Do you wear a ring other than your wedding band? What style do you wear? Do you know how rings affect the opinion of others?
People may glance at how you wear your ring, admire your beautiful jewelry piece, and often guess your personality, status, and other factors. Often, these assumptions are rooted in history, cultural beliefs and origin, and your ring preferences. But before you put on your ring, it is helpful to know what each finger says about you, your character, and your lifestyle. There are so many different types of men’s rings, so it is important to know the meaning behind each one and how they should be worn. From mens wedding rings and pinky rings to signet rings worn as a status symbol, there are many options when it comes to rings for men.
For thousands of years, men have worn them as a symbol of status, wealth, and commitment. For instance, it can send a message that you are married, in a relationship, or have been a retired Army, or even a part of a culture that you are boldly part of.
Ring and Finger Symbolism
Wearing a ring is not just about style, it also symbolizes different things, depending on where you put it.
The Pinky Finger
Pinky rings are often man’s first choice for a “statement” ring. The pinky ring has few advantages, such as they do not associate with religion or culture (unlike the ring finger). Although, often, family heirlooms are sometimes worn on the pinky finger. Another is that pinky rings do not touch or interfere with the index or the pointing finger.
Pinky rings are seen as among the flashiest of all the designs. In Great Britain and other Western countries, men often wear signet rings at the left pinky finger. This ring symbolism practice goes back hundreds of years, and many families pass it down through generations.
If you want to attract attention, that’s where you wear them. However, if you don’t want that much attention, wear a slim ring with a low key tone.
The Ring Finger
The left ring finger symbolizes marriage and engagement for men. In North and South America, men usually put the left ring finger for marriage and the right ring finger for engagement.
Before medical science evolved, people thought there is a direct vein from the ring finger to the heart. It was called the vena amoris, or the “vein of love.” Since then, it became natural for the ring finger to wear a wedding ring on. Wedding rings worn on the ring finger were not common way back in the 20th century.
Early in the 20th century, western men going to war often wear a ring to remind them about their loved ones left at home. Since then, wedding rings have become popular, and it has even become affordable. If you’re in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area, drop by the Estate Watch & Jewelry Co. store for some expert advice about the latest trends in men’s wedding bands.
The Middle Finger
Very few men choose to wear the ring on the middle finger. It is because of the well-known gesture that is associated with it. Also, notice that if you put a ring on your middle finger, it gets in the way of things, and it gives a weird and uncomfortable feeling.
A ring worn at the center of the hand symbolizes balance and responsibility. Also, a ring worn on a middle finger is a bold decision that catches attention, and it can be a fashion and conversation starter.
The Index Finger
Men wear a family crest or signet rings on one of their index fingers a hundred years ago to symbolize their wealth and social rankings. It is considered the most dominant finger. It is often viewed as a symbol of authority and leadership. People below a certain rank were not allowed to wear a ring on their index fingers in some European cities, as they were likely to represent family status. Nowadays, men tend to wear class rings and fraternal rings on either of their index fingers.
For most men, the index finger is the biggest, so it means you need to wear a bigger ring to make it look proportional.
The Thumb
The thumb is the key to any grip position, so having a ring limits your movement, and it might feel odd. Wearing a ring on the thumb indicates wealth and influence. It is considered the boldest choice for some men to make for a ring because the thumb is quite thick, and you need something essential that still allows you to move your hand freely. For that reason, it is most typically worn in a fashion setting.
If a man is given a ring as a gift, it represents engagement or marriage. Otherwise, they tend to wear it on either thumb. Another symbolization is friendship, as in “thumbs up.”
Takeaway
The choice is yours. Today, choosing a finger for your ring is generally a matter of personal inclination. However, it is significant that you understand what your ring placement talks about you and to other people. In that way, you can make your bold preference about which finger you wear and flash your ring. Choosing the right ring for a specific finger can convey a lot of meaning and style.
