This makes them even more distinguished, but more confusing to wear since fewer people are keeping up the tradition. The sense of balance likely derives from the fingers presence in the middle of the hand. Lastly, the pinky finger represents intelligence, communication, intuition, and persuasion, and it gets its name from Mercury, the Greek god. 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 is true in many cultures. A class ring is a celebration of the time and work you put into graduating. Ultimately, however, you should feel free to wear your rings however you see fit, although it helps to be aware of their understood meanings. While signet rings are often associated with pinky rings today, historically they were often larger and worn on the index finger. What does a ring on your left ring finger indicate? Each school developed a unique design to distinguish its alumni from the others. This arrangement encourages balance and is very visually appealing, ensuring that your hand jewelry does not appear cluttered. It may mean a lot to your family and to you to be part of that kind of tradition. 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. If you find yourself in possession of a ring that it too large for any of your fingers, it may fit perfectly on your thumb. 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. 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 that finger with a showcased gem stone is an engagement ring. 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. However, West Point was the first to use rings with the same design to show that students graduated from the same school. The army rules stipulate that you can wear a wristwatch, wrist identification bracelet, and a total of two rings as a soldier. They help capture yourcollege memories so that you can carry them through the years. OffusMax 5 mo. While in the Anglophonic world the extension of the middle finger has a very particular vulgar meaning, the finger itself represents personal responsibility and balance. For instance, your right-hand ring finger might already have a ring on it, such as an heirloom. We hope that todays video will inspire you to experiment with different types of rings and on which fingers you wear them. 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. From there, the tradition spread to virtually every college campus in America. Engagement ring fit can be affected by a number of factors, including the weather. However, more and more today, students are shopping online to get the same quality ring for a much lower price. Occasionally, you will see men stacking their rings, by which we mean wearing more than one ring on the same finger. THANKS VERY MUCH FOR THE INFORMATION!!! However, where and how can you best use your military ring to make a fashion statement? Thankfully, the traditions of how to wear a class ring have not been completely lost. I see you dont monetize your site, dont waste your traffic, you can earn additional bucks every month because youve got high quality content. And today, close to 2 centuries later, the military ring tradition is quite alive and much stronger than ever before. This to aid the senders authenticity. Astrologers associated the middle finger with the Greek titan Kronos, known as Saturn to the Romans. Gold vs. Silicone Wedding Rings: Which is Better [& Why]? In this article, we will share the most common ways to wear a class ring, but you may want to double check with the traditions of your school. 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. When choosing the stone, think of the budget you have. Measuring Feet for Bespoke Shoes: The Process Begins! Really appreciate you sharing this article post.Thanks Again. For athletes, a great idea is to add the number of their jersey or the image of the schools mascot. What does a ring on your right thumb indicate? I also, wear my military service branch ring instead of the class ring, which is similar in size, during military events and ceremonies. The first century AD Roman writer and philosopher Pliny the Elder mentions in his opus Naturalis Historia that Roman nobles would sometimes wear pinky rings as a subtle way to show off. Answers & Solutions. The opposing hand causes less wear for wedding bands and engagement rings. The Index finger is a symbol of ambition, leadership, spirituality, and self-ambition, and it's named after the Greek god for Jupiter. It may not, however, be as practical for you, because these conventions were not created with you in mind. 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. Modern adherents of palmistry, however, have associated the thumb with the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon, venerated by the Romans as Neptune. August Birthstone School Rings: What Can You Match with Green? This article is not about palmistry or astrology, but some elements of these belief systems have influenced the traditions associated with the meaning and significance of each finger. Then you have the middle finger for balance, justice, law, soul-searching, and responsibility; it's named after Saturn, the Greek god. You can customize the ring as you would like, to commemorate the exact college experience you had. How many rings are in the military? This could include Jostens, Balfour or Herff Jones (three of the most popular ring and graduation product companies). Which way should the ring be facing? This pedigree further cements the index finger as representing your power and influence in the world. Its a perfect everyday piece of jewelry, but also makes a great formal accessory for important occasions. This is to be sure there is no confusion between class rings and other types of jewelry (such as a wedding ring). To avoid this, you can stack your rings or spread them out over your two hands. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt. 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. Ultimately, when it's time to decide what hand the engagement ring . Ring Weekend is a tradition at the United States Military Academy where senior cadets are awarded their West Point class ring. To prevent your ring from appearing too flashy, consider limiting the signet ring design to initials or relatively simple designs. keep writing. Part of the standard design of most class rings is the students name, the year of graduation, and the schools name. Class rings are more of a rarity than they have been in the past. What if youre not a jewelry person, but you still value the tradition of class rings? Statement rings come in a variety of styles, from plain but oversized rings to highly ornate and detailed rings. Some people choose to wear them forever, while others stop wearing them right after graduation. This styling is especially appropriate for initialed or monogrammed rings. If youre nearing the end of your college years, congratulations! This styling is not conventionally Classic but can exude a casual, bohemian charm. This means that there is a continuous band of metal, even under the center stone. You will find that we not only have the same quality rings, but we crush the competition when it comes to pricing. Others wore the ring on the right hand too, to match their preferences, but in recent days, its become a norm to wear the military ring on ones right hand because the left hand, especially the ring finger, is reserved for the wedding band. 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. While your wedding ring finger is traditionally on your right hand, some cultures wear wedding rings on their right index finger. 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. That being said, the society in which you live likely has some assumptions and cultural associations about the meaning of rings, and to prevent confusion it is useful to be aware of them. Rings like these are well-suited to the breadth and length of the index finger. And for most individuals, this ring honors and celebrates the wearer or the memory of the person who used to wear it. The index finger is also bigger than the ring finger, which is the more traditional option for a military ring. Students can pick out items for family members made to resemble their class ring such as cufflinks, pendants, and pins. 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. Image via Wikimedia. Military rings are incredibly intimate. As an exemplar of Neptune, rings on the thumb can be said to represent strength, majesty, and individuality. [8]. In Western astrology, Apollo is often associated with mystical stones, like onyx, moonstone, opals, or pearls. They function primarily as a decorative element or an opportunity for you to express yourself with unique imagery or designs. 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. This keeps it visible to everyone around you while still leaving your hands free. The pinky finger is thought to represent communication and socialization. If your school has a motto, why not add that as the inscription? May I touch it, may I touch it please, sir/ma'am? Class rings are a classy, historical way to show your love for your alma mater. Its decadent color was soon associated with royalty and nobility across the world, and both the stones and the dyes derived from them were literally worth more than gold. Image via Wikimedia. In creating a personalized class ring, you get to express your own individuality. And yet, leaving your beloved college behind can be a bittersweet experience too. One option that is traditional is to go with your birthstone. Oftentimes, this will also produce a more visually pleasing distribution of your rings. If youd prefer toorder your own ring, make sure to get your order in at least 4-6 weeks before graduation. 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. Since then, though, class rings have become a uniquely American tradition. See how it sparkles and shines? In Ancient Egypt, pharaohs, religious leaders, and nobles would wear rings made of stone or a unique glazed pottery type called faience. Once you grow accustomed to wearing it and decide that you like the look, you can transition to chunkier rings. What a crass mass of brass and glass! This association was established by the belief, allegedly taught by medical scholars in Antiquity, that a major vein ran directly from the heart to the ring finger of the left hand. Coming Soon. The number of facets on the stones surface will impact the shine. The best part is that there's no wrong way to rock a ring! However, many schools design their own unique rings. This represents your schools loyalty to your country, state, or even another organization. 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. It is a symbol of respect and simply shows that you support those who serve(d). 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. A wedding ring is counted as one ring. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some people might also choose to wear a promise ring on their left ring finger. 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. When you choose the design, you want to go for what looks best to you and not necessarily what everyone else is getting. A statement ring that features a large and classically cut gemstone is the perfect piece for a pinky. 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. Your military ring should be worn on the right-hand ring finger. 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. For other people, going for a natural stone feels like the better choice. 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. Larger rings, which look more balanced and visually pleasing, tend to greatly impact the functionality of the finger, and by extension, the entire hand. The thumb represents self-assertion and willpower and is the only finger that isnt named after any Greek God. Hello, I know you didnt ring but Im chiming in Too Funny! (Two of us are Clemson grads,). Wear for 24 Hours. A class ring is also a tradition that you may want to honor. The palm is also an influential component of astrology, the belief that certain aspects of our being and our futures are influenced by the stars. A ring on your thumb will also affect its functionality. In general, your overall look will appear most harmonious and elegant when all of your metals match. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. You should wear that ring with pride because you earned it. Rings you purchase for yourself could therefore be worn on your right index finger. Before you graduate, you should wear the side with your schools name facing toward you. Again, this is why it makes sense to be sure you are wearing it on your right hand. Again, this is why it makes sense to be sure you are wearing it on your right hand. Traditionally, a gentleman would wear one ring on each hand, such as a wedding ring and a signet ring. My father-in-law was a Clemson alum. Article has a nice ring to it.. We all know the meaning of class rings: showing pride and connection to your past while looking ahead to the future. Theres nothing wrong with that. Your leadership potential and personal authority. Dont forget to make sure your ring is facing the right way before you go out into the world as a brand-new graduate. two rings 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. 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. These designs are packed with symbolism that expresses the schools values. Theyre less common today than in yesteryear, which only makes them more distinguished. Men occasionally stack their rings, which refers to donning multiple rings on the same 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. 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. Alternatively, if you want your signet ring to emphasize your own achievements, consider wearing it on your right pinky finger. [2] Some graduates choose to wear both on their left hand. The right time to order your class ring depends on a few different factors. Accordingly, we recommend that you feel especially free to wear on your pinky finger whatever stones are the most meaningful to you. This is part of the fun in wearing a class ring! This association reinforces the pinky finger as a way to communicate about yourself. Class rings look distinguished when worn every day. [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. 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. Thank you for another informative website. We live in SC, and it is common for other CU grads to recognize my husbands Clemson ring and immediately start reminiscing about their time there. I have a small collection of some contemporary and antique rings. August Birthstone School Rings: What Can You Match with Green? 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). An engagement ring and wedding band receive less wear than if worn on the dominant hand. By longstanding custom, many graduates choose to present a miniature of the West Point ring as an engagement ring. Its better to have your ring early than to receive it too late for graduation!