You may also choose to order your own class rings, which means youll be able to customize the design. Some gentlemen find that wearing rings on fingers that touch each other, such as the ring finger and the pinky finger or the middle finger and the index finger, can be unpleasant. Some companies use small, medium, and large measurements, while others stick to numeral measurements. When you order your ring from an independent ring supplier, such as Classrings.com, you can customize more elements. For instance, rings associated with United States military academies were traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand, although now the ring finger of the right hand or any other finger has become commonplace as well. If you see a gap between the top of your finger and the inside of the ring, you might need a smaller size. Again, this is why it makes sense to make sure it is on your right hand. You can get the right fit for your finger by simply following these steps: Measure the circumference of your finger. If you are married you would wear the wedding band right next to it (right hand ring finger. An open-back ring will have less metal, so you can expect it to be lighter and more affordable than a closed-back one. Despite this multitude of traditions, conventions around marital rings and the ring finger tend to be fairly universal in individual societies, and you should take that into consideration when deciding whether or not to wear a ring on your ring finger. However, your school might do a junior ring ceremony instead. Malachite is often formed by the weathering of copper ore and it is an immediately recognizable, unforgettable gemstone. There are lots of options for the stones that you may want on your class ring. The fact that the majority of your metals do match will ensure that the entire look still appears uniform. There have been men whove worn rings on every finger, sometimes even stacked on the same finger. According to the conventions of the Classic Style, however, a gentleman would usually wear one or two rings, or perhaps in very particular circumstances, three. The wedding band, of course, is typically worn on the left hand by men as a symbol of a different celebration they may one day have. This prevents it from being mistaken for a wedding band or engagement ring on the left hand. Platinum and palladium are white metals that are very shiny and resistant to corrosion, making them a popular choice. Via Wikimedia. The United States Military Academy class ring has traditionally been worn on the left hand, but most recent graduates choose to wear it on their right hand, which is likely in response to the dilemma posed by wearing both a West Point ring and a wedding ring on the same finger. These special rings are also carefully customized to symbolize their wearer's service record as well as the love and fidelity of their comrades and loved ones. To convey a sense of your leadership skills and authority with rings on your index finger, favor larger rings that either feature prominent stones or ornate detailing; for a very bold look, consider rings with both. Im spinfile-names.dat and I live in columnspinfile-address_data.dat-3. It is important to be clear at the onset that you have complete freedom to wear your rings as you choose and should not feel bound by any rules. Usually, each school has a representative from one of the major ring companies come to provide rings at your school. Required fields are marked *. [2], Some graduates choose to wear both on their left hand. The army rules stipulate that you can wear a wristwatch, wrist identification bracelet, and a total of two rings as a soldier. The 22KILL Honor Ring is a black band worn on the index finger as a silent salute to all veterans - past and present. Historically, it was associated with protection in the West and was thought to bring happiness and good health. two rings The pinky finger is thought to represent communication and socialization. Therefore, we encourage you to determine what makes the most sense for you and act accordingly: this can mean flipping what is associated with the right and left hands to reflect the realities of your dominant hand. And so, in many ways, the military ring is a tangible object that shows that the person wearing it shows unmistakable pride. This is a ceremony where, instead of giving your graduation ring, an important person at your school turns your ring around. The most obvious one is at graduation. This turning of the ring symbolizes that you have graduated and are now on your way to do big things in the world. Because they were valuable, portable, and relatively difficult to replicate, rings often served as emblems of authority or warrants of power.To some extent, you could think of authority rings as badges of office. Traditionally, the ring was worn on your left hand, although several recent military graduates opted to wear it on their right hands. In Western astrology, Apollo is often associated with mystical stones, like onyx, moonstone, opals, or pearls. The ring was subsequently donated to the United States Military Academy by General McNair's widow, and is part of the Academy's collection. After your significant other pops that question, your first instinct might be to slide your engagement ring on the fourth finger of your left hand. This article will cover each of the fingers on your hand, revealing what a ring on those fingers can mean according to different belief systems and cultures. When worn with any piece of jewelry, the evil eye symbol on it represents both power and protection against evil spirits and bad luck.. A jealous glare or some other negative energy is thought to have cast an evil eye on a person who is unaware. Onyx has been a popular stone for jewelry since Antiquity because of its unique color and durable qualities. If your school has a motto, why not add that as the inscription? When it comes to rings, members of the military are pretty . Read on to make the choice you want. Since the Victorian Period, the pinky has been a favored location for signet rings. It was started by cadets at the United States Military Academy who wore the ring as a class ring. Historically, the thumb was not associated with a Greek or Roman god. Musicians can opt for musical notes or the image of the instrument they played. It can bring a lot of pleasure to see it on your finger for this reason. This understated approach encourages you to invest in just a few high-quality rings and ensure that they are counted among the centerpieces of your ensembles jewelry. Click the Button To See The Table of Contents. Statement rings come in a variety of styles, from plain but oversized rings to highly ornate and detailed rings. HOWEVER, MY MOTHER-IN-LAW JUST RECENTLY FOUND BOTH MY RING AND MY WIFES IN HER JEWELRY BOX (FOR SAFE KEEPING 30 YEARS IN THE ARMY. It shows that your class is the one that all the others look up to as exemplars of the schools values. Youll turn that ring around after you graduate to proudly display your alumni status to others. You can display your ring in your office or study. If you want to emphasize your family history, consider wearing your signet ring on your left hand, as it reflects how your lineage has influenced you and your development as a person. It may not, however, be as practical for you, because these conventions were not created with you in mind. It's often referred to as your "ring finger," primarily because it's a common spot to stack an engagement ring and wedding ring. Traditionally, the left ring finger is where one would wear engagement jewelry and wedding ring. Some people prefer to wear them on their thumb and others prefer to wear them on their index finger. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In most western countries, the wedding band and associated rings are typically worn on the third finger, or the "ring" finger. Being aware of the potential significance of rings on fingers can also make you more circumspect as you decide where to wear your rings. Guide to Figuring Out International Sizing for Silicone Rings. Looking for even more non-traditional ways to keep your class ring visible? Reviews & Articles About Classic Men's Clothing & Accessories, Copyright 20102023 Gentleman's Gazette LLC All Rights Reserved Terms of Service & Accessibility Policy Privacy Policy, The Significance of Rings on Particular Fingers, Why the Fingers You Wear Your Rings on Matter, How the Meaning of Rings on Fingers Developed, The First Finger: The Index or Pointer Finger, How Many Rings Should You Wear and How to Wear Them. The Index finger is a symbol of ambition, leadership, spirituality, and self-ambition, and it's named after the Greek god for Jupiter. Even if you love the idea of a class ring, though, you might not know how to wear a class ring or the etiquette that surrounds them. This can happen during the graduation ceremony or before commencement. The right time to order your class ring depends on a few different factors. So I usually sleep with it on my left middle finger, then move it to my right middle finger (otherwise it will say I've slept until at least lunchtime, because apparently desk work and sleep are the same thing). 6. When you choose the design, you want to go for what looks best to you and not necessarily what everyone else is getting. Sometimes, your class ring will be identical to everyone in your class, but often, you get to personalize your class ring. Cleopatra was rumored to have given a special ring to Mark Antony, who replicated it so that he could give matching rings to the Praetorian Guard. In many cultures, there are conventions around what rings on particular fingers mean: for instance, in North America, a plain golden ring worn on the ring finger of the left hand usually indicates that a man is married. However, you can stack rings on any finger you desire, with the understanding that this look can be particularly bold and the additional ring may further affect your fingers motor function. The ring is quite unmistakable and is an astute representation of the service, a symbol that commemorates the personal commitments and sacrifices made by servicemen in the military. Cadets choose their ring several months in advance, selecting everything from size (the traditional large and heavy men's casting, or the less bulky women's version), color (white gold, yellow gold, or no-luster palladium), and stone (some rings are all gold and embossed with the West Point seal where the stone would have been set). This information will help you decide the best way for you to wear your rings. Most people choose the stone by their birth month, but there are also options related to the different days of the week. 5 The fact of the matter is, if you choose, for instance, to wear a ring on the ring finger of your left hand in the United States, the majority of people are going to assume that it means that you are married. 28 Jul In some traditions, engagement rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand, as is the same for wedding rings. You may, instead, want to add an inside joke you may have with friends, or inspiring lyrics of your favorite song. This tradition is often observed shortly after the beginning of the senior year for the cadets. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt. Image via Wikimedia. Historically, two smaller rings could be worn on the pinky finger, and signet rings were often paired with wedding rings, likely to represent the larger family and the immediate family, respectively. [2] Some graduates choose to wear both on their left hand. Pride, friendship, and solidarity these are just a few of the reasons that class rings remain popular among high school and college graduates. This means that you receive your ring in your junior year as you move toward becoming a senior. HOWEVER, if you are using this method, you would need to ensure that the ring you are measuring fits the finger you are purchasing the ring for, likely the left hand ring finger . You can also go for the gemstone related to your astrological sign. 3. . ago. Honor Ring. In the popular psyche, especially in North America, pinky rings are often associated with organized crime. The class ring is also to be worn with its insignia facing inwards, towards you the wearer while still in school, but it's to face outwards after your graduation. The closed-back, however, gives you more space for engraving while offering more structural support to the entire ring. Because you want your ring to do the same, it is typically made of sterling silver, platinum, or gold. Ring, Ring Should You Wear a Black Shirt? What does a ring on your right pinky indicate? You are more than welcome to wear your military ring on your index finger. This ring can serve as a personal reminder of your marriage and an outward sign of your love to others. While a member of the military may wear up to two rings (a wedding set is considered one ring), all rings must be simple and in good taste. That way, your wedding band can be easily placed on your left ring finger during the ceremony and later, your engagement ring can be placed on top of the stack. Image credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. West Point was the first American school to have class rings. Coming Soon. The Marine Corps ring is a jewelry that shows the spirit of patriotism. This is part of the fun in wearing a class ring! When I would wear multiple rings on the hand, Ill wear my wrist watch on the opposite wrist, umm, going for the balance look, I suppose. Once you grow accustomed to wearing it and decide that you like the look, you can transition to chunkier rings. These mightinclude: If you dont have a ring turning ceremony at your school, youll be responsible for turning your ring yourself. What does a ring on your left middle finger indicate? A statement ring that features a large and classically cut gemstone is the perfect piece for a pinky. Military rings are incredibly intimate. The platinum options are usually the most expensive ones. Really appreciate you sharing this article post.Thanks Again. While your wedding ring finger is traditionally on your right hand, some cultures wear wedding rings on their right index finger. This website is NOT live currently. Via Wikimedia. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Which finger should I wear my ring on?<\/strong> Your military ring should be worn on the right-hand ring finger. It was a low-key setting in darkened silver, if I recall correctly, with a diamond chip on each side. Article has a nice ring to it.. From there, the tradition spread to virtually every college campus in America. The thumb is an excellent location for large class, signet, or other rings that you would not be able to wear otherwise due to size issues. Whether it marks your membership in a fraternal club, a professional organization, or a loyal body of alumni, a ring that conveys your association with a particular group or school is an excellent choice for your pinky finger, because it will be located on such a visible part of your hand. While your fingers have three major joints, the thumb only has two, and a ring will noticeably alter your ability to move your thumb, in addition to employing it. The things you learn in school are things you can use for the rest of your life. You will find that we not only have the same quality rings, but we crush the competition when it comes to pricing. With a class ring, you can hang on to your college memories and never forget where you came from. You can go for having a diamond border or have a band of diamonds across the center stone. Again, this is why it makes sense to make sure it is on your right hand.<\/p> <\/p> "}}]}, @2022. In other cultures, wearing a ring on the right hand is seen as a sign of strength and leadership. Family heritage or scholastic or fraternal associations. Were you aware that the tradition of class rings began at West Point Military Academy in 1835? This is also the reason why, in a lot of royal portraits and pictures, monarchy is seen wearing rings on their index fingers. While its inky color bespeaks mystery and romance, this stone has traditionally been associated with protection and healing. Wearing a ring on your ring finger could evoke Apollo in his capacity as a seeker of truth and pursuer of what is beautiful and right, or perhaps, if you are in a medical field, it could represent Apollo in his capacity as god of healing. [4] It is awarded to senior cadets shortly after the start of their senior year, after which there is a formal dinner and dance (called a "hop" in cadet slang) following the ceremony for the cadets and their guests. Modern adherents of palmistry, however, have associated the thumb with the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon, venerated by the Romans as Neptune. In many schools, when students graduate, they are encouraged to turn their rings so the insignia faces outward. Your email address will not be published. Some cuts create a shinier stone, which might not be what you want if you prefer an understated look. Therefore, rings on the thumb are most often associated today with ambition, self-assertion, and as a sign of wealth. Some of the most common class ring symbols and their meanings are: Your ring might also include a flag or seal. Despite its small size, the pinky, positioned at the periphery of the hand, can visually handle surprisingly bold rings. It's on the right hand in other countries/cultures. However, if you choose to wear your ring on a larger finger,you may want to order a larger ring size. Traditionally, when wearing a class ring, you are to wear it so that the name of your school is facing you while you are still in school. Keep in mind that the pinkie finger is usually not a good choice to wear your class ring. Generally, juniors order their rings early in the year and get the rings after the first semester. A metamorphic rock known for its rich, deep blue color, lapis lazuli has been sought-after since the 7th millennium before Christ. It showcases your pride in your group, introduces you to other members, and helps advertise your organization. Now, you can even find class rings at many high schools. The metal it is made of, the kind of stone it has, the engravings, and any other custom options can impact the price. A ring worn on this finger indicates that the wearer takes life seriously and knows the difference between right and wrong. Filter. In the present day, a thumb ring is usually worn as a status symbol that is very likely to attract considerable attention. But, if you want a quality class ring at the lowest price online, be sure to check outWearMyStory.com. The best stones to wear on the active hand . If you receive a junior ring, you get to wear it throughout your final year of college, even before you graduate. To avoid appearing too flashy, consider limiting yourself to relatively plain, but still sizable, statement rings. You should be able to read the name when you look at your hand. In general, the ring finger represents devotion and obligation. Military rings are typically worn on the right hand's ring finger. The standard finger to wear your class ring on is the right hand ring finger. How you balance your rings with other jewelry is another thing to take note of. Whatever gemstone falls on the month of your birth goes right in the center of the ring. In general, your overall look will appear most harmonious and elegant when all of your metals match. But what really makes the military ring stand out, and what do you need to know about the ring, its materials, or its true and outward milestones and symbolism? I also, wear my military service branch ring instead of the class ring, which is similar in size, during military events and ceremonies. Where else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect way? If you're concerned about giving people the wrong impression, but like wearing a ring on your ring finger, wear it on your right hand. When choosing the stone, think of the budget you have. What a beautiful ring! For this reason, the pinky finger is often favored for highly-decorative rings that tell others something about you. You can customize the ring as you would like, to commemorate the exact college experience you had. Lastly, the pinky finger represents intelligence, communication, intuition, and persuasion, and it gets its name from Mercury, the Greek god. A ring worn on that finger with a showcased gem stone is an engagement ring. The way your ring should face is probably the most asked about question in regards to how to wear your class ring. Again, this is why it makes sense to be sure you are wearing it on your right hand. Even Saturn wears a ring, but a bathtub should never. I am a freemason, and in Norway we wear our freemason-ring on the middle fingre on our right hand. Rings, cufflinks, and stickpins are about all the jewellery a man gets to own. Even in the West, traditions can vary as to which hand the ring is worn on. Your email address will not be published. This is why class rings are often referred to as graduation rings. You will wear this ring after you leave your college. Upon graduation, the ring is worn so that the West Point crest is closest to the heart.[3]. Most class rings are closed-back. Measure the diameter of your ring. With Army uniforms, soldiers are allowed to wear a wristwatch, a wrist identification bracelet, and a total of two rings (a wedding set counts as one ring) unless the commander forbids it for safety or health reasons. Thankfully, the traditions of how to wear a class ring have not been completely lost. WeddingByColor.com, Veterinary Wedding Bands: Silicone Rings for Veterinary Technicians. Conceptually, the pinky is therefore suited to more abstract functionality like communicating, and practically, it means that any rings on the pinky are less likely to be scratched or damaged. As an exemplar of Neptune, rings on the thumb can be said to represent strength, majesty, and individuality. Do not let questions like What finger do you wear a class ring on? or worries about class ring etiquette stop you from considering the purchase of one. There are also ring-related souvenirs. When it comes to this timeless accessory, some customs dictate how it should be worn, and these are good rules to follow. A representative of the company may visit your school a few months before the end of the school year, around March or April. Historically, the middle finger has been the least popular ring for fingers. It can reveal your relationship status, concepts that are important to you, or groups with which you are associated. Not all schools have this kind of ceremony and if they do, each one is different, so you may want to ask the school about its own process. While there is probably a similar way to wear your class ring throughout different schools or military academies, there could also be unique circumstances for your school. Via Wikimedia. It is commonly referred to as an EGA. Because they are often highly detailed and feature prominent stones or insets, a large class ring could be the perfect for your middle finger, especially if you inherit a class ring from a family member but it is too large to wear on any of your other fingers. You may be able to customize one or two elements and choose the size. And today, close to 2 centuries later, the military ring tradition is quite alive and much stronger than ever before. As far as college class rings are concerned, I wear mine on my right ring finger and wedding band on my left ring finger. Rings on the middle finger can be of different shapes and sizes, they do not interfere with the hand much and participate in gesticulation. Normally, class rings are to be worn on your right hand. While signet rings are often associated with pinky rings today, historically they were often larger and worn on the index finger. As a special sign of devotion to your school, consider representing it on your ring finger as a sign to all of the affection you have for your alma mater. Lapis lazuli represents excellent of spirit, dignity, and personal honor. They function primarily as a decorative element or an opportunity for you to express yourself with unique imagery or designs. Note also that a wristwatch, especially one with a metal bracelet, can visually balance out one or two rings. If the school does allow you to order them on campus, you can expect to be asked about the materials that you want, the inscription, and more. Because they are often highly detailed and feature prominent stones or insets, a large class ring could be the perfect for your index finger. If you want to know how to make extra $$$, search for: If you prefer to emphasize stones associated with Hermes, consider vibrant stones like amber, citrine, or carnelian. Debonair looks too good on you to second guess. I wore my High School class ring on my right hand ring finger up thru my college years until graduated, then, swapped out with my colligate ring. Military rings and the traditions around the military rings date back to 1835. This association likely stems from the fact that the majority of people throughout history have been right-handed, which has influenced the functionality and meaning of rings on fingers. To minimize the impact that the ring has on the functionality of your hand, it might be prudent to also limit middle finger rings to your non-dominant hand. When you buy something using the affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission. You dont want to get caught accidentally breaking important class ring etiquette, so dont forget to make note of these dos and donts. What if youre not a jewelry person, but you still value the tradition of class rings? This fact could be attributed to the physiology of the finger. Dont forget to make sure your ring is facing the right way before you go out into the world as a brand-new graduate. Theyre less common today than in yesteryear, which only makes them more distinguished. 14 Tips for Freshman First Day Worries. Years later, when Dad was no longer wearing rings and I was a young man, we had it reset into bright gold with a few additional chips. A ring without a such a gem stone or no gems at all is a wedding band. The military ring is substantial and stands for something more meaningful and deep. Otherwise, go with the closed-back. Learn the answers to the questions about this purchase you may have.