Let’s Consider Rings From ourselves to reaching out, Connecting, creating and coming together as community

For every culture, hand gestures are almost as important for communication as language. Even when we do use speech, gesturing hands fill in the lacunae left by words. With few exceptions, gestures are culture-specific. For example, the hand signal conveying “A-OK”, made by connecting the thumb and forefinger in a circle and holding the other fingers straight, may signal the word okay; especially as a diving signal; but the same gesture is offensive in parts of southern Europe and South America.

In constant motion, hands can speak volumes, and nothing draws attention to expressive hands as well as an exquisite ring. Many rings do have symbolic meanings, such as a antique wedding rings or one from a sorority. Also, the wearer of a ring can enjoy its beauty without having to see its reflection in a mirror.

Interestingly, more people purchase rings for themselves than any other type of jewelry. The jewelry chosen will be a reflection of your own personal aesthetic and what is significant to you. Therefore, it is important to take a step back and consider the factors which will influence your choice, such as the shape and size of your hands and fingers or even the color of your eyes. A gorgeous emerald ring can draw attention to someone with green eyes!

Here are some factors to take into consideration:

1. Wide rings or stacked bands make fingers seem shorter
2. A chunky ring looks best on a larger hand or one with longer fingers
3. A ring that is longer than narrow emphasizes the length of long fingers
4. A diagonal or asymmetrical setting can add the appearance of length to shorter fingers
5. A ring worn on the pinky finger emphasizes the outside edge of the hand, giving it a wider appearance
6. In fact, wearing rings on all your fingers also makes the hand seem wider

A few other suggestions:

1. A ring guard provides a temporary solution for a ring which is too big
2. There are a variety of self-adjusting shanks which can accommodate arthritic knuckles
3. A jeweler may be able to insert sizing balls, or a horseshoe-shaped insert to provide a more comfortable fit

Reasons for wearing rings run the gamut of human experience! A mother’s ring can show the birthstone of each of her children. A school ring can display the year of your graduation. Wearing a friendship ring symbolizes a close—not necessarily romantic—relationship with someone. A promise ring may mean faith and commitment but is not as formal as an engagement ring. A vintage diamond engagement ring discloses the status of a relationship to the world. The diamond can symbolize purity and light. And antique wedding bands are traditionally worn on the finger which has a vein which is closer to the heart than any other.

Besides occasions, each finger represents a different meaning:

1. The thumb symbolizes will power and is connected with the inner self of a person
2. The index finger represents authority, leadership and ambition—the power of kingship
3. The middle finger shows the individuality of a person and symbolizes a balanced life
4. The fourth finger is the ring finger which has a direct connection to the heart and represents emotions and creativity
5. Last but not least, is the pinky, which is about all our associations with the outside world, especially compared to the thumb, which is all about the inner self. The pinky is all about our attitude to others

As we can see, the ring is one of the most important pieces of jewelry a person can purchase for him- or herself. It can whisper or it can shout. It can proclaim status or reveal personality traits. By the very nature of a ring, its circularity draws us in and connects us in public and private ways. As the Maltese Knight told Indiana Jones, “Choose wisely!”