:-). My father-in-law was a Clemson alum. This gives the company time to process the schools orders before graduation time. Of course, your ring will also display the most important feature: your year of graduation. First, do you want to order the class ring style that your school has chosen? An inherited ring that is too large for your ring finger might fit nicely onto your middle finger, while a relations wedding ring that might be too small for your ring finger might fit well on your pinky finger. Rings like these are well-suited to the breadth and length of the index finger. 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. There have been men whove worn rings on every finger, sometimes even stacked on the same finger. 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. Family heritage or scholastic or fraternal associations. 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. While there is probably a standard way to wear your military ring at military academies or other educational institutions, your school may have special requirements. Here are the answers to some common questions. It is somewhat ironic that while the planet Saturn has rings, rings are not often worn on the middle finger. Because they are often highly detailed and feature prominent stones or insets, a large class ring could be the perfect for your index finger. 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. Some men, however, wear both on their left ring finger, specifically to display their college as well as their marital status. Rings are very personal. As a UK native, I dont really see this stereotype that frequently anymore. Why? To a certain extent, a bold, visually impressive statement ring is the ideal ring for your thumb, as it will draw immediate attention and afford ample opportunity for you to express your personal style and personality. Required fields are marked *. If you wear a junior ring, pay attention to class ring etiquette. Image via Wikimedia. Some argue that the tradition of wearing class rings started in antiquity. This is true in many cultures. There are some options, however, that are open-back. What do military rings mean? The right time to order your class ring depends on a few different factors. A perusal of classics films, vintage fashion magazines, or old photographs will illustrate how popular these rings were. They're safe, simple, and unassuming. There are some schools that schedule sizing and choosing of the rings right on campus, while others prefer that students do this electronically through portals or even using brochures. Some people might also choose to wear a promise ring on their left ring finger. 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. For other people, going for a natural stone feels like the better choice. According to ancient mystics, it could grant magical powers like invisibility, but today it primarily represents vitality, longevity, and overcoming adversity. When you buy something using the affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission. When my father proposed to my mother, and gave her an engagement ring, her parents gave him a ring with a Lindy star in it. They are personalized items represent the valor and heroism of their wearers. It serves as a symbol of your achievements and a period in your life that you treasured. Rings are something men need to be careful off , one some they do look a bit rediculous and too many can look like you have been robbing the pyramids . A ring worn on this finger indicates that the wearer takes life seriously and knows the difference between right and wrong. It shows that your class is the one that all the others look up to as exemplars of the schools values. There are lots of options for the stones that you may want on your class ring. 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). It must have cost you a fortune! Typically, this is done on the left hand. For this reason, the pinky finger is often favored for highly-decorative rings that tell others something about you. There are also ring-related souvenirs. Reflecting a sense of affection and obligation, class rings, which honor your school, college, or university, are often worn on the ring finger as well. If you wish to capture the majesty associated with the king of the gods, favor rings on this finger made from gold with luxurious stones like lapis lazuli, ruby, or even diamond. Now, you can even find class rings at many high schools. If you want to live the tradition of class rings, keep reading. We hope that todays video will inspire you to experiment with different types of rings and on which fingers you wear them. In this sense, a ring on the right hand is thought to give the wearer strength and courage to do difficult tasks. Dont forget to make sure your ring is facing the right way before you go out into the world as a brand-new graduate. Ultimately, however, you should feel free to wear your rings however you see fit, although it helps to be aware of their understood meanings. This makes them even more distinguished, but more confusing to wear since fewer people are keeping up the tradition. As such, fingers worn on the middle finger can reflect things for which you feel responsible or ways that you seek balance in your life. When it comes to rings, members of the military are pretty . Members of the Orthodox Christian faith also keep this tradition.Conversely, in Middle Eastern countries like Lebanon, Turkey, and Syria, a wedding ring is often worn on the right ring finger prior to the wedding, like an engagement ring, and then moved to the left ring finger after the ceremony has been completed. Im Italian and pretty sure its a requirement. Individual expression or your sense of collective responsibility. 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. He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for. 3. The middle finger of your right hand and the thumbs are the least common options for ring fingers because the bulkiness of class ring can be a hindrance for everyday tasks. What a beautiful ring! However, more and more today, students are shopping online to get the same quality ring for a much lower price. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. 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. In the Anglophonic world, men usually wear their wedding rings on the ring finger of their left hand, although this tradition did not take hold until after World War II; earlier, the wedding ring was often worn on the pinky finger. When choosing which finger to have your ring sized for, there are a few things to consider. Once you grow accustomed to wearing it and decide that you like the look, you can transition to chunkier rings. [5], The term "ringknocker" refers to the alleged custom of some graduates to gently rap their ring against a hard surface in social situations; this serves as an unobtrusive signal of their status to any other graduates in the vicinity. Read on to make the choice you want. In the West, in particular, a signet ring is often worn on the pinky, because it attracts attention without interfering with the operation of the hand. 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. Military rings are a distinctive item of statement jewelry that you will cherish forever. Even if your school doesnt do a turning ceremony, it may have other ring-turning traditions. In general, though, there are no hard and fast rules to follow, so choose whichever finger works best for your ring. 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. For these ceremonies, the rings are pre-selected months in advance, and the cadets get to choose the details of the ring, including the metal to be used, ring size, stone, and other customization features or specifications. Lastly, the pinky finger represents intelligence, communication, intuition, and persuasion, and it gets its name from Mercury, the Greek god. Fittingly enough, the pinky finger is associated with the Greek god Hermes, known to the Romans as Mercury, the messenger of the gods. You may also choose to order your own class rings, which means youll be able to customize the design. Otherwise, go with the closed-back. Middle finger: The middle finger represents values and responsibilities. Continue reading to learn more about how to wear your military ring. I have a small collection of some contemporary and antique rings. In Western astrology, Apollo is often associated with mystical stones, like onyx, moonstone, opals, or pearls. Generally, juniors order their rings early in the year and get the rings after the first semester. You can display your ring in your office or study. 2. 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. Earning your degree is a tremendous achievement. August Birthstone School Rings: What Can You Match with Green? For them, the ring shares the story of a profound military career, so the ring is a treasured piece handed down generations. In that case, try wearing your class ring on your first (pointer) or middle finger. Your military ring should be worn on the right-hand ring finger. 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. The thumb represents self-assertion and willpower and is the only finger that isnt named after any Greek God. Some cuts create a shinier stone, which might not be what you want if you prefer an understated look. The military rings were also important because they served as a way of showing solidarity with a fellow soldier. A ring without a such a gem stone or no gems at all is a wedding band. The rings were flat on the outside and ornately decorated with hieroglyphics used to denote their owner. 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. Wearing a ring on your thumb conveys to others that you want to present yourself as an accomplished person who appreciates not only possessing, but also displaying, the finer things in life. Palmistry, also referred to as palm-reading, is the act of telling the future based on the appearance of the human hand, such as lines in the palms, the length of the fingers, and the shape of the hand. It's often referred to as your "ring finger," primarily because it's a common spot to stack an engagement ring and wedding ring. 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. (Expert Answer in 2023), Are Multiple Ear Piercings Unprofessional in 2023? Alternatively, you can intentionally embrace an eclectic look, mixing up the color of your jewelry. 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. An ancient Egyptian faience ring that was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, from 1332 BC. Measuring Feet for Bespoke Shoes: The Process Begins! I wear this on my right pinky. If you are a left-handed gentleman, following the traditional conventions associated with these rings will make it easiest for others to recognize the meaning of the rings on each finger. 6. How do you feel about girls putting their first name on the side of their ring? If, on the other hand, you want to keep the ring on for decades after your graduation, it is perfectly normal, as well. What does a ring on your left thumb indicate? This website is NOT live currently. There is no definitive moment when you should stop wearing a class ring. For instance, your right-hand ring finger might already have a ring on it, such as an heirloom. Note also that a wristwatch, especially one with a metal bracelet, can visually balance out one or two rings. Use a tape measure or piece of string to wrap around your base knuckle (the one farthest from your fingertip). That being said, in recognition of the previously mentioned topic of astrology, we will indicate, for your edification, some of the stones that are astrologically connected to each of the fingers. Whether you wear it on your right or your left hand, the ring finger is, in many cultures, the most common place to wear a wedding ring. Ultimately, when it's time to decide what hand the engagement ring . Although the thumb may be one of the most bold locations for a ring, a ring does not have to be ornate to be noticeable. For gemstone options, consider anything bold and stolid, like malachite, bloodstone, or tigers eye. As with any piece of jewelry, the cut of the stone can have an impact on the overall look. Do not let these associations dissuade you from wearing a pinky ring, however, as countless men, not just mobsters, have worn pinky rings through the ages. Therefore, most of the rings you will be selecting for yourself to wear on your index finger should instead convey the sense of your authority and leadership. Some people do choose to wear it on their pinkies or even together with their wedding ring, but, overall, the right-hand ring finger is the finger of choice. It can reveal your relationship status, concepts that are important to you, or groups with which you are associated. Shop our collection today to find the perfect ring to keep your memories close. 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. In general, the ring finger represents devotion and obligation. Its no surprise that there are many important customs surrounding them as well. Great article & video, I normally wear my wedding band on left hand ring finger. Your email address will not be published. If what you want is a lighter ring, then an open-back can be the right choice. Image Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. But did you know that there can be a meaning for each of the fingers on which you wear your ring? In the UK, any ring on your Right pinky finger is an instant advertisement that you are Gay, so be careful..it really is an instant giveaway. If so, you can incorporate your own symbolism so that the ring means exactly what you want it to mean. And yet, leaving your beloved college behind can be a bittersweet experience too. (Why, I havent a clue!!!) The way your ring should face is probably the most asked about question in regards to how to wear your class ring. Oftentimes, this will also produce a more visually pleasing distribution of your rings. Were you aware that the tradition of class rings began at West Point Military Academy in 1835? By the way, it is worth noting that if a ring on the middle finger is worn not on the first phalanx, but on the second, then it becomes a symbol of creativity and free thinking. The fact that the majority of your metals do match will ensure that the entire look still appears uniform. Take a look at your ring. (Classic Mens Style Tips). This can happen during the graduation ceremony or before commencement. Black Zirconium Wedding Rings Consider purchasing a black zirconium wedding ring if you're looking for an alternative to silicone wedding bands. Normally, class rings are to be worn on your right hand. We all know the meaning of class rings: showing pride and connection to your past while looking ahead to the future. ","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. Most schools have a ring ceremony of some kind or a dance to commemorate the juniors. The sense of balance likely derives from the fingers presence in the middle of the hand. Class rings have a prestigious history. Once you know that, you can start seeing how many designs you want to add. When ordering a class ring, always give yourself more time than youexpect you will need. A class ring is also a tradition that you may want to honor. Most class rings have a stone in the center, with the schools name around it and designs engraved on either side. A military ring is one of the most important forms of showing pride and celebrating the amazing work that men and women continue to put in working in the military and doing their best to protect the rest of us. Whichever finger you choose, your best bet is to wear your class ring on your right hand. If you are married you would wear the wedding band right next to it (right hand ring finger. If you have large hands, then it's fine to wear a larger ring. Its a perfect everyday piece of jewelry, but also makes a great formal accessory for important occasions. Historically, the thumb was not associated with a Greek or Roman god. The best part is that there's no wrong way to rock a ring! Rings are one of the most accessible forms of jewelry for men and were regularly worn by gentlemen of style throughout history. It was started by cadets at the United States Military Academy who wore the ring as a class ring. Accordingly, we recommend that you feel especially free to wear on your pinky finger whatever stones are the most meaningful to you. A ring on this finger also interferes with normal, manual tasks since the finger is adjacent to the index finger. Since you cannot purchase a class ring unless you fulfilled your institutions requirements for graduation, it is a sign that you made it. As with the junior class ring, you will want to wear it with the insignia facing you until you graduate. Keep in mind that the more engravings you want, the larger the ring design will have to be. I love a nice wristwatch too but thats it for man jewellery for me. In the Roman Catholic Church, some clergymen wear rings with religious imagery on the ring finger of their left or right hand to express their devotion to God, and many high-rank prelates in the Roman Catholic Church and other religious organizations wear a ring on the ring finger of their right hand as a sign of their authority and religious devotion. Now, you know how to wear a class ring the right way, so youll never make an etiquette mistake. It was a low-key setting in darkened silver, if I recall correctly, with a diamond chip on each side. As an exemplar of Neptune, rings on the thumb can be said to represent strength, majesty, and individuality. Rings you purchase for yourself could therefore be worn on your right index finger. It might be necessary to select a wider design if you intend to wear it on your index finger in order to keep it proportionate. How many rings are in the military? And so, in many ways, the military ring is a tangible object that shows that the person wearing it shows unmistakable pride. Pinky Finger It was once believed that wearing two rings on your left pinky finger was a symbol of marriage for a man. By longstanding custom, many graduates choose to present a miniature of the West Point ring as an engagement ring. Men occasionally stack their rings, which refers to donning multiple rings on the same finger. ago. The opposing hand causes less wear for wedding bands and engagement rings. Astrologers associated the middle finger with the Greek titan Kronos, known as Saturn to the Romans. Some of the cultural traditions associated with the meaning of rings on particular fingers developed from particular beliefs, often centered in ancient medical knowledge or historical rites. You can customize the ring as you would like, to commemorate the exact college experience you had. Conversely, some men wear rings of personal significance on their ring fingers to show that they are happy being single, while other men who have embraced celibacy and abstain from romantic affection choose to wear rings on their ring fingers to reflect their choice. The symbolism of turning the ring means that you are ready to face the world. Platinum and palladium are white metals that are very shiny and resistant to corrosion, making them a popular choice. In the West, this effect was mostly achieved with rings on the pinky finger, which, because of the rings small size, were well-suited to stacking. Sort. If you want to ensure that a ring is noticed, wear it on your 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. It has two distinct sides: one with your school's name or initials, and one without. Rings on the middle finger can be of different shapes and sizes, they do not interfere with the hand much and participate in gesticulation. When Should I Order My Class Ring? The army rules stipulate that you can wear a wristwatch, wrist identification bracelet, and a total of two rings as a soldier. Your fingers expand and contract based on environmental factors, so we recommend wearing your ring sizer for at least 24 hours to confirm your best fit. Traditionally, the left ring finger is where one would wear engagement jewelry and wedding ring. As with junior class rings, the choice most people go for is the right-hand ring finger. Keep in mind that the pinkie finger is usually not a good choice to wear your class ring. Image credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Most class rings are made of 10K or 14K white, rose, or yellow gold, with some options available in 18K white or yellow gold. Service rings associated with various branches of different nations armed forces are also commonly worn on the ring finger, although which hand varies according to local custom. Before you graduate, you should wear the side with your schools name facing toward you. If you feel that the friendships and learning that you gained at college will stay with you through your whole life, a ring is a perfect way to remind you of them. Answers & Solutions. Relationship status or a personal connection to a meaningful institution. Apart from that, you can customize as you please. So, if your arm is outstretched, you should be able to read the name of your school. Be sure to keep the ring in proportion to your hands. The same factors that make the thumb ideal for authority rings also make it ideal for rings that establish your place and position in the world. [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. To date, West Point holds on to the 1835 tradition, and they boast what they call the Ring Weekend. Again, this is why it makes sense to be sure you are wearing it on your right hand. Try putting on your class ring at important times, such as: There is no wrong time to wear your class ring. Pride, friendship, and solidarity these are just a few of the reasons that class rings remain popular among high school and college graduates. As a first-time ring wearer, however, you must keep things simple and go for something comfortable, as long as the ring looks and feels . Yes, you can. Lapis lazuli represents excellent of spirit, dignity, and personal honor. Youll turn that ring around after you graduate to proudly display your alumni status to others. Lion: courage, strength, overcoming adversity, Swords or other weapons: an ongoing fight to live the schools values, Torches: the light of wisdom and knowledge, Coat of arms: your schools history and values, Your schools mascot (or their foot or paw print), Having your family and friends each turn your ring once, Only turning your ring in one direction (whether clockwise or counter-clockwise), Having your best friend turn your ring first, Asking an important person, such as a mentor, to be the last person to turn your ring. Numerous rings are often associated with the dandy style and this look is becoming more popular as a form of conspicuous consumption. Some refer to the right hand as the active hand. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"In the army, am I allowed to wear my wedding band?<\/strong> 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. The oldest extant carnelian jewelry consists of beads found in Bulgaria that date to the close of the Stone Age. The rationale was that his other two brothers have college rings, so he wanted one too. He passed away and one of his sons wanted his ring and has been wearing it. Signet rings represent you or your ancestry. Eagle Globe Anchor Stainless Steel Marine Corps Ring The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is the official emblem and insignia of the United States Marine Corps. 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. It can stoke your creativity to work within an existing framework of rules and guidelines so that you are able to subtly convey messages or ideas to others through the language of your rings and their meaning. They indicated that the wearer was due certain respect and deference, usually, because he held a prominent position in the government, commanded a feudal position, or was high-placed in the hierarchy of a religious institution. Most people choose to wear the class ring on their right hands ring finger, with students who attend military schools choosing their left ring finger to honor the old tradition of that finger being connected to the heart. In some cultures, wearing a ring on the right hand symbolizes the power of the sun and is thought to bring good luck and protection. The symbols that you can add to the class ring usually pertain to school classes, groups, organizations, sports, and lots of other activities. This can be a lot of fun as there are often 1,000s of designs to choose from and an endless amount of engraving combinations. However, if you choose to wear your ring on a larger finger,you may want to order a larger ring size. The military ring also has some ceremony associated with how it is worn on your hand, which is one of its fun aspects. I always wear my wedding band and a ring on my right hand. If you prefer to emphasize stones associated with Hermes, consider vibrant stones like amber, citrine, or carnelian. The things you learn in school are things you can use for the rest of your life. Because the index finger is often associated with the change you are able to affect in the world, it, therefore, stands for your power and authority, especially on your dominant hand. There is not a consistent distinction between the meaning of the right thumb and left thumb, but considering how much a ring can impact your thumb, you will likely be well-served restricting thumb rings to your non-dominant hand. The other brothers and I believe he should not wear this ring because he did not earn it. Since these fingers are larger, your class ring will get noticed more easily on them. Filter. You can replace it with a college ring if you get one, or wear the two together. This means you are ready to graduate. You can wear the ring on your left or right hand, whichever feels comfortable to you, and on the finger that suits your personality and intended meaning, as mentioned above, and the meaning you want to associate the ring with. Which way should the ring be facing? The simple answer is thats up to you how many rings you wear. First used by West Point Military Academy in 1835, class rings were quickly adopted by other important schools. This keeps it visible to everyone around you while still leaving your hands free. As the most unique digit, prominently positioned on the edge of your hand, any ring on your thumb will be immediately noticeable. As far as college class rings are concerned, I wear mine on my right ring finger and wedding band on my left ring finger. You should wear your class ring on your right-hand ring finger, meaning that it won't easily be confused with your customary wedding ring. 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. Historically, the middle finger has been the least popular ring for fingers.