How do you feel about girls putting their first name on the side of their ring? 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. When it comes to this timeless accessory, some customs dictate how it should be worn, and these are good rules to follow. He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for. You may be able to customize one or two elements and choose the size. Required fields are marked *. And today, close to 2 centuries later, the military ring tradition is quite alive and much stronger than ever before. How to Choose a School Ring Inscription: A Guide, How to Clean Gemstones on a Ring: An Easy Guide, Class Ring Symbol Meaning ClassRings.com. This is the most accepted form of class ring wearing etiquette. It is a big, celebrated, formal event that features a formal dinner and dance, and the ring ceremony follows it. This may have been one of the first examples of using rings to show membership in an elite group. It serves as a symbol of your achievements and a period in your life that you treasured. It is a symbol of respect and simply shows that you support those who serve(d). Its better to have your ring early than to receive it too late for graduation! [1] 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. 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. Because of the impact the thumb ring has on the ability to undertake manual labor, the thumb ring has historically been favored by men who are in charge, whether that means the boss of a company or the king of a nation. 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. I have always worn a yellow gold and diamond ring on my left ring finger and often wear a yellow gold and diamond ring on my right pinky. The military ring also has some ceremony associated with how it is worn on your hand, which is one of its fun aspects. The symbols that you can add to the class ring usually pertain to school classes, groups, organizations, sports, and lots of other activities. The index finger, sometimes called the pointer finger represents authority and leadership. Most people choose the stone by their birth month, but there are also options related to the different days of the week. The rings are customized for each cadet, and there are very few standard-seen practices, save the use of symbol black onyx and gold to represent the school colors, but this is seen in a minority of rings. When youre ready to design your custom ring, the sky is the limit. Try putting on your class ring at important times, such as: There is no wrong time to wear your class ring. While in school, the school's name or . Yes! Accordingly, we recommend that you feel especially free to wear on your pinky finger whatever stones are the most meaningful to you. This shows your appreciation for your school, even if you cant wear a ring all the time. Image credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I CANT WAIT TO WEAR IT AGAIN!!! For instance, your right-hand ring finger might already have a ring on it, such as an heirloom. Stay tuned. [8]. You could wear your military ring on whichever finger feels most comfortable with you. There is no definitive moment when you should stop wearing a class ring. Alternatively, if you want your signet ring to emphasize your own achievements, consider wearing it on your right pinky finger. In general, the ring finger represents devotion and obligation. Lots of students have no idea which finger is the right one for their class ring, and this can cause issues with sizing if you do not decide on time. Is there any policy regarding wearing an inherited Clemson ring? Before you graduate, you should wear the side with your schools name facing toward you. Which way should the ring be facing? This is done to ensure that military rings and other jewelry are not mixed up (such as wedding rings).<\/p> "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which finger should I wear my ring on? Body Jewelry is a No-Go. The standard finger to wear your class ring on is the right hand ring finger. Theres nothing wrong with that. It can bring a lot of pleasure to see it on your finger for this reason. Yes, you can. Some people choose to wear them forever, while others stop wearing them right after graduation. August Birthstone School Rings: What Can You Match with Green? Lapis lazuli represents excellent of spirit, dignity, and personal honor. Image via Wikimedia. Now, you can even find class rings at many high schools. Whichever class ring you are considering, it can be a good idea to know a bit about the process of selecting one and what pitfalls to avoid. 4. Astrologers associated the middle finger with the Greek titan Kronos, known as Saturn to the Romans. It's often referred to as your "ring finger," primarily because it's a common spot to stack an engagement ring and wedding ring. Historically, the ring finger has been favored for rings that designate authority, power, and prestige. Engagement ring fit can be affected by a number of factors, including the weather. As mentioned above, the military ring or the West Point ring has traditionally been worn on the left hand, and you can wear it on any finger. Do the fingers on which your wear your rings mean something? Ill wear a pinky ring along with the cufflinks on formal occasions usually wear on the left hand, so not to compete with the class ring on the right. The term "evil eye jewelry" refers to jewelry designed to shield the wearer from evil and prevent it from wreaking havoc on them. Avoid wearing a class ring on that finger to leave it free and so that you dont get mistaken for a member of a profession you dont belong to! This means you are ready to graduate. As far as college class rings are concerned, I wear mine on my right ring finger and wedding band on my left ring finger. Normally, class rings are to be worn on your right hand. Likewise, rings that represent fraternal organizations, like the Masonic Order, the Knights of Columbus, or the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, are sometimes worn on the ring finger to show devotion to the association and its members. 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. THANKS AGAIN, WOODY.. They are personalized items represent the valor and heroism of their wearers. Posted June 22, 2022 in Accessories, Videos. OffusMax 5 mo. Some people prefer to wear them on their thumb and others prefer to wear them on their index finger. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt. Its no surprise that there are many important customs surrounding them as well. In some areas of Western and Eastern Europe, South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia, wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right ring finger. WeddingByColor.com, Veterinary Wedding Bands: Silicone Rings for Veterinary Technicians. What does a ring on your right ring finger indicate? This pedigree further cements the index finger as representing your power and influence in the world. For many people, class rings are part of their lives forever. It can reveal your relationship status, concepts that are important to you, or groups with which you are associated. This ring can serve as a personal reminder of your marriage and an outward sign of your love to others. Since you cannot purchase a class ring unless you fulfilled your institutions requirements for graduation, it is a sign that you made it. I have a small collection of some contemporary and antique rings. Therefore, a wristwatch on your left hand could be nicely balanced by a ring on the index finger and pinky finger of your right hand. Take a look at your ring. What does a ring on your right middle finger indicate? 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. This is done to ensure that military rings and other jewelry are not mixed up (such as wedding rings). Even if your school doesnt do a turning ceremony, it may have other ring-turning traditions. 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. Image via Wikimedia. A ring worn on that finger with a showcased gem stone is an engagement ring. Historically, the thumb was not associated with a Greek or Roman god. The ring was subsequently donated to the United States Military Academy by General McNair's widow, and is part of the Academy's collection. 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. One of the purposes of class rings is to commemorate your experiences in your high school or college. When choosing the stone, think of the budget you have. The other brothers and I believe he should not wear this ring because he did not earn it. This keeps it visible to everyone around you while still leaving your hands free. What a cool jewel you got from your school! Rings are very personal. If it does not fit anymore or if it is no longer an accurate reflection of your style, store it without guilt. A premier cut, for example, will not have as many facets as a sunburst cut. The metal it is made of, the kind of stone it has, the engravings, and any other custom options can impact the price. While its inky color bespeaks mystery and romance, this stone has traditionally been associated with protection and healing. With your newfound knowledge, you might find yourself inspired to wear types of rings, or wear rings on fingers, you would not have considered before. However, others prefer wearing the ring on the middle finger because it is believed to exude strength the middle finger is also the symbol of balance given its center placement, and it also symbolizes responsibility because of its sturdiness. Men occasionally stack their rings, which refers to donning multiple rings on the same finger. The simple answer is thats up to you how many rings you wear. Via Wikimedia. It may not, however, be as practical for you, because these conventions were not created with you in mind. Class rings are a time-honored tradition that celebrates the milestones youve achieved, while also pointing towards your bright future. Military rings are incredibly intimate. Class rings are generally worn by those in high school, college, or who have gone through a military academy. Silicone rings are the perfect accessory for even the best military personnel because they are less clunky than their metal counterparts and are great for field safety, training drills, and field workouts. 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. As you get ready to graduate from college, you may not be sure if it is worth investing in a class ring. The ring is symbolic and quite important because it represents the pride and honor that can only be awarded to men and women in the military. It's really up to what feels right for you. This means that there is a continuous band of metal, even under the center stone. In reality, however, betrothal and marriage rings have been worn on nearly every finger of the hand based on the traditions of different cultures. Guide to Figuring Out International Sizing for Silicone Rings. It was to mark a life milestone. 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. For morering topics, please visit here orhere! Gold vs. Silicone Wedding Rings: Which is Better [& Why]? Wearing the ring on the ring finger signifies the love of creativity, beauty, and relationships, and its been named after Apollo, the Greek god. This tradition presaged the modern convention of wearing expensive and luxurious rings on the pinky finger as a means to indicate wealth. In Ancient Egypt, pharaohs, religious leaders, and nobles would wear rings made of stone or a unique glazed pottery type called faience. You can also go for the gemstone related to your astrological sign. Especially during the late 19th and 20th and 21st centuries, pinkies have become a preferred location for decorative rings that might not have any intrinsic meaning other than expressing the style and taste of the wearer. You can display your ring in your office or study. Conversely, many cultures also associate the ring finger with the moon, and as such, it is especially appropriate to wear silver, a metal often associated with the moon, on your ring finger. 2. Earning your degree is a tremendous achievement. You dont want to get caught accidentally breaking important class ring etiquette, so dont forget to make note of these dos and donts. 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. 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. However, a negative social-networking connotation also associates with the term, in that the term "implies that if there is a discussion in progress, the senior (West) Pointer need only knock his large ring on the table and all Pointers present are obliged to rally to his point of view."[6]. Image Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Some Roman legionaries, for instance, carried onyx tables dedicated to Mars into battle with them, while women in the Middle Ages wore onyx items to stave off pain during childbirth. Larger rings, which look more balanced and visually pleasing, tend to greatly impact the functionality of the finger, and by extension, the entire hand. 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. 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. Stay tuned! Youll learn the deep meanings behind class rings, how to wear one properly, and what makes them so special after all. It has two distinct sides: one with your schools name or initials, and one without. To avoid appearing too flashy, consider limiting yourself to relatively plain, but still sizable, statement rings. Others developed organically, as men through the ages found that certain rings simply worked best on certain fingers and this reality developed its own significance. 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. From an aesthetic point of view, larger rings with broad bands or hefty decorations will look best on the middle finger, but be aware that they might compromise the use of that hand. In this sense, a ring on the right hand is thought to give the wearer strength and courage to do difficult tasks. If you are in the military or know someone who is, you probably are aware of what the military ring is and what its role is. 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). What does a ring on your left middle finger indicate? The way your ring should face is probably the most asked about question in regards to how to wear your class ring. Students can pick out items for family members made to resemble their class ring such as cufflinks, pendants, and pins. 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. Feel free to wear it more or less often. 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. No matter where your ring comes from, though, it shows your strong identity andconnection to your formative years. It has two distinct sides: one with your school's name or initials, and one without. Via Wikimedia. We will have rings and things and fine array. With a few tips, you can still wear a class ring properly. This association reinforces the pinky finger as a way to communicate about yourself. You will find that we not only have the same quality rings, but we crush the competition when it comes to pricing. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. This ceremony is one of pride and accomplishment. There will usually be a ceremony during the year of your graduation. This fact could be attributed to the physiology of the finger. 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. Read on to make the choice you want. 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. Afashionblog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Similarly, signet rings worn on the pinky finger are also associated with marital status. The number of facets on the stones surface will impact the shine. 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 . When you choose the design, you want to go for what looks best to you and not necessarily what everyone else is getting. This arrangement encourages balance and is very visually appealing, ensuring that your hand jewelry does not appear cluttered. I have several friends who graduated from Texas A&M University who wear both on their left ring finger. 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. It seems in my case what gets the most admiration is the watch I wear and my tie bar . Shop our collection today to find the perfect ring to keep your memories close. 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. There are two traditional times to get a class ring in college. Tradition has it that the seal was broken upon the owners death to prevent its use by other persons. Wear for 24 Hours. As the most unique digit, prominently positioned on the edge of your hand, any ring on your thumb will be immediately noticeable. And so, in many ways, the military ring is a tangible object that shows that the person wearing it shows unmistakable pride. For juniors getting ready to choose a class ring, there can be a number of concerns you may have. In Western astrology, Apollo is often associated with mystical stones, like onyx, moonstone, opals, or pearls. 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. 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. Were you aware that the tradition of class rings began at West Point Military Academy in 1835? You should be able to read the name when you look at your hand. Some cuts create a shinier stone, which might not be what you want if you prefer an understated look. Need help choosing a wedding ring? Required fields are marked *. Yes and no. Traditionally, the ring was worn on your left hand, although several recent military graduates opted to wear it on their right hands. West Point alumni may donate their rings to be added to the smelting pot when a new batch of rings are cast. Your leadership potential and personal authority. Coming Soon. 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. 46 products. In general, your overall look will appear most harmonious and elegant when all of your metals match. Military rings are reminders and symbols of the success of completing high school or college. [7], In early years, Class rings often contained a reverse motif seal crest that was often used for wax sealing of both official military and personal correspondence. 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. 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 . Measuring Feet for Bespoke Shoes: The Process Begins! The standard finger to wear your class ring on is the right hand ring finger. Harvard, Princeton, and Yale went on to adopt class rings. This was popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, however, we rarely see this today. As a result, in some instances, a ring can have different meanings based on the hand on which it is worn. 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. The colored stone in the middle, which represents your graduating military and school, serves as a representation of your group membership. Once you grow accustomed to wearing it and decide that you like the look, you can transition to chunkier rings. Military rings can become treasured family heirlooms that are passed down for many generations as they are a special memento from a particular time in your life. However, you wont be able to design your own ring from scratch. It showcases your pride in your group, introduces you to other members, and helps advertise your organization. What does a ring on your left ring finger indicate? The schools name will face outward so its easier for others to read. Theyre less common today than in yesteryear, which only makes them more distinguished. The closed-back, however, gives you more space for engraving while offering more structural support to the entire ring. An open-back ring will have less metal, so you can expect it to be lighter and more affordable than a closed-back one. What does a ring on your left pinky indicate? Oftentimes, this will also produce a more visually pleasing distribution of your rings. As with any piece of jewelry, the cut of the stone can have an impact on the overall look. Nevertheless, you are free to stack rings on any finger you like as long as you are aware that this appearance can be particularly striking and that the additional ring may further impair your finger\u2019s motor function.<\/p> "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do all military ring traditions resemble one another? This symbolizes that you are still present at your school. Can you wear your class ring after high school? Wearing many rings on your fingers will be noticeable and attract considerable attention, but if you have a sizable ring collection, its a great way to share your rings with the world. Films like The Godfather series and Goodfellas have immortalized the lackey reverently kissing the ring of a powerful mafia don. 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. While rings of this kind still exist today, there are usually prescribed guidelines that will indicate to you how you are intended to wear them. This to aid the senders authenticity. This is also the reason why, in a lot of royal portraits and pictures, monarchy is seen wearing rings on their index fingers. Thankfully, the traditions of how to wear a class ring have not been completely lost. Class rings have a prestigious history. You can compare our styles and pricing to our major competitors by clicking on this link. A small ring worn on the pinky finger, instead of a large ring worn on a more prominent finger, was meant to hint at the existence of other, more expensive rings that the wearer could not even be bothered to put on. The platinum options are usually the most expensive ones. The best stones to wear on the active hand . When ordering a class ring, always give yourself more time than youexpect you will need. The oldest extant carnelian jewelry consists of beads found in Bulgaria that date to the close of the Stone Age. Relationship status or a personal connection to a meaningful institution. Your military ring should be worn on the right-hand ring finger. There are also ring-related souvenirs. Dont forget to make sure your ring is facing the right way before you go out into the world as a brand-new graduate. Again, this is why it makes sense to make sure it is on your right hand.<\/p> <\/p> "}}]}, @2022. Here are the answers to some common questions. 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. The way your ring should face is probably the most asked about question in regards to how to wear your class ring. If you wear a junior ring, pay attention to class ring etiquette. For those who are getting ready to purchase a class ring, however, you may have many other questions than how the tradition began. Gold Plated Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Lapis Lazuli Balls, Platinum Plated Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Lapis Lazuli Balls.