Measure the diameter of your ring. Now, you can even find class rings at many high schools. Since then, countless juniors and college students have purchased and worn class rings to remember their times at school. As a UK native, I dont really see this stereotype that frequently anymore. Service rings associated with various branches of different nations armed forces are also commonly worn on the ring finger, although which hand varies according to local custom. Is there any policy regarding wearing someone elses Clemson ring, or is there any guidance you can give us? 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 . Military rings are typically worn on the right hands ring finger. Again, this is why it makes sense to be sure you are wearing it on your right hand. Even if your school doesnt do a turning ceremony, it may have other ring-turning traditions. The way your ring should face is probably the most asked about question in regards to how to wear your class ring. Some of the cultural traditions associated with the meaning of rings on particular fingers developed from particular beliefs, often centered in ancient medical knowledge or historical rites. 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. In many schools, when students graduate, they are encouraged to turn their rings so the insignia faces outward. 5 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. What do military rings mean? 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. When you order your ring from an independent ring supplier, such as Classrings.com, you can customize more elements. This tradition presaged the modern convention of wearing expensive and luxurious rings on the pinky finger as a means to indicate wealth. The Potential Pitfalls of Rings in Close Proximity. There have been men whove worn rings on every finger, sometimes even stacked on the same finger. Your military ring should be worn on the right-hand ring finger. For juniors getting ready to choose a class ring, there can be a number of concerns you may have. They're safe, simple, and unassuming. When youre ready to design your custom ring, the sky is the limit. 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. Then you have the middle finger for balance, justice, law, soul-searching, and responsibility; it's named after Saturn, the Greek god. As you get ready to graduate from college, you may not be sure if it is worth investing in a class ring. 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's really up to what feels right for you. It is a symbol of respect and simply shows that you support those who serve(d). An ancient Egyptian faience ring that was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, from 1332 BC. While its inky color bespeaks mystery and romance, this stone has traditionally been associated with protection and healing. 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. Rings are one of the most accessible forms of jewelry for men and were regularly worn by gentlemen of style throughout history. 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. 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. When you buy something using the affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission. If you dont prefer to wear rings all the time, wear your class ring as a pendant. Its better to have your ring early than to receive it too late for graduation! It is made to pay tribute to the Marines who dedicated and sacrificed for the country. I also, wear my military service branch ring instead of the class ring, which is similar in size, during military events and ceremonies. Thankfully, the traditions of how to wear a class ring have not been completely lost. If you want to live the tradition of class rings, keep reading. 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. Wearing a ring on your left ring finger indicates that you are married, engaged, or otherwise have made a romantic promise to another person. Accordingly, in many countries, rings indicating marital status are often worn on the ring finger. Since the Victorian Period, the pinky has been a favored location for signet rings. A class ring is also a tradition that you may want to honor. Historically, the thumb was not associated with a Greek or Roman god. This larger size can make it easier to appreciate the design on the ring. You should wear the ring with the insignia facing you while you are still enrolled in school, whether it be in high school or college. 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. 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. Even in the West, traditions can vary as to which hand the ring is worn on. Military rings are typically worn on your right hand. The distinctive design includes a sizable, vibrant stone encircled by engravings that include the school name, graduation year, and other insignia. While in school, the school's name or . In my family heirlooms is a nice pinky ring in a gypsy setting but not worn much these days . When worn with any piece of jewelry, the evil eye symbol on it represents both power and protection against evil spirits and bad luck.. A jealous glare or some other negative energy is thought to have cast an evil eye on a person who is unaware. 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. 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. My father-in-law was a Clemson alum. This fact could be attributed to the physiology of the finger. If you're concerned about giving people the wrong impression, but like wearing a ring on your ring finger, wear it on your right hand. Thats what we want to dive into in this article. You can customize the ring as you would like, to commemorate the exact college experience you had. 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? The standard finger to wear your class ring on is the right hand ring finger. What a crass mass of brass and glass! If you are a left-handed gentleman, following the traditional conventions associated with these rings will make it easiest for others to recognize the meaning of the rings on each finger. Alternatively, you can intentionally embrace an eclectic look, mixing up the color of your jewelry. Even Saturn wears a ring, but a bathtub should never. OffusMax 5 mo. Rings associated with certain professional trades, like engineers, architects, and lawyers, are often worn on the pinky finger because their presence would not interfere with the operation of daily tasks and labor. THANKS AGAIN, WOODY.. This prevents it from being mistaken for a wedding band or engagement ring on the left hand. Required fields are marked *. This is the most accepted form of class ring wearing etiquette. Generally, juniors order their rings early in the year and get the rings after the first semester. Engagement ring fit can be affected by a number of factors, including the weather. The Index finger is a symbol of ambition, leadership, spirituality, and self-ambition, and its named after the Greek god for Jupiter. I love a nice wristwatch too but thats it for man jewellery for me. 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. You will want to add special designs and items that have meaning for you. 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). Sometimes, your class ring will be identical to everyone in your class, but often, you get to personalize your class ring. Try putting on your class ring at important times, such as: There is no wrong time to wear your class ring. Historically, the ring finger has been favored for rings that designate authority, power, and prestige. May I touch it, may I touch it please, sir/ma'am? However, West Point was the first to use rings with the same design to show that students graduated from the same school. 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. A ring on this finger also interferes with normal, manual tasks since the finger is adjacent to the index finger. As one of the most active and functional fingers, it plays a major role in most of your daily activities, and as a result, is often identified with the self. This means that there is a continuous band of metal, even under the center stone. Yes, you can. Onyx has been a popular stone for jewelry since Antiquity because of its unique color and durable qualities. Filter. You can wear the ring until it no longer feels important to you or until it becomes a bother. Ultimately, when it's time to decide what hand the engagement ring . If you receive a junior ring, you get to wear it throughout your final year of college, even before you graduate. Fortunately, you can still enjoy the benefits of a class ring. A perusal of classics films, vintage fashion magazines, or old photographs will illustrate how popular these rings were. I am a freemason, and in Norway we wear our freemason-ring on the middle fingre on our right hand. In most western countries, the wedding band and associated rings are typically worn on the third finger, or the "ring" finger. Your personal status and strength of will. If so, you can incorporate your own symbolism so that the ring means exactly what you want it to mean. :-). Conversely, the non-dominant hand index finger is sometimes associated with the ability to be cooperative or maintain good friendships. 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. 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. This symbolizes that you are now representing youralma materto the world. Take a look at your ring. 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. 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. If youre nearing the end of your college years, congratulations! But there is so much more that you may not know about the military ring, and this article shares insights on everything you should know about the military ring. The symbolism of turning the ring means that you are ready to face the world. If you want to ensure that a ring is noticed, wear it on your index finger. 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. 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. If someone inherited a ring that only fit the pinky of the right hand and wanted to wear it without changing the ring (through resizing it), I wouldnt automatically assume anything about the wearers sexuality. If you are married you would wear the wedding band right next to it (right hand ring finger. Based on cultural, traditional, and mystical associations, the ring on which you choose to wear a finger can be very significant. This means that you receive your ring in your junior year as you move toward becoming a senior. What does a ring on your left index finger indicate? The Romans favored it for signet rings and it was also a popular ingredient for Early Modern alchemists. Ancient mystics associated the ring finger with the Greek god Apollo, who is known by the same name in the Roman pantheon. Just as the thumb is a part of the hand but also separate, so too, they argued, is Poseidon separate from the other gods, as he does not reside on Mount Olympus. [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. There are also ring-related souvenirs. That way, your ring wont look awkwardly small in proportion to your larger finger. This arrangement encourages balance and is very visually appealing, ensuring that your hand jewelry does not appear cluttered. What does a ring on your right thumb indicate? However, where and how can you best use your military ring to make a fashion statement? Most people choose to wear the class ring on their right hand's 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. According to ancient mystics, it could grant magical powers like invisibility, but today it primarily represents vitality, longevity, and overcoming adversity. Uncork the Secrets of Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2018: An In-Depth Review, The Definitive Guide to Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year, Uncover the Magic of Into the Woods Wedding Venue: A Definitive Review, 10 San Diego Outdoor Wedding Venues to Make Your Special Day Magical. Why? Military rings are typically worn on the right hand's ring finger. This shows your appreciation for your school, even if you cant wear a ring all the time. Many schools will have a prestigious turning of the ring ceremony at or near commencement. 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. There are many factors that can affect the cost of a class ring. Other options you may find are those made of white lustrium, which has a silver tone, and copper choices. What a cool jewel you got from your school! Numerous rings are often associated with the dandy style and this look is becoming more popular as a form of conspicuous consumption. This styling is especially appropriate for initialed or monogrammed rings. Of course, you should wear your wedding ri Continue Reading Sponsored by PureCare Knee Protector Why are knee surgeons excited about this breakthrough knee strap? 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 can customize the ring with options like hematite, carnelian, and many more. Yes and no. If you have been asking yourself Is there a class ring etiquette to follow? or What finger do you wear a class ring on? and other less common questions, you will want to read on and find all of the answers you need. Some refer to the right hand as the active hand. 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. Your leadership potential and personal authority. 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. Looking for even more non-traditional ways to keep your class ring visible? The military rings were also important because they served as a way of showing solidarity with a fellow soldier. I want to receive updates about products and promotions. 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. Other people will see everything you wear on your index finger because it is used for gestures. In this sense, a ring on the right hand is thought to give the wearer strength and courage to do difficult tasks. To avoid appearing too flashy, consider limiting yourself to relatively plain, but still sizable, statement rings. Via Wikimedia. The simple answer is thats up to you how many rings you wear. To prevent your ring from appearing too flashy, consider limiting the signet ring design to initials or relatively simple designs. Usually, each school has a representative from one of the major ring companies come to provide rings at your school. The metal it is made of, the kind of stone it has, the engravings, and any other custom options can impact the price. This larger size can make it easier to appreciate the design on the ring. Sort. Lastly, the pinky finger represents intelligence, communication, intuition, and persuasion, and it gets its name from Mercury, the Greek god. Should You Wear a Black Shirt? 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. Ultimately, however, you should feel free to wear your rings however you see fit, although it helps to be aware of their understood meanings. Be sure to keep the ring in proportion to your hands. I try to match the metal of that ring with my cufflinks. During this weekend, the senior cadets receive awards that include the West Point class rings. You can also consider adding accent stones to highlight the center stone. 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. The term "evil eye jewelry" refers to jewelry designed to shield the wearer from evil and prevent it from wreaking havoc on them. This association reinforces the pinky finger as a way to communicate about yourself. 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. The symbols that you can add to the class ring usually pertain to school classes, groups, organizations, sports, and lots of other activities. When it comes to rings, members of the military are pretty . To avoid this, you can stack your rings or spread them out over your two hands. Continue reading to learn more about how to wear your military ring. 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. 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. To convey a sense of your leadership skills and authority with rings on your index finger, favor larger rings that either feature prominent stones or ornate detailing; for a very bold look, consider rings with both. The pinky finger is thought to represent communication and socialization. West Point alumni may donate their rings to be added to the smelting pot when a new batch of rings are cast. 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. Astrologers associated the middle finger with the Greek titan Kronos, known as Saturn to the Romans. 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. Each school developed a unique design to distinguish its alumni from the others. Modern adherents of palmistry, however, have associated the thumb with the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon, venerated by the Romans as Neptune. 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. Military rings are a distinctive item of statement jewelry that you will cherish forever. This is part of the fun in wearing a class ring! Turning your ring around happens at a special Turning Ceremony at your school. They are personalized items represent the valor and heroism of their wearers. This can happen during the graduation ceremony or before commencement. This could include Jostens, Balfour or Herff Jones (three of the most popular ring and graduation product companies). The military rings are always a way of honoring and commemorating the military career. 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. What does a ring on your right pinky indicate? This symbolizes that you are still present at your school. I have a small collection of some contemporary and antique rings. 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. 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. As a result, in some instances, a ring can have different meanings based on the hand on which it is worn. An influential component of the meaning of rings on each finger is the traditions of palmistry. This vein, known in Latin as the vena amoris, or vein of love, would be a natural location for rings pertaining to romantic affection. On your wedding day, you might opt to switch your engagement ring to your right hand before walking down the aisle. Your collaborative ability and friendships. What does a ring on your right middle finger indicate? Gold vs. Silicone Wedding Rings: Which is Better [& Why]? Is there any policy regarding wearing an inherited Clemson ring? Dont forget to make sure your ring is facing the right way before you go out into the world as a brand-new graduate. Via Wikimedia. It is a big, celebrated, formal event that features a formal dinner and dance, and the ring ceremony follows it. It serves as a symbol of your achievements and a period in your life that you treasured. This website is NOT live currently. 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. As with the junior class ring, you will want to wear it with the insignia facing you until you graduate. In many cultures, there are conventions around what rings on particular fingers mean: for instance, in North America, a plain golden ring worn on the ring finger of the left hand usually indicates that a man is married. 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. Again, this is why it makes sense to be sure you are wearing it on your right hand. 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. As an exemplar of Neptune, rings on the thumb can be said to represent strength, majesty, and individuality. You can compare our styles and pricing to our major competitors by clicking on this link. Once you grow accustomed to wearing it and decide that you like the look, you can transition to chunkier rings. The army rules stipulate that you can wear a wristwatch, wrist identification bracelet, and a total of two rings as a soldier. [8]. What does a ring on your left pinky indicate? This turning of the ring symbolizes that you have graduated and are now on your way to do big things in the world. As with junior class rings, the choice most people go for is the right-hand ring finger. Alternatively, if you want your signet ring to emphasize your own achievements, consider wearing it on your right pinky finger. I move it to my ring fingers if my middle fingers swell, or to my index fingers if the opposite happens (which seems to be during the . However, you wont be able to design your own ring from scratch. For those who are getting ready to purchase a class ring, however, you may have many other questions than how the tradition began. It showcases your pride in your group, introduces you to other members, and helps advertise your organization. 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. Whichever finger you choose, your best bet is to wear your class ring on your right hand. Keep in mind that the more engravings you want, the larger the ring design will have to be. How do you feel about girls putting their first name on the side of their ring? This is true in many cultures. A premier cut, for example, will not have as many facets as a sunburst cut. I have several friends who graduated from Texas A&M University who wear both on their left ring finger. Familial obligations or just self-expression. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt. Occasionally, you will see men stacking their rings, by which we mean wearing more than one ring on the same finger. Pride, friendship, and solidarity these are just a few of the reasons that class rings remain popular among high school and college graduates. Historically, it was associated with protection in the West and was thought to bring happiness and good health. That being said, it may not be practical to match all of your metals. Since then, though, class rings have become a uniquely American tradition. 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. 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. 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. It is commonly referred to as an EGA. If you are unsure about the finger to wear the military ring on, here are some important insights that will guide you depending on the meaning youd like the demonstrate. The Index finger is a symbol of ambition, leadership, spirituality, and self-ambition, and it's named after the Greek god for Jupiter. The schools name will face outward so its easier for others to read.