Rings are timeless pieces of jewelry that hold deep sentimental value for the wearer. They could be a family heirloom, a token of love, a graduation present, or something that you bought from your first paycheck – every ring has a unique story to tell. Did you know that wearing your ring on a different hand or finger can mean different things? Understanding this will help you be aware of your ring placement and how to best use it to express yourself. In this guide, we’re going to explore what wearing a ring on the right-hand means.
What Is a Right-Hand Ring?
A right-hand ring is precisely what the name suggests—a ring worn on the right hand, specifically on the right-hand ring finger. The wearer typically purchases this ring to mark a milestone or celebrate a personal achievement.
Origin of Right-Hand Rings
The journey of the right-hand ring is a fascinating tale of symbolism and self-expression that has evolved over centuries.
In ancient Rome, wealthy Romans wore right-hand rings to flaunt their financial and political power. It was a subtle yet powerful way to signal status and authority within society.
Fast-forward to the roaring 1920s, the right-hand ring took on a new meaning. As women in America started to join the workforce, these rings became symbols of their newfound financial independence. It was a time of significant social change, and the right-hand ring was a way for women to celebrate their achievements and assert their individuality.
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What Does It Mean to Wear a Ring on Your Right Hand?
The symbolism of wearing a right hand differs from culture to culture. For instance, in Islamic traditions, men wear right-hand rings to symbolize their faith in Allah. In certain communities in India, a man wears a ring on the right ring finger to signify his marital status.
In Western culture, engagement rings for women were traditionally worn on the left hand. However, some cultures, such as Germany, India, Norway, Russia, and Spain, wear engagement and marriage rings on their right hand.
The right-hand ring is now a way to wear your accomplishments with pride. It’s not tied to marital status or relationships but is instead a statement piece that says, “Look at what I’ve achieved.”
Most people prefer to wear their rings on their non-dominant hands to reduce the risk of damaging expensive jewelry. A person with a dominant right hand would wear their ring on the left hand and vice versa. While following traditions can be symbolic, ultimately, you should wear your rings on the finger and hand that feels comfortable.
Selecting the Ideal Right-Hand Ring
Unlike traditional rings worn on the left hand, right-hand rings for her and him come without the weight of expectations or traditions. Whether you’re celebrating a significant milestone or just want to indulge in a stunning right-hand diamond ring, here’s what you need to know to pick the perfect piece that truly represents you:
1. Style
In the past, cocktail rings and large gemstone rings were usually worn as right-hand ring style. But today, you can go for any style that resonates with you. Whether you love antique right-hand rings, like these emerald rings for women or prefer modern right-hand rings, like these blue sapphire rings for women – pick an option that best showcases your personality.
2. Symbolism
From elevating your style to declaring your independence or your relationship status with someone of the same sex, wearing a ring on different fingers of your right hand can mean different things. Let’s break it down:
- Thumb: It symbolizes power, ambition, and wealth (spiritual, emotional, or financial). It is also believed to represent platonic friendships.
- Index Finger: It symbolizes ambition, personal identity, growth, or commitment to achieving certain goals. It also has cultural significance. For example, Jewish men traditionally wear their wedding bands on the right index finger.
- Middle Finger: This isn’t the most popular finger to wear a ring on, but it symbolizes responsibility and beauty.
- Ring Finger: Promise rings, engagement rings, and wedding rings for women and men are typically worn on the left hand, but in certain cultures, these rings are worn on the ring finger of the right hand.
- Pinky Finger: It symbolizes a connection with a particular group or family heritage. It is a popular finger to wear a ring because it isn’t associated with any religion or culture.
3. Metal
When choosing a metal for your right-hand ring, there are several factors that need to be considered. For instance, a diamond in the colorless (D-F range) or near-colorless (G-J range) category will look best when set in a white gold, platinum or silver band. Right-hand diamond rings with slightly colored stones will look good when set in metals like rose gold or yellow gold. For ruby rings for women, a rose gold metal band is a good option as it pairs beautifully with the red of the ruby.
4. Right Fit
Typically, the dominant hand has bigger fingers than the non-dominant hand. So, it is normal for your right ring finger to vary in size from your left ring finger. Make sure to use a ring size guide to get an accurate measurement before you purchase a right-hand ring.
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How to Care for Right-Hand Rings
Here’s how to keep your right-hand ring sparkling for years to come:
- Clean your right-hand diamond bands regularly to maintain their sparkle and remove oil and grime collected throughout the day. Mix mild soap in warm water, gently scrub the ring with a soft toothbrush and rinse afterward.
- Keep your gold right-hand rings and other metal types in a soft-lined jewelry box to avoid scratches.
- Have a jeweler inspect your right hand ring annually to check for wear and tear or any loose settings.
- Remove it and keep it safe during activities like gardening or tasks that might expose the ring to harsh chemicals.
Looking for the perfect right hand ring to express yourself? Explore Angara’s collection of bespoke right-hand men’s and women’s rings you won’t stop flaunting.
Also Read
- Guide to Buy the Perfect Bypass Ring
- Knife-Edge Rings
- Is it Safe to Buy Tanzanite Online
- How To Buy Quality Rubies?
- How To Buy Quality Sapphire?
- Diamond Studs Buying Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a right-hand ring?
A right-hand ring is a piece of jewelry worn on any finger of the right hand. It’s often chosen for fashion or personal expression rather than traditional symbolism like engagement or wedding rings worn on the left hand.
Q2. Who typically wears right-hand rings?
Right-hand rings are worn by both men and women as a fashion statement or to symbolize personal achievements or milestones. They are popular among individuals looking to showcase their style and individuality outside traditional wedding or engagement ring placements.
Q3. What are the different styles of right-hand rings?
Right-hand rings come in all kinds of styles, like cocktail rings, stackable rings, eternity rings, diamond rings and vintage rings. Each one lets you show off your unique personality and celebrate special moments.
Q4. What materials are right-hand rings made from?
Right-hand rings are made from various precious metals, such as gold (yellow, white and rose), platinum and sterling silver. They can also feature diamonds and gemstones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds.
Q5. How do I choose the right size for a right-hand ring?
To choose the perfect ring size, get an accurate measurement of the intended finger by following our ring size guide.
Q6. Can a right-hand ring have an engraved message?
Absolutely! Engraving a message on your right-hand ring adds a personal touch. Whether it’s a special date, a meaningful word, or a heartfelt note, engraving makes your ring uniquely yours.
Q7. Can men wear right-hand rings?
Certainly! Men can wear right-hand rings as a personal expression of fashion or symbolism.
Q8. Are right-hand rings considered a modern trend?
Right-hand rings have been around since ancient Roman times. These rings have become more popular because they’re an incredibly versatile modern piece of jewelry worn to express a person’s unique style and personality.
