The meaning of the rings on each finger is something that few people know and that they generally do not take into account when wearing them. Of course, unless they are emblematic cases such as engagement, wedding or graduation rings.
Although many of us admire how our rings look and complement our personality, what we possibly ignore is that they say a lot about us, even more than we imagine. In fact, depending on the finger where the rings are used, the meaning of the rings can be different. So before putting a ring on one or the other finger, surely you should think carefully, because you would be making a statement without saying a word.
Meanings of the ring on each finger
From your marital status to your profession, rings say a lot about us. Some fingers have a special meaning, while others mean nothing at all. Keep these associations in mind when deciding where you will wear your jewelry.
Left Little Finger – Marital Status and Mafia
From signet rings to wedding bands, the meaning of rings on the left little finger can be associated with a number of different things.
Marital status
Two rings on the left little finger once indicated that a man was married. The bottom ring was the wedding ring, followed by the signet ring on top. Popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries, this custom has fallen out of favor. Some historians believe that US President Franklin D. Roosevelt wore a wedding ring and signet ring in this way.
Mafia connections
Pinky Rings, named for their derivation from the Dutch word “Pink,” meaning little finger, are also associated with organized crime culture.
A belief that has been widely popularized by TV dramas like The Sopranos and almost many other TV shows and movies about crime, mafias, etc.
Left Ring Finger: Relationship Status, Engagement, and Romance
In many cultures, the left ring finger is reserved for wedding rings and engagement jewelry, although some people choose to wear a promise ring on this finger. Therefore, the meaning of the rings worn on the left ring finger can be associated with:
Marital status
In most Western countries, a married person wears a wedding ring on the left ring finger. Many people think that the origin of this custom is due to an ancient Roman belief that a vein travels directly from the left ring finger to the heart.
Betrothal
Similarly, a ring worn on the left ring finger can indicate that the wearer is engaged to be married, a tradition believed to date back to ancient Roman times. At the time of the wedding, the bride can choose to continue to wear her engagement ring on her left ring finger with her wedding ring or switch to another finger.
romantic promise
Some people choose to wear a promise ring on the left ring finger, although this is reserved for serious romantic promises.
Chastity
Many young men also choose to wear a chastity ring or purity ring on the left ring finger. This means abstinence from intimate relationships until marriage.
Left middle finger – No statement
A ring worn on the left middle finger doesn’t necessarily mean anything. However, since the middle finger is the center of the hand and is the longest finger, a ring on this finger can symbolize power and responsibility, if desired. This finger is also a good option if you want to show off a ring without making a statement about your life.
Left index finger: high impact
The left index finger does not have any established symbolism either, although it is a good place to show off an important ring. A ring on the index finger is sure to turn heads, so you may want to choose this finger for your class ring, a favorite cocktail ring, or another high-impact piece.
Left thumb: open to interpretation
The meaning of thumb rings on the left hand is not a statement about your relationship status, career, or any other important part of your life. However, it is a great location for a fashion statement. Choose a chunky ring that won’t impede your movement, and people viewing your jewelry will see you as fashionable and confident.
Right thumb – No statement
Likewise, a ring on your right thumb doesn’t say anything specific about you. Show off your favorite statement ring here.
Right index finger: marriage in some cultures
In some cultures, a ring on the right index finger symbolizes marriage. According to Chabad.org, the index finger is the proper place for the wedding ring in a traditional Jewish ceremony. Usually a simple gold band goes on the index finger of the right hand. Some brides move the ring to the left ring finger after the ceremony, but some keep it in place on the index finger.
If you’re not wearing a plain gold band, you can get away with just about any ring on your right index finger.
Right middle finger: open to interpretation
Just as the left middle finger has no set meaning, the right middle finger is open to interpretation when it comes to wearing a ring. You can choose your own symbolism for a ring on this prominent digit.
Right ring finger: marriage in some cultures
Although many cultures reserve the left ring finger for wedding and engagement rings, there are also several countries that use the right ring finger for the same purpose. These include Germany, Russia, India and many others.
Right Little Finger – Professional Status
In addition to the same meaning of rings worn on the left pinky, a right pinky ring can also indicate professional status. In some professions, particularly engineering and ecology, a pinky ring is symbolic of graduating with a degree in that field.
Graduates wear this ring on their dominant hand, which for about 90 percent of people, means the right little finger. Professional rings are typically simple bands made of iron, silver, stainless steel, or another metal.
Meaning of the fingers in palmistry
Some people believe that the choice of fingers for rings can also have mystical or magical connotations. Palmistry, the practice of reading the lines on a person’s hands to determine character and fortune, associates the hands and fingers with the attributes of the Greek gods.
According to the Guyot brothers, the fingers also have common metaphysical properties and complementary gemstones. So the combination of all this finger symbolism can influence how you wear your rings.
The thumb
The thumb represents self-assertion and willpower. It is the only finger that is not named after a Greek god. Choose thumb rings made with carnelian, garnet or ruby gemstones.
The tip finger
This finger is named after Jupiter to symbolize self-confidence, leadership, ambition, and spirituality. Select a ring with lapis lazuli, amethyst or blue topaz. The metal associated with this planet is tin, from which we will not find many rings made. But shiny silver tones are a normal option for the index finger.
the middle finger
The middle finger, Saturn, represents balance, justice, law, responsibility, and self-examination. Calming stones like rose quartz, coral, and aquamarine are appropriate for rings. Since the metal of Saturn is lead, simple gray metals like steel are common choices for the middle finger.
the ring finger
The ring finger is associated with the moon, creativity, and the beauty of the Earth, as well as its obvious associations with romantic relationships. The metal of the moon is silver, which makes silver rings a natural choice for non-wedding rings worn on the fourth finger.
For its part, gemstones associated with the ring finger include moonstone, jade, amethyst, sapphire and turquoise.
The little finger
Mercury rules the little finger, which signifies intelligence, communication, persuasion, and intuition. He chooses rings with stones like moonstone, amber or citrine.