Sure, we all know what a ring on your ring finger means, but what if it's on the other hand?  What about rings worn on the thumbs or index fingers?  Are pinky rings even still a thing? The fact is, rings vary in meaning depending on which finger they are worn.  Learning about these differences can be the first step in taking your jewelry wardrobe to the next level.  

Ring Finger

The fourth finger is widely known as the Ring Finger or Wedding Finger.  It has perhaps the single most widely understood meaning when someone wears a ring on this finger.  Depending on the culture it can mean a person is engaged, married, committed or promised to someone.  Whatever the details, the message is clear:  I'm taken. The meaning associated with wearing a ring on this finger stands out from the others in another way, too.  It usually doesn't matter what hand you wear a ring on, but for the wedding ring, this isn't the case.  In the United States, when someone moves their wedding ring from their left to their right hand, it signifies they have lost their spouse.  Widows and widowers often choose to continue wearing their wedding ring long after their partner dies and shifting it from one hand to another signifies they are still committed.  When - and if - they choose to seriously date or remarry, people usually either stop wearing the rings completely or have them incorporated into a new piece. Symbolism Associated with the Ring Finger:  The Ring Finger is commonly associated with Earth's moon and with the inspiration for creativity and beauty.  This connection often leads people to choose sparkling engagement rings paired with simple bands to capture the stillness of night, the bright beauty of the moon and the inspiration they bring.

Photo by Paul-Louis André on Unsplash

 

Middle Finger

When you think about the middle finger, chances are you're not thinking about whether or not it has a ring on it.  Jokes aside, rings for the middle finger are quite popular.  The position of the finger imbues rings with a sense of balance and comes across as level and dependable. Since it comes across as quite simple, understated and balanced, this makes it a comfortable choice for people unaccustomed to wearing rings.  The middle finger is a popular choice for men who decide to incporate rings into their jewellery collections. Symbolism Associated with the Middle Finger:  The middle finger is strongly associated with balance and responsibility.  Astronomically, it is associated with the planet Saturn.  

Index Finger

Also sometimes called the pointer or first finger, many years ago this was the finger on which most men wore their rings.  Hundreds of years ago, men would wear a simple ring with a crest on their index finger.  This would be associated with a family and ranking in society and, for this reason, there are even stories about some people beging forbidden from wearing a ring on that finger. The index finger is most often on display and is the most second-often used finger.  For these reasons, it becomes an ideal choice for class, fraternal or club rings. Symbolism Associated with the Index Finger:  The forefinger is certainly a dominant finger.  Its use when speaking and usefulness in a person's everyday life connects it to symbols of power, leadership and authority.  It is astrologically associated with the planet Jupiter, a planet associated with luck, plenitude and abundance.  

Pinky Finger

Wearing a ring on the pinky or little finger is a definite statement - one that clearly says Look At Me.  Because of its place at the end of the hand, any ring worn is more likely to be noticed.  Pinky rings are generally flamboyant in nature as well, adding to their attention grabbing reputation. Although a ring worn on the pinky finger is seen as a definite fashion statement, it does not have any overt cultural or religious connotations in most cultures.  This actually makes it one of the more neutral fingers on which to wear a ring. Symbolism Associated with the Pinky Finger:  In the studies of palmistry and astrology, the pinky finger is associated with intelligence and charisma.  It is associated with the planet Mercury, which is well-known for its retrograde periods, which can affect ways we communicate and connect.  

Thumb

Thumb rings aren't really common within the United States but they are popular in many other cultures and their stateside appeal is growing. Thumb rings tend to be bigger and bulkier, partly so they fit better on the thumb.  In some cultures, men who sport thumb rings are seen as being especially wealthy or influential.  Historically, thumb rings represented strength and agility as archers would wear them in order to protect their thumbs. In some circles, thumb rings were also used as a way to signal the wearer was gay.  This practice was more common during times when LGBT people had to remain in the closet and has fallen to the wayside over the years.  Still, it remains something some members of the LGBT community continue on order to honor their ancestors. Symbolism Associated with the Thumb:  In the studies of palmistry, the appearance of the thumb can tell a lot about a person.  It has often been seen as an indicator of character with strong and straight thumbs reflecting authority and reliability.  Crooked thumbs, meanwhile, were seen as being representative of wickedness or dishonesty.   While many of these meanings have been lost culturally, understanding and celebrating them can add a new layer to your own look when it comes to how you wear jewelry.  

Photo by Étienne Beauregard-Riverin on Unsplash