This means you are ready to graduate. The thumb represents self-assertion and willpower and is the only finger that isnt named after any Greek God. 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. Conversely, smaller rings, which do not restrict the finger, tend to look too diminutive on the large middle finger. The standard finger to wear your class ring on is the right hand ring finger. The so-called "ring full" in the western world is the finger next to the pinky on the left hand. keep writing. Youll learn the deep meanings behind class rings, how to wear one properly, and what makes them so special after all. 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. This ring can serve as a personal reminder of your marriage and an outward sign of your love to others. According to ancient mystics, it could grant magical powers like invisibility, but today it primarily represents vitality, longevity, and overcoming adversity. THANKS AGAIN, WOODY.. Image credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 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 best stones to wear on the active hand . And today, close to 2 centuries later, the military ring tradition is quite alive and much stronger than ever before. Lastly, the pinky finger represents intelligence, communication, intuition, and persuasion, and it gets its name from Mercury, the Greek god. When you buy something using the affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission. The closed-back, however, gives you more space for engraving while offering more structural support to the entire ring. As the effective king of the fingers, it seems appropriate that the index finger is associated with the Greek god Zeus and his Roman counterpart, Jupiter. 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. If you are on the fence about purchasing a class ring, go for it so that you do not regret it in the future. 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. Because they are often highly detailed and feature prominent stones or insets, a large class ring could be the perfect for your index finger. [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. Your email address will not be published. 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. Despite its name, bloodstone is often dark green with vibrant red speckles. Many schools will have a prestigious turning of the ring ceremony at or near commencement. There are a lot of ways to tell people exactly who you are, but the longevity of a class ring is one of the best to forever symbolize everything about who you are right now. So, how do you wear a class ring? In that case, theceremony congratulates you on becoming the leading class of the school. I AM NOW AWAITING A PHONE CALL FROM MY JEWELER WHO IS RESIZING IT. Now, you can even find class rings at many high schools. August Birthstone School Rings: What Can You Match with Green? 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. With a class ring, you can hang on to your college memories and never forget where you came from. 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. Note also that a wristwatch, especially one with a metal bracelet, can visually balance out one or two rings. One of the purposes of class rings is to commemorate your experiences in your high school or college. Traditionally, the right hand has been considered the hand of activity and the left hand the hand of intellect. Stay tuned. This fact could be attributed to the physiology of the finger. 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. 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. For instance, rather than wearing rings on your pinky, ring, and index finger of your left hand, consider moving one of two rings to your right hand. As far as college class rings are concerned, I wear mine on my right ring finger and wedding band on my left ring finger. It would be his wedding ring, then another signet ring on top of that. Of course, your ring will also display the most important feature: your year of graduation. 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. 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. Via Wikimedia. A Complete Guide, December Birthstone Rings: How to Match with Blue, How to Clean Gold Rings: A Guide Just for Gold. 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. Is Lead Compliant Jewelry Safe To Wear? Are you the kind of person who doesnt prefer to wear jewelry all the time? You can get the right fit for your finger by simply following these steps: Measure the circumference of your finger. In Ancient Egypt, pharaohs, religious leaders, and nobles would wear rings made of stone or a unique glazed pottery type called faience. If youre nearing the end of your college years, congratulations! Apart from that, you can customize as you please. But regulations, like the curfew in your high school, are there to be broken. Some cadets opt to "inherit" pieces of rings from other family members or mentors who have also graduated from West Point. It is a big, celebrated, formal event that features a formal dinner and dance, and the ring ceremony follows it. Like the index finger, the thumb plays a vital role in many of the functions of the hand. Pride, friendship, and solidarity these are just a few of the reasons that class rings remain popular among high school and college graduates. You could wear your military ring on whichever finger feels most comfortable with you. What does a ring on your right ring finger indicate? (Classic Mens Style Tips). Your email address will not be published. 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. Its no surprise that there are many important customs surrounding them as well. When choosing the stone, think of the budget you have. 6. Image via Wikimedia. In my family heirlooms is a nice pinky ring in a gypsy setting but not worn much these days . It can bring a lot of pleasure to see it on your finger for this reason. Index Finger The index pointer finger is known, historically, to symbolise a sense of self-esteem, confidence, and leadership. An influential component of the meaning of rings on each finger is the traditions of palmistry. Historically, it was associated with protection in the West and was thought to bring happiness and good health. As you get ready to graduate from college, you may not be sure if it is worth investing in a class ring. Is there any policy regarding wearing an inherited Clemson ring? Numerous rings are often associated with the dandy style and this look is becoming more popular as a form of conspicuous consumption. 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. Rings you purchase for yourself could therefore be worn on your right index finger. I CANT WAIT TO WEAR IT AGAIN!!! Ultimately, however, you should feel free to wear your rings however you see fit, although it helps to be aware of their understood meanings. You do not need to believe in palmistry to benefit from knowing the significance of each finger. Class rings are more of a rarity than they have been in the past. If you want to live the tradition of class rings, keep reading. 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. [2], Some graduates choose to wear both on their left hand. Even a plain and simple band, rendered in a base or precious metal, will catch peoples attention when worn on the thumb. There have been men whove worn rings on every finger, sometimes even stacked on the same finger. The standard finger to wear your class ring on is the right hand ring finger. Do not let questions like "What finger do you wear a class ring on?" or worries about class ring etiquette stop . Thank you for another informative website. 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. Your left hand is often linked to your left-brain creativity, so wearing a ring on your left hand may be used to characterize your individuality or your religious beliefs. An influential component of the meaning of rings on each finger is the traditions of palmistry. I wear my platinum plain wedding band on my left ring finger and I recently had made in platinum, an art deco inspired octagonal setting with a tanzanite stone bottom right and art deco sun Rays eminating from it. The fact that the majority of your metals do match will ensure that the entire look still appears uniform. Any jewelry worn by soldiers must be tasteful and conservative. Ancient mystics associated the ring finger with the Greek god Apollo, who is known by the same name in the Roman pantheon. 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. You may, instead, want to add an inside joke you may have with friends, or inspiring lyrics of your favorite song. Should You Wear a Black Shirt? This can come down to personal preference, but the number of engravings and words that you want to add to the ring can also have an impact on the size. In general, we feel that you should select your preferred gemstones based on how well they complement your larger wardrobe and personal style. 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. 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 prevents it from being mistaken for a wedding band or engagement ring on the left hand. A Complete History of College and High School Class Rings, December Birthstone Rings: How to Match with Blue, How to Clean Gold Rings: A Guide Just for Gold. These can include promise rings, betrothal rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, and any ring that indicates your interest, or lack of interest, in romance. With college class rings, there is a bit more variation, however, with some students not wanting to remove their high school rings and instead choosing to put the college ring on an index finger or a pinky. 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. ","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 might be necessary to select a wider design if you intend to wear it on your index finger in order to keep it proportionate. The pinky finger is thought to represent communication and socialization. However, many schools design their own unique rings. 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. So, go get em! Typically, your college ring finger is the fourth finger of your right hand. [citation needed], When Lt. General Lesley McNair was killed in action on July 25, 1944, as a result of being caught up in the intensive aerial bombing of Operation Cobra, the only relic relating to him that was recovered was his West Point class ring. A fraternal ring marks the wearer as a member of any one of the plethora of mens clubs and fraternal organizations active today. While its inky color bespeaks mystery and romance, this stone has traditionally been associated with protection and healing. 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! So, if your arm is outstretched, you should be able to read the name of your school. The ring was subsequently donated to the United States Military Academy by General McNair's widow, and is part of the Academy's collection. All rights reserved. Be sure to keep the ring in proportion to your hands. Sip and Savor: A Sommeliers Reddy Vineyards 2023 Reserve Cabernet Franc Review! 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. To acknowledge and celebrate your professional status as the result of your own hard work, it is common to see rings like these worn, traditionally, on the right, but now on the dominant hand. Again, this is why it makes sense to make sure it is on your right hand.<\/p>

<\/p> "}}]}, @2022. Now, you know how to wear a class ring the right way, so youll never make an etiquette mistake. However, West Point was the first to use rings with the same design to show that students graduated from the same school. If you receive a junior ring, you get to wear it throughout your final year of college, even before you graduate. For them, the ring shares the story of a profound military career, so the ring is a treasured piece handed down generations. This refers not only to your rings, but also to your watch, cufflinks, and any other jewelry pieces you may have on. It was a low-key setting in darkened silver, if I recall correctly, with a diamond chip on each side. Class rings come in lots of different styles, with the traditional option still being the most popular. In Western cultures, the engagement ring is the classic symbol of love and commitment. Your leadership potential and personal authority. However, if you have smaller hands, you'll need to balance the proportion by wearing a smaller ring. With its bold color, carnelian usually symbolizes life and energy, and is believed to help encourage passion and motivation. As a result, in some instances, a ring can have different meanings based on the hand on which it is worn.