport a ring on this finger. Nowadays, people like to wear fraternal rings or class rings on this finger. A thumb ring for men represents power and, in some cases, friendship.
Although nowadays people tend to wear rings (except for engagement and wedding rings) on preferred fingers as they desire, it is always great to know what different rings on different fingers could signify about you.
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