How to Style Rings on All Ten Fingers

Every finger is your ring finger with so many beautiful rings to choose from at Jedora. Circle up to hear fantastic ring styling tips for all ten fingers!

jewelry rings styling fashion

Published 11/20/2020 by Kyra Hensley

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You might be wondering if there’s symbolism and traditions behind where you wear your ring. To answer your question briefly… yes, there is! It’s common in the United States to wear rings related to marriage, like promise, engagement or wedding rings, on your left ring finger. But once you dive deeper into the history behind rings, you’ll find all sorts of traditions that will help you style rings in a brand new way.

First things first, let’s talk about the difference between left hand and right hand rings.

Left Hand Rings or Right Hand Rings?

Does it matter which hand you wear your rings on? However you decide to style your rings is up to you, but there are definitely some things you should consider when choosing left or right.

Style rings on your non-dominant hand while you’re working. That way, you don’t have to worry about the daily grind scratching up your rings. For most people, your right hand is dominant, so dress up your left hand with some sparkle. If you are a leftie, don’t feel left out! You can wear your rings on your right hand, just as proudly.

Really, it doesn’t matter which side you choose, as long as you choose what makes you most comfortable. Every ring feels a little different, but eventually, you’ll find the right fit.

Let’s move on to the fun part! Here’s the five fingers with some symbolism as well as some styling tips and tricks.

Thumbs Up For Thumb Rings

You don’t see people rocking thumb rings very often… which is the perfect reason to pull thumb rings into your day-to-day style. Historically, royalty were the only ones who could afford large and ornate thumb rings, so wearing a thumb ring came to symbolize power, authority and wealth. These days, thumb rings may not be an indication of power and prestige, but they can make you feel like a queen.

A popular trend in the 90s, thumb rings are coming back into popularity, giving you the perfect chance to make this trend yours. Bold thumb rings can be a strong statement piece in almost any outfit. Or if bold, loud jewelry isn’t your thing, try a thumb ring stack. A few delicate gold or silver bands stacked together still give the same powerful vibe as a thicker dome ring. Whether it’s for a big day at the office or a night out on the town, thumb rings rarely disappoint.

Get To The Point With Index (Pointer) Finger Rings

Index fingers, also known as pointer fingers, are perfect for sporting statement rings. Many women like to wear cocktail rings on their left or right index fingers as a callback to the 1920s, a time when these rings were a symbol of women’s rights and independence. In Jewish tradition, brides wear their wedding band on their right index finger.

Our style tip when it comes to index finger rings (if you’re not already rocking a wedding band there) is to go big with your ring choice. We use our index fingers to point and gesture, so why not add a little glam by introducing an index finger ring? Be bold with geometric designs or rings that feature large gemstones.

Occupy The Middle Ground With A Middle Finger Ring

When most people think of middle fingers, it’s associated with a sign of anger and a way to show the world that things are not going your way. But luckily for us, wearing middle finger rings doesn’t have to be tied to the negative side of anger. Actually, rings on your middle fingers represent balance and equilibrium being kept. So while some people might say that flaunting your middle finger is about losing your cool, we think that wearing a ring on this finger can be a perfect reminder to stay calm and stable instead of letting your temper get the better of you.

To some, middle finger rings are signs that a woman is not engaged or married. So if you’re looking to show off your single status, look no further than a middle finger ring. Wearing a ring on your middle finger is eye catching and sure to be noticed. Our best advice is to go with a ring stack or a solo dome ring. If you’re looking to dress up for a night on the town, try a three-stone ring on your middle finger that matches your dress. You’ll have their attention for sure.

Put A Ring On It: Ring Finger Rings

With a name like ‘ring finger’, it’s obvious that this finger needs some bling on it, ASAP.

The tradition of wearing a ring to show marital status comes from the legend of the "vena amoris," the vein that supposedly leads from this finger to the heart. All of your fingers actually have veins that link to your heart, so your ring finger isn’t unique in that regard. But tradition is tradition and to this day, people wear engagement and wedding rings on their ring finger. Now, which side you wear the ring finger on depends on where you’re from. In the USA, Great Britain, Canada and Australia, you wear your ring on your left hand ring finger. But in other places, such as Russia, Norway and Germany, rocking your wedding band on your right hand is the way to do it.

Of course, there’s no right or wrong way to wear this powerful expression of love. It all depends on the culture you’re a part of. If you’re single and not looking to put that kind of ring on it just yet, then try a solitaire ring or a bold cocktail ring.

Fun fact time! Did you know that in astrology, the right ring finger is associated with the moon? A peaceful and harmonious stone, a moonstone ring goes well with just about any outfit, so wearing a moonstone ring on this finger is just too good of an opportunity to pass up!

Pinkies Up for Pinky Rings

Last but not least is pinky rings. While these are the smallest of the rings, they are just as trendy and cute as any other ring, especially when you know how to style it right.

In Victorian times, it was popular for men to keep their rings on one finger, so they wore their wedding band and signet rings on their left pinky finger. More recently, people tend to associate pinky rings with mafia connections, which makes pinky rings a bold statement piece that might just toughen up your look. However, pinky rings on the right hand have a different meaning for those in engineering, ecology or other professions. These rings are symbols of graduation from an accredited program of study and are worn with pride by the professionals who own them.

You might not have studied one of those subjects or own a signet ring, but that doesn’t mean that styling a pinky ring is out of the question. Pinky rings can be bold accents to your outfit, just like a thumb ring, and can determine the direction your outfit takes. Looking for something daring and audacious? Wear a thick pinky ring with lots of gemstone sparkle. Going for a subtler look that still dazzles? Go with a thin ring stack set to bring together your look.

Within no time, you’ll be styling pinky rings (and all the other ones we’ve covered) with ease.

A Complete Ring Stack Set Or A Solo Statement Piece?

Okay, so now you know all there is to know about styling rings on different fingers. But there’s still one burning question you might: how many rings it too many rings?

If you prefer a solo statement piece to do all the talking when you dress up, maybe it’s best to stick to one or two rings on each hand. Choose a deliciously bold ring and pair it with a simple band or ring stack. That way, your accent pieces can still be in the spotlight while the simpler rings act as backup.

If you’re daring to do something different with your ring styling, try wearing a ring on each finger. It doesn’t have to be crazy hard, as long as you keep the metals you choose consistent. In other words, if you have 5 gold-toned rings, 3 silver and 1 rose gold ring… maybe it’s best to let silver and gold take the spotlight. You could always sub in rose gold instead, but whenever possible, try to keep metal tones consistent. It pulls together your outfit and helps you shine even brighter.

There’s no “right” way to wear rings. Whether you decorate one or all of your fingers with a little bit of Jedora sparkle, you’re sure to make a splash at your next party or social event. Keep these ring styling tips in mind and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Only you know what’s right for you and Jedora is here to help you find it.