Again, this is why it makes sense to be sure you are wearing it on your right hand. Some people prefer to wear them on their thumb and others prefer to wear them on their index finger. Great article & video, I normally wear my wedding band on left hand ring finger. Lapis lazuli represents excellent of spirit, dignity, and personal honor. 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). :-). 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. If you feel a deep connection to your school, the answer to Where to wear a class ring? is probably, Everywhere.. 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 fingers motor function. These mightinclude: If you dont have a ring turning ceremony at your school, youll be responsible for turning your ring yourself. The symbols that you can add to the class ring usually pertain to school classes, groups, organizations, sports, and lots of other activities. 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. Most schools have a ring ceremony of some kind or a dance to commemorate the juniors. The way your ring should face is probably the most asked about question in regards to how to wear your class ring. Class rings can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. You can customize the ring with options like hematite, carnelian, and many more. My father-in-law was a Clemson alum. I try to match the metal of that ring with my cufflinks. 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. Ancient mystics associated the ring finger with the Greek god Apollo, who is known by the same name in the Roman pantheon. Your collaborative ability and friendships. In Ancient Egypt, pharaohs, religious leaders, and nobles would wear rings made of stone or a unique glazed pottery type called faience. What do military rings mean? Fittingly enough, the pinky finger is associated with the Greek god Hermes, known to the Romans as Mercury, the messenger of the gods. You can display your ring in your office or study. The colored stone in the middle, which represents your graduating military and school, serves as a representation of your group membership. Whichever finger you choose, your best bet is to wear your class ring on your right hand. If it does not fit anymore or if it is no longer an accurate reflection of your style, store it without guilt. The military ring also has some ceremony associated with how it is worn on your hand, which is one of its fun aspects. As an exemplar of Neptune, rings on the thumb can be said to represent strength, majesty, and individuality. Wearing the ring on the ring finger signifies the love of creativity, beauty, and relationships, and its been named after Apollo, the Greek god. It must have cost you a fortune! A class ring is a celebration of the time and work you put into graduating. Since these fingers are larger, your class ring will get noticed more easily on them. The oldest extant carnelian jewelry consists of beads found in Bulgaria that date to the close of the Stone Age. It is now years later again, and I wont wear that setting today but I am considering having it re-set again into something less flashy. 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. It shows that your class is the one that all the others look up to as exemplars of the schools values. The pinky is also farthest from the primary gripping fingers, meaning that it tends to be less involved in manual activity and labor. 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. The symbolism of turning the ring means that you are ready to face the world. I want to receive updates about products and promotions. You should be able to read the name when you look at your hand. In the West, rings on the pinky finger were the most common jewelry used to create this effect because of the rings\u2019 small size and suitability for stacking. Dont forget to make sure your ring is facing the right way before you go out into the world as a brand-new graduate. 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. Consider wearing bold, robust rings that are evocative of the sea, like aquamarine, turquoise, and malachite. If you wear a junior ring, pay attention to class ring etiquette. Which way should the ring be facing? 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. What does a ring on your right index finger indicate? When Should I Order My Class Ring? 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. There are also conventions about what rings on other fingers indicate that vary based on different cultures and belief systems. Historically, the middle finger has been the least popular ring for fingers. When it comes to rings, members of the military are pretty . A metamorphic rock known for its rich, deep blue color, lapis lazuli has been sought-after since the 7th millennium before Christ. A statement ring that features a large and classically cut gemstone is the perfect piece for a pinky. It's really up to what feels right for you. Pinky Finger It was once believed that wearing two rings on your left pinky finger was a symbol of marriage for a man. Since most people are right-handed, there is a certain practical sense to wearing an engagement ring on the left hand. OffusMax 5 mo. For instance, it is unlikely that you will have your wedding ring struck in multiple metals, and you should not feel like you have to consign yourself to only wearing the same metals as your wedding ring.Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to match all of your metals with the exception of one or perhaps two rings. The so-called "ring full" in the western world is the finger next to the pinky on the left hand. You should feel free to make your military ring however you want and to wear it. It may mean a lot to your family and to you to be part of that kind of tradition. If you have large hands, then it's fine to wear a larger ring. 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. The military rings were also important because they served as a way of showing solidarity with a fellow soldier. If desired, he could add a third ring, wearing one ring on the arm that also wore his wristwatch and wearing two rings on the other hand. This represents your schools loyalty to your country, state, or even another organization. It can reveal your relationship status, concepts that are important to you, or groups with which you are associated. Theres nothing wrong with that. 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. Some married men wear a ring in their nose, as well as their finger. THANKS VERY MUCH FOR THE INFORMATION!!! Article has a nice ring to it.. 14 Tips for Freshman First Day Worries. Wearing a ring on your left ring finger indicates that you are married, engaged, or otherwise have made a romantic promise to another person. The rings were flat on the outside and ornately decorated with hieroglyphics used to denote their owner. If so, you can incorporate your own symbolism so that the ring means exactly what you want it to mean. 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. Before you graduate, you should wear the side with your school's name facing toward you. All rights reserved. two rings The metal it is made of, the kind of stone it has, the engravings, and any other custom options can impact the price. 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. For this reason, the pinky finger is often favored for highly-decorative rings that tell others something about you. After you graduate, though, you will wear your class ring the opposite way. Some people put all their rings on their little finger only, while others wear only one ring even on that finger, and use it to seal up their signet ring, which is kept stored away as a rarity not deserving the insult of common use thus even wearing a single ring on the little finger may advertise the possession of a costlier piece of apparatus put away in store.. Image via Wikimedia. 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. 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. Usually, each school has a representative from one of the major ring companies come to provide rings at your school. Image Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. When you buy something using the affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission. That way, your wedding band can be easily placed on your left ring finger during the ceremony and later, your engagement ring can be placed on top of the stack. The way your ring should face is probably the most asked about question in regards to how to wear your class ring. Earning your degree is a tremendous achievement. The standard finger to wear your class ring on is the right hand ring finger. Stay tuned! Turning your ring around happens at a special Turning Ceremony at your school. It is commonly referred to as an EGA. I wore my High School class ring on my right hand ring finger up thru my college years until graduated, then, swapped out with my colligate ring. Measure the diameter of your ring. Some schools offer unique designs, while others use the standard symbols that other schools use. Image credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. But they are not just for officers; they are also important symbols for the unlisted ranks. Click the Button To See The Table of Contents. Like the index finger, the thumb plays a vital role in many of the functions of the hand. Body Jewelry is a No-Go. The Marine Corps ring is a jewelry that shows the spirit of patriotism. There is no fashion police coming to check on any of this, so do not be spooked about how to wear a class ring. 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. This larger size can make it easier to appreciate the design on the ring. 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. It can bring a lot of pleasure to see it on your finger for this reason. If you are married you would wear the wedding band right next to it (right hand ring finger. Occasionally, you will see men stacking their rings, by which we mean wearing more than one ring on the same finger. This is also the reason why, in a lot of royal portraits and pictures, monarchy is seen wearing rings on their index fingers. The thumb represents self-assertion and willpower and is the only finger that isnt named after any Greek God. 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. Which way should the ring be facing? How do you feel about girls putting their first name on the side of their ring? The simple answer is thats up to you how many rings you wear. For them, the ring shares the story of a profound military career, so the ring is a treasured piece handed down generations. The Index finger is a symbol of ambition, leadership, spirituality, and self-ambition, and its named after the Greek god for Jupiter. While your wedding ring finger is traditionally on your right hand, some cultures wear wedding rings on their right index finger. 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. See how it sparkles and shines? Theyre less common today than in yesteryear, which only makes them more distinguished. To ensure an ordered and appealing look, we recommend that you roughly balance the fingers worn on each ring, taking into consideration any other jewelry you might have on. Years later, when Dad was no longer wearing rings and I was a young man, we had it reset into bright gold with a few additional chips. Some men, however, wear both on their left ring finger, specifically to display their college as well as their marital status. 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. 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. Generally, juniors order their rings early in the year and get the rings after the first semester. They help capture yourcollege memories so that you can carry them through the years. Read on to make the choice you want. Your email address will not be published. Debonair looks too good on you to second guess. Keep in mind that the more engravings you want, the larger the ring design will have to be. 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. These designs are packed with symbolism that expresses the schools values. 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. Lastly, the pinky finger represents intelligence, communication, intuition, and persuasion, and it gets its name from Mercury, the Greek god. 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. Your email address will not be published. A ring worn on this finger indicates that the wearer takes life seriously and knows the difference between right and wrong. Are you the kind of person who doesnt prefer to wear jewelry all the time? There isn't a right answer when it comes to wearing a ring. The military rings are always a way of honoring and commemorating the military career. keep writing. Traditionally, the left ring finger is where one would wear engagement jewelry and wedding ring. Its better to have your ring early than to receive it too late for graduation! It's often referred to as your "ring finger," primarily because it's a common spot to stack an engagement ring and wedding ring. The fact of the matter is, if you choose, for instance, to wear a ring on the ring finger of your left hand in the United States, the majority of people are going to assume that it means that you are married. Each school developed a unique design to distinguish its alumni from the others. Class ring sizes are available in mens, which are the classic large and bulky ring, and in womens. 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. Signet rings represent you or your ancestry. No matter where your ring comes from, though, it shows your strong identity andconnection to your formative years. 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. The way your ring should face is probably the most asked about question in regards to how to wear your class ring. Class rings are a classy, historical way to show your love for your alma mater. The Ancient Egyptians, meanwhile, associated malachite with divinity, and one of their heavens was called AWadj, or the Field of Malachite., Sterling Silver Platinum Plated Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Malachite Balls, Knit Tie in Solid Malachite Green Swiss Silk. You should be able to read the name when you look at your hand. You will find that we not only have the same quality rings, but we crush the competition when it comes to pricing. [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. Its no surprise that there are many important customs surrounding them as well. 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. 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! Most class rings are made of 10K or 14K white, rose, or yellow gold, with some options available in 18K white or yellow gold. Is there any policy regarding wearing someone elses Clemson ring, or is there any guidance you can give us? [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. The Romans favored it for signet rings and it was also a popular ingredient for Early Modern alchemists. Take a look at your ring. In other cultures, wearing a ring on the right hand is seen as a sign of strength and leadership. Because they were valuable, portable, and relatively difficult to replicate, rings often served as emblems of authority or warrants of power.To some extent, you could think of authority rings as badges of office. If you do not want to completely remove the high school ring, you can choose to wear it as a necklace and allow the college ring to take precedence on your ring finger. Class rings have a prestigious history. 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. 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. Rings on the middle finger can be of different shapes and sizes, they do not interfere with the hand much and participate in gesticulation. Any jewelry worn by soldiers must be tasteful and conservative. First used by West Point Military Academy in 1835, class rings were quickly adopted by other important schools. On your wedding day, you might opt to switch your engagement ring to your right hand before walking down the aisle. As the smallest finger, located on the periphery of the hand, it stands apart from the other digits and attracts attention despite its diminutive nature. However, you wont be able to design your own ring from scratch. (Why, I havent a clue!!!) If you go with this option, your ring will be a generic style. You can also go for the gemstone related to your astrological sign. 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. 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. If you prefer to emphasize stones associated with Hermes, consider vibrant stones like amber, citrine, or carnelian. Ultimately, however, you should feel free to wear your rings however you see fit, although it helps to be aware of their understood meanings. In general, we feel that you should select your preferred gemstones based on how well they complement your larger wardrobe and personal style. You are more than welcome to wear your military ring on your index finger. While signet rings are often associated with pinky rings today, historically they were often larger and worn on the index finger. You can also consider adding accent stones to highlight the center stone. However, West Point was the first to use rings with the same design to show that students graduated from the same school. But what really makes the military ring stand out, and what do you need to know about the ring, its materials, or its true and outward milestones and symbolism? I want to receive updates about products and promotions. Shop our collection today to find the perfect ring to keep your memories close. Ultimately, when it's time to decide what hand the engagement ring . If worn on the passive hand, it can indicate that the wearer needs to be seen as serious and responsible. 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. What a cool jewel you got from your school! Via Wikimedia. 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. And today, close to 2 centuries later, the military ring tradition is quite alive and much stronger than ever before. 4. Stay tuned. To avoid confusion, consider wearing it on the ring finger of the hand opposite the one reserved in your culture for wedding rings. For gemstone options, consider anything bold and stolid, like malachite, bloodstone, or tigers eye. 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. A thumb ring is also often the natural choice for men who want to wear multiple rings on the same hand since it creates distance from the others. West Point alumni may donate their rings to be added to the smelting pot when a new batch of rings are cast. A perusal of classics films, vintage fashion magazines, or old photographs will illustrate how popular these rings were. 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. When choosing which finger to have your ring sized for, there are a few things to consider. I have a small collection of some contemporary and antique rings. I have several friends who graduated from Texas A&M University who wear both on their left ring finger. 5 When you order your ring from an independent ring supplier, such as Classrings.com, you can customize more elements. I CANT WAIT TO WEAR IT AGAIN!!! But, if you want a quality class ring at the lowest price online, be sure to check outWearMyStory.com. A ring on your thumb will also affect its functionality. It was a low-key setting in darkened silver, if I recall correctly, with a diamond chip on each side. This website is NOT live currently. 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. Its a perfect everyday piece of jewelry, but also makes a great formal accessory for important occasions. This larger size can make it easier to appreciate the design on the ring. Any jewelry worn by soldiers must be tasteful and conservative.<\/p> "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How should I stack rings? Ring, Ring To prevent confusion, such rings are traditionally worn on the opposite ring finger for which the local culture has reserved wedding rings. In the low hundreds, you can find some gold rings as well as brass and alloys, while in the mid-hundreds you can get silver options. 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. 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. Similarly, signet rings worn on the pinky finger are also associated with marital status. This means that you receive your ring in your junior year as you move toward becoming a senior. He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer that help thousands of small business to grow and also do business with some big fashion jewelry brands. 28 Jul In some traditions, engagement rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand, as is the same for wedding rings. The opposing hand causes less wear for wedding bands and engagement rings. It serves as a symbol of your achievements and a period in your life that you treasured. What does a ring on your left middle finger indicate? Note also that a wristwatch, especially one with a metal bracelet, can visually balance out one or two rings. President Eisenhower, then a young lieutenant, gave a miniature to Mamie Eisenhower as the couple's engagement ring. It is somewhat ironic that while the planet Saturn has rings, rings are not often worn on the middle finger. United States Military Academy class ring, "1904, LTG Lesley J. McNair, side view 2", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=United_States_Military_Academy_class_ring&oldid=1092481372, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 10 June 2022, at 15:38. If you want to emphasize your family history, consider wearing your signet ring on your left hand, as it reflects how your lineage has influenced you and your development as a person. In that case, try wearing your class ring on your first (pointer) or middle finger. This prevents it from being mistaken for a wedding band or engagement ring on the left hand. There is no definitive moment when you should stop wearing a class ring. 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. You will want to keep an eye out for information on how to choose the ring and purchase it, since most colleges have their own procedures and schedules for this. Harvard, Princeton, and Yale went on to adopt class rings. HOWEVER, MY MOTHER-IN-LAW JUST RECENTLY FOUND BOTH MY RING AND MY WIFES IN HER JEWELRY BOX (FOR SAFE KEEPING 30 YEARS IN THE ARMY. When youre ready to design your custom ring, the sky is the limit. Ive a project that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such info. 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. 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. They are personalized items represent the valor and heroism of their wearers. This is why class rings are often referred to as graduation rings. You will wear this ring after you leave your college. Class rings look distinguished when worn every day. So, go get em! The ring was subsequently donated to the United States Military Academy by General McNair's widow, and is part of the Academy's collection. 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. 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. There are some options, however, that are open-back. Being aware of the potential significance of rings on fingers can also make you more circumspect as you decide where to wear your rings. 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. While in school, the school's name or . Familial obligations or just self-expression. Image via Wikimedia. 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. The class ring is also to be worn with its insignia facing inwards, towards you the wearer while still in school, but it's to face outwards after your graduation. The military ring also has some ceremony associated with how it is worn on your hand, which is one of its fun aspects.