Who wears a ring on his left hand?
When a man sees a pretty woman or, conversely, a girl glances at an attractive representative of the stronger sex, the consciousness and subconscious instantly evaluate the image: who this person could be, what clothes, behavior, accessories say. After all, many things are talking! Among them are jewelry, primarily rings. There are many folk and religious traditions associated with them, many of which go back to ancient times, but continue to be observed by modern people. One of the most famous traditions is associated with wearing a wedding ring on the ring finger: it informs others that the mistress or owner is related by marriage. Let’s not lie: most girls, voluntarily or involuntarily, glance at a man’s right ring finger to understand whether someone has already “ringed” the object of interest in the registry office – or not yet. Is it worth flirting with this man, is he single? In the same way, men, wondering whether it is worth meeting an interesting woman, whether it is possible to approach her on the street, sit at a table in a cafe, look at her right hand. But what if you see a ring on your left ring finger? This question is not a tribute to simple curiosity. Wearing a ring on the ring finger of the left hand is also symbolic. Many believe that such decoration speaks of the freedom of its owner or mistress, but not everything is so simple.
What does a ring on a woman’s left ring finger mean?
The ring finger of the left hand is traditionally associated with the heart, so usually rings are not simply worn on it. But it is interesting that in Russia and Western countries the meaning of a wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand is exactly the opposite. But on the same finger there can also be a ring of a different design. So what conclusion can you draw when you see such jewelry on a girl or woman? Here are the possible options.
The ring looks like an engagement ring and you are in Europe or the USA
Fig 1. A wedding ring on the ring finger of a woman’s left hand in the West
Most likely, an American or European woman with a ring on her left ring finger is married. Catholics believe that it was on this finger that St. Joseph put the ring on the Holy Virgin Mary. There is also a version that the tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand goes back to the times of Ancient Rome or even Ancient Egypt, since even in those days there was an assumption that the “vein of love” or “nerve of love” runs through this finger. The tradition of wearing wedding rings on the left hand is also followed in Protestant countries. It also migrated to the east – to Japan and South Korea.
The ring looks like a wedding ring, and you are in Russia
Fig 2. A wedding ring on the ring finger of a woman’s left hand in Russia
If in the West “wedding bands” are put on the left hand, then in Russia it’s the other way around! Wedding rings are worn on the right hand. Therefore, if you see a woman wearing a classic wedding ring on the ring finger of her left hand, then there is a very high probability that she is divorced or a widow (unless, of course, she is Catholic). The same traditions of wearing rings as in Russia are also characteristic of other Eastern European Orthodox countries – Belarus, Ukraine, Serbia, and Moldova. Some women, after a divorce, deliberately transfer the wedding ring to their left hand to show the world: “That’s it, I’m free again and ready for a relationship!” But, according to psychologists, the past is, in all likelihood, still with him. This is typical for widows who have lost their spouse, or divorced women who are pining for their ex. However, there is no official barrier to new relationships.
On the left ring finger there is a ring with a stone
Fig 3. Engagement ring on the left ring finger
This ring can be an engagement ring. As a rule, such jewelry comes with diamonds, sometimes with emeralds, rubies, sapphires, topazes, aquamarines and other stones. Traditionally, it is believed that unmarried girls should not wear rings on their “engagement” finger. Therefore, in Russia, girls in the status of a bride or who have received a gold ring as a gift from a young man usually put it on the ring finger of their left hand. Can girls in the West wear engagement rings on their left hands? Yes they can. These are usually beautiful jewelry with stones and expressive designs.
A gold ring is thin, but with an engraved inscription, or similar to a wedding ring, but made of white metal
Fig 4. Purity ring for a woman
This may be the so-called “purity rings”, symbolizing fidelity to the chosen one, with whom it is not yet possible to marry. These are usually thin and modest items, often made of white gold or silver, symbolizing purity. Often – with engraving: the name of a loved one or some beautiful phrase is applied to the headband. This tradition exists in the West, but sometimes you can find such rings on girls in Russia.
The ring does not look like a wedding or engagement ring.
For example, with colored stone, enamel or vintage design
Fig 5. Unusual women’s ring on the left ring finger
Such a decoration on the ring finger of the left hand may indicate that the girl. wants to get married. But I haven’t found my chosen one yet. How so? It’s all about another tradition: it is believed that a ring on the ring finger of the left hand can help you meet love, especially if it is old, family, symbolizing help and protection of the family. However, sometimes thin rings are also worn for these purposes, for example, with small stones – they differ from engagement rings in a more modest appearance.
The gold ring on the ring finger is only one of five on the left hand (that is, jewelry is worn on all fingers)
Fig 6. Five rings on a woman’s left hand
This may indicate the girl’s subconscious desire to put up psychological armor. Five rings on the hand form the so-called “brass knuckles”. Girls who choose this style of wearing jewelry are often “prickly” in communication, but in fact they are deeply vulnerable. You just need to find an approach.
The ring is exquisite, designer, fancy and fits perfectly with an outfit
Fig 7. An exquisite ring on the ring finger of a woman’s left hand
Perhaps the woman put it on just for beauty. Yes, sometimes a ring is just a ring. As you can see, the ring on the left ring finger has quite a lot of meanings. Therefore, it is worth taking into account the place where you met the girl and other elements of the image. Or you can just come up and ask what her ring on her left ring finger means. Why not get acquainted?
What does a ring on a man’s left ring finger mean?
What can you say in a situation where a man wears a ring on the ring finger of his left hand? There are several options here too.
A man’s ring looks like a wedding ring, and you are in Europe or America
Fig. 8. A wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand of a man in the West
If this is a native of one of the Western countries, most likely he is officially married.
The ring looks like a wedding ring, but you met the man in Russia
Fig 9. A wedding ring on the ring finger of a man’s left hand in Russia
If you see a wedding ring on the left ring finger of a man from Russia or an Orthodox Eastern European country, then it is safe to assume that he is divorced or a widower.
The young man’s ring is simple, thin, but engraved
Fig 10. Purity ring for a woman
Men don’t wear engagement rings. But perhaps you are faced with a rather rare case and see a “purity ring”. This usually means that the young man is a convinced Christian and has a girlfriend. But, we repeat, the case, especially for Russia, is extremely rare.
The ring is clearly not an engagement ring
Fig 11. A ring for good luck on a man’s left ring finger
Perhaps this is a “lucky ring.” There is a belief that a ring on a man’s left ring finger attracts good luck. This option is especially likely if there is a gold or silver ring on your finger.
Stylish designer ring or with some symbolism
Fig 12. Stylish ring on a man’s left ring finger
Such decoration reflects the tastes, hobbies, and sometimes the beliefs of the owner; it may indicate membership in a certain subculture or be a personal totem or amulet. It is also worth noting that men pay less attention to the traditions of wearing jewelry than women. So it is possible that the ring is worn on the left hand and on the ring finger simply because it is more convenient for the person and fits the size.
So what should you do if you see someone wearing a ring on their left ring finger?
Perhaps the best advice is not to jump to conclusions. The meaning of the ring on the left ring finger can vary depending on the type of jewelry, the style of its owner or wearer, country and faith, traditions and beliefs. It is quite difficult to say unambiguously what the ring on the left ring finger means without taking into account other factors. But you can imagine the options! Be that as it may, you received certain information when you looked at the left ring finger of the person you were interested in; it remains to interpret it correctly. The signet ring is a stylish, but very controversial piece of jewelry. They can either complement the image of a brutal alpha male or a sophisticated esthete aristocrat, or fatally destroy the structure of the bow. Much depends on what kind of signet you choose, what and where you will wear it with, and how you will combine it with other jewelry on your fingers. Although people who are far from the strictest business dress codes need not be afraid: in recent years, fashion has taken a sharp turn and has become much more loyal to jewelry lovers of both sexes. Let’s look at which finger and hand men wear the signet on and how to choose the right one for this stylish piece of jewelry that has survived thousands of years.
What is a signet?
A signet ring is a type of ring, that is, a finger decoration with a clearly defined central element. But if a classic ring bears a large stone in a setting, then the central element of the signet is a platform on which all kinds of symbols are depicted.
Modern signets are sometimes produced with blank shields. It is assumed that the owner himself will put the desired symbol on it. Well, not exactly himself, of course, but he will order it from an engraver or jeweler.
The etymology of the word “signet” is clearly visible even to a non-specialist – it goes back to the word “seal”. And this is not a coincidence, but a reflection of the essence of the subject. Signet rings were once used to certify documents and seal letters with impressions on wax or sealing wax. Signet rings were known in Ancient China, Greece, the Roman Empire, and during the heyday of Byzantium they became widespread. Later they came to Europe, and in the Middle Ages, almost every noble family acquired rings that were worn by all men of a noble family. The image on the signet could display:
- noble coat of arms;
- owner’s monogram;
- merchant’s mark;
- professional guild badge;
- a symbol of a community (often secret) to which the owner belonged.
Such decorations never went beyond the family and were passed on from generation to generation.
Previously, a man with a signet on his finger was instantly associated with a certain privilege: power, wealth and strength. As a rule, this was a representative of an aristocratic family (possibly the head of the clan), a wealthy merchant or a member of an influential guild.
Rings with recognizable symbols were worn by members of secret societies (for example, the same Freemasons) and students of prestigious European universities. Signets of clergy can be included in a separate group.
Unfortunately, at some point in time (especially in the dashing nineties), these stylish jewelry for the powers that be began to be associated with criminal structures. However, now signets are gradually regaining their aristocratic flair and are once again becoming symbols of real men with a high position in society. And each of us determines this place for ourselves!
How to wear a signet correctly?
Typically, men wear a gold signet on their ring or little finger. Most likely, the influence of European traditions is observed here. For example, French aristocrats historically wear a signet on their left hand, on the ring finger. Thus, heads of families and eldest sons-heirs once wore clan signs, and the rest of the men of the surname could wear a signet on their right hand, ring finger or little finger.
Now a lot has changed, fashion has become ten times more loyal, and the signet has lost its significance as a sign of gender. Increasingly, you can find jewelry with personalized marks or symbols, which are chosen by the owner in accordance with his inner beliefs.
A modern men’s signet is worn on almost any finger, and sometimes even shares space on it with another ring. Some men put on several signets at once, on adjacent fingers. But you need to understand that fashion trends are one thing, and office dress code is completely different.
It is hardly worth wearing seals at all to important negotiations with potential business partners or to work in the office of a reputable company. The exception is actors, artists, showmen, IT workers and other people whose professional activities allow them some liberties.
The signet ring can be worn with the shield inward or outward. However, it is considered correct for a man to wear a signet in such a way that the image on it is clearly readable by his interlocutor. A kind of self-presentation that complements the official acquaintance!
The meaning of signets on different fingers
As we said above, there are currently no strict rules regarding the position of the signet on a man’s hand, but there are some recommendations. For example, for little fingers it is worth choosing rings that are less voluminous than for other fingers. This is especially critical for those with graceful small hands and long musical fingers.
The meaning of fingerprints for men is very diverse. First of all, it is determined by the symbol depicted on the shield, and only secondly by the position on the hand. Moreover, the location of the ring is more important from the point of view of psychology and palmistry than from cultural traditions.
Thumb
The thumb is, to put it mildly, not a classic location for any man’s ring, much less a signet. This is despite the fact that in many ancient cultures the thumb was considered a natural phallic symbol, and under the control of Mars.
Once upon a time, archers who preferred the Mongolian style of shooting (using the thumb) wore rings this way. But more often they wore classic rings with precious stones, and when all the other fingers were also occupied with jewelry. So what? At the French court during the time of Louis XIV, it was quite acceptable for even men to decorate all fingers with rings.
Modern guys rarely wear a signet on their thumb. Firstly, it is not very convenient, and secondly, it may be misunderstood by others.
Forefinger
The signet on the index finger of a man’s hand reveals a powerful and uncompromising person, capable of achieving goals by any means, even cruel and illegal. This is a symbol of absolute power. Many monarchs and generals of the past wore rings on the “finger of Jupiter”.
Nowadays, the aristocrats who survived the tsunami of universal democracy do not declare themselves in such a provocative way. So the signet on the index finger can be more often seen in men who imagine themselves to be the rulers of the Universe, but in fact are burdened with a huge number of complexes.
Middle finger
The finger of Saturn is the center of the hand, therefore it is believed that people who are balanced and self-confident, but without excessive self-confidence and a tendency to self-admiration, wear jewelry on it. They take criticism well, know how to weigh their own actions and calculate their consequences.
This is a completely normal, although not canonical, position of the signet, acceptable in society, so if you really want to, feel free to put the ring on your middle finger. If the ring finger is occupied by a wedding ring made of the same metal, the result will be a completely harmonious composition for a city bow.
It is believed that by putting a silver signet on the middle finger, a person gradually gains wisdom and prudence. Gold jewelry helps develop willpower and perseverance.
Unnamed finger
Traditionally, the ring finger, ruled by Apollo, is considered the optimal place for an engagement ring. However, if a man is not married, this place of honor can be taken by a signet with the personal symbol of the owner, his monogram or the coat of arms of the family.
If you have a wedding ring, it is not necessary to remove it: you can place the ring on the ring finger of the opposite hand. In Russia, men traditionally wear wedding bands on their right hand, so the signet will be on the left, like the French aristocrats.
The “Fisherman’s Ring” is the only jewelry that the Pope is allowed to wear. It is a signet ring that the pontiff wears on his ring or little finger. After the death of the Pope, the ring is destroyed, and a new ring is made for his successor.
Little finger
The little finger is another classic place for a signet ring: it looks most organic on this finger. This position is not too provocative, especially if we are talking about laconic decoration of a discreet volume. Moreover: even Prince Charles wears a ring with the coat of arms of the British crown in this way.
However, the image of a man with a ring on his little finger is often associated with crime, which was greatly facilitated by the resounding success of the film “The Godfather”. Later, this trend was picked up by the dashing bros from the 90s and off we go.
What about women?
Since ancient times, signets were considered exclusively men’s jewelry, but in recent years women have decided to keep up with the stronger half of humanity. Now signets adorn not only strong men’s hands, but also graceful women’s fingers.
A few seasons ago, gold seals from Dior appeared with the house’s favorite motifs: bees, clovers, stars and others like them. This trend was picked up by other fashion houses, offering fans a whole range of signets that add sophisticated layers and a fair amount of audacity to urban looks.
Prince Charles gave one of the most famous women’s signets in history to Princess Diana. Now other British aristocrats, for example, Pippa Middleton and Meghan Markle, wear similar jewelry.
If aristocrats prefer to wear not too large signets on their little and ring fingers, then world celebrities are not so restrained. They can combine these jewelry with other rings on one finger and put on several large signets at once, literally strewing their well-groomed hands with them.
How to choose a signet?
The cost of a gold signet is usually high: the decoration is massive, a lot of precious metal is required, and the work of a jeweler is also not cheap. However, there are jewelry that are hollow inside, but look massive on the outside – they are lighter and, accordingly, cheaper. The main thing is not to make a mistake with the size: hollow jewelry cannot be adjusted.
If you prefer brutal restraint, you can choose a silver signet: this is a more affordable option, so you don’t have to be shy about the size of the jewelry and despise compromises. In addition, silver can soften natural male aggression and direct energy towards creation.
There are also more provocative options, for example, a men’s signet for two fingers, visually reminiscent of brass knuckles. Such jewelry should definitely not be worn to work, but for walks around the city and friendly parties they are quite suitable.
Giving recommendations regarding the images on the shield is a thankless task. This could be a symbol of a sports team, a branch of the military, a combination of hands, a zodiac sign, an animal face, the coat of arms of a student community, a personal monogram, and so on.
The main thing is that the image on the signet reflects the inner essence of the owner and his message to the outside world, and everything else is details!
