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. However, where and how can you best use your military ring to make a fashion statement? In creating a personalized class ring, you get to express your own individuality. An engagement ring and wedding band receive less wear than if worn on the dominant hand. According to ancient mystics, it could grant magical powers like invisibility, but today it primarily represents vitality, longevity, and overcoming adversity. Since the Victorian Period, the pinky has been a favored location for signet rings. What finger do you wear a spinner ring on? And today, close to 2 centuries later, the military ring tradition is quite alive and much stronger than ever before. Marriage represents a commitment, and so other types of rings that represent other types of commitments can also be worn on the ring finger. Stay tuned! In Western cultures, the engagement ring is the classic symbol of love and commitment. It may mean a lot to your family and to you to be part of that kind of tradition. Thats what we want to dive into in this article. (Two of us are Clemson grads,). In most western countries, the wedding band and associated rings are typically worn on the third finger, or the "ring" finger. The opposing hand causes less wear for wedding bands and engagement rings. Your email address will not be published. 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. Therefore, rings on the thumb are most often associated today with ambition, self-assertion, and as a sign of wealth. 6. Try putting on your class ring at important times, such as: There is no wrong time to wear your class ring. Usually, each school has a representative from one of the major ring companies come to provide rings at your school. However, many schools design their own unique rings. Therefore, a wristwatch on your left hand could be nicely balanced by a ring on the index finger and pinky finger of your right hand. Some people choose to wear them forever, while others stop wearing them right after graduation. Some options, like the natural stones, tend to be more expensive than the gemstones. Since you cannot purchase a class ring unless you fulfilled your institutions requirements for graduation, it is a sign that you made it. [7], In early years, Class rings often contained a reverse motif seal crest that was often used for wax sealing of both official military and personal correspondence. Conversely, the non-dominant hand index finger is sometimes associated with the ability to be cooperative or maintain good friendships. It has two distinct sides: one with your schools name or initials, and one without. 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. This can happen during the graduation ceremony or before commencement. When you buy something using the affiliate links on our site, we may earn a small commission. 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. 14 Tips for Freshman First Day Worries. If you want to ensure that a ring is noticed, wear it on your index finger. Military rings are typically worn on the right hand's ring finger. You can wear the ring on your left or right hand, whichever feels comfortable to you, and on the finger that suits your personality and intended meaning, as mentioned above, and the meaning you want to associate the ring with. Lastly, the pinky finger represents intelligence, communication, intuition, and persuasion, and it gets its name from Mercury, the Greek god. Is there any policy regarding wearing someone elses Clemson ring, or is there any guidance you can give us? The Potential Pitfalls of Rings in Close Proximity. Yes! There are also conventions about what rings on other fingers indicate that vary based on different cultures and belief systems. This means you are ready to graduate. There isn't a right answer when it comes to wearing a ring. If you dont prefer to wear rings all the time, wear your class ring as a pendant. A small ring worn on the pinky finger, instead of a large ring worn on a more prominent finger, was meant to hint at the existence of other, more expensive rings that the wearer could not even be bothered to put on. The Marine Corps ring is a jewelry that shows the spirit of patriotism. I CANT WAIT TO WEAR IT AGAIN!!! So if you must wear a ring on the middle finger, you should stick with a simple, small ring. West Point was the first American school to have class rings. Historically, it was associated with protection in the West and was thought to bring happiness and good health. Statement rings come in a variety of styles, from plain but oversized rings to highly ornate and detailed rings. This means that you receive your ring in your junior year as you move toward becoming a senior. With a few tips, you can still wear a class ring properly. Signet rings usually display a family crest, coat of arms, or initial, and are descended from functional rings that were historically used to seal documents with a wax impression. The military ring also has some ceremony associated with how it is worn on your hand, which is one of its fun aspects. This refers not only to your rings, but also to your watch, cufflinks, and any other jewelry pieces you may have on. Class rings can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. For those who are getting ready to purchase a class ring, however, you may have many other questions than how the tradition began. This article will cover each of the fingers on your hand, revealing what a ring on those fingers can mean according to different belief systems and cultures. A premier cut, for example, will not have as many facets as a sunburst cut. [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. After you graduate, though, you will wear your class ring the opposite way. Accordingly, we recommend that you feel especially free to wear on your pinky finger whatever stones are the most meaningful to you. You should wear that ring with pride because you earned it. If intrigued, it might be a great conversation starter: What an interesting ring; tell me more about it?. THANKS AGAIN, WOODY.. Traditionally, the left ring finger is where one would wear engagement jewelry and wedding ring. Most class rings are made of 10K or 14K white, rose, or yellow gold, with some options available in 18K white or yellow gold. You should be able to read the name when you look at your hand. All rights reserved. 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). 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. That's why a lot of members of the military opt for military silicone 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. The sense of balance likely derives from the fingers presence in the middle of the hand. What does a ring on your right ring finger indicate? The ring has three lettere AS well as 3 x the Maltese cross. Each school developed a unique design to distinguish its alumni from the others. There are many factors that can affect the cost of a class ring. The distinctive design includes a sizable, vibrant stone encircled by engravings that include the school name, graduation year, and other insignia. Class rings are a classy, historical way to show your love for your alma mater. This tradition presaged the modern convention of wearing expensive and luxurious rings on the pinky finger as a means to indicate wealth. Numerous rings are often associated with the dandy style and this look is becoming more popular as a form of conspicuous consumption. Ultimately, however, you should feel free to wear your rings however you see fit, although it helps to be aware of their understood meanings. Historically, the thumb was not associated with a Greek or Roman god. There have been men whove worn rings on every finger, sometimes even stacked on the same finger. 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. You may, instead, want to add an inside joke you may have with friends, or inspiring lyrics of your favorite song. August Birthstone School Rings: What Can You Match with Green? Continue reading to learn more about how to wear your military ring. That being said, because of its prominent position in the middle of the hand, the middle finger is often employed to showcase large and highly-decorated rings that simply look good in such a prime location, and will not necessarily convey any inherent message by their position. Your military ring should be worn on the right-hand ring finger. Sip and Savor: A Sommeliers Reddy Vineyards 2023 Reserve Cabernet Franc Review! This assumption should not dictate your actions, but it is important to keep in mind. 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. Take a look at your ring. [8]. The other brothers and I believe he should not wear this ring because he did not earn it. There could be several kinds of unique traditions about who turns your ring, but bottom line is that once you graduate, the ring is turned so that your school name is now facing out, towards other people. That way, your ring wont look awkwardly small in proportion to your larger finger. 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. This shows your appreciation for your school, even if you cant wear a ring all the time. What does a ring on your right index finger indicate? 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. 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 . Despite its small size, the pinky, positioned at the periphery of the hand, can visually handle surprisingly bold rings. Theyre a tangible reminder of the formative time that you spent at your school. 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. The schools name will face outward so its easier for others to read. Whatever gemstone falls on the month of your birth goes right in the center of the ring. 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! 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. This association reinforces the pinky finger as a way to communicate about yourself. When choosing the stone, think of the budget you have. An inherited ring that is too large for your ring finger might fit nicely onto your middle finger, while a relations wedding ring that might be too small for your ring finger might fit well on your pinky finger. 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. You are more than welcome to wear your military ring on your index finger. Some people prefer to wear them on their thumb and others prefer to wear them on their index finger. Therefore, most of the rings you will be selecting for yourself to wear on your index finger should instead convey the sense of your authority and leadership. From there, the tradition spread to virtually every college campus in America. 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. Individual expression or your sense of collective responsibility. 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. Similarly, signet rings worn on the pinky finger are also associated with marital status. Your personal status and strength of will. At WearMyStory.com, we offer quality class rings by ArtCarved, who is a sister company to Balfour. 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. Image credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. There are classic designs and more modern options, so take your time to think about what would look best on your finger and what option will allow you to add the custom details you want. Most people choose the stone by their birth month, but there are also options related to the different days of the week. 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. Again, this is why it makes sense to be sure you are wearing it on your right hand. There will usually be a ceremony during the year of your graduation. 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). What a bold mold of rolled gold! 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. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"How should I stack rings?<\/strong> Men occasionally stack their rings, which refers to donning multiple rings on the same finger. 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. These can include promise rings, betrothal rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, and any ring that indicates your interest, or lack of interest, in romance. The Cadets first wore the military rings at West Point, and since then, wearing the military rings has become the most important tradition for military men. They are personalized items represent the valor and heroism of their wearers. One of the purposes of class rings is to commemorate your experiences in your high school or college. West Point alumni may donate their rings to be added to the smelting pot when a new batch of rings are cast. If you do wish to wear rings on your middle finger, they should be large and sedate, like Cronus, who maintained order among the other divinities. If, on the other hand, you want to keep the ring on for decades after your graduation, it is perfectly normal, as well. Theres nothing wrong with that. As with the junior class ring, you will want to wear it with the insignia facing you until you graduate. Traditionally, when wearing a class ring, you are to wear it so that the name of your school is facing you while you are still in school. Image via Wikimedia. To prevent confusion, such rings are traditionally worn on the opposite ring finger for which the local culture has reserved wedding rings. 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. While its inky color bespeaks mystery and romance, this stone has traditionally been associated with protection and healing. 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. Coming Soon. Modern adherents of palmistry, however, have associated the thumb with the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon, venerated by the Romans as Neptune. These rings can be plain or ornate and assume any appearance and are generally referred to simply as pinky rings. 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? To avoid appearing too flashy, consider limiting yourself to relatively plain, but still sizable, statement rings. Rings are one of the most accessible forms of jewelry for men and were regularly worn by gentlemen of style throughout history. This could include Jostens, Balfour or Herff Jones (three of the most popular ring and graduation product companies). Lapis lazuli represents excellent of spirit, dignity, and personal honor. 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.