While there is probably a standard way to wear your military ring at military academies or other educational institutions, your school may have special requirements.<\/p> "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which hand should I use to wear my ring? (Two of us are Clemson grads,). The thumb is an excellent location for large class, signet, or other rings that you would not be able to wear otherwise due to size issues. Thats what we want to dive into in this article. Lastly, the pinky finger represents intelligence, communication, intuition, and persuasion, and it gets its name from Mercury, the Greek god. When wearing the ring, make sure the insignia is facing inwards (facing you) while you are still enrolled in the school, and outwards when you graduate. Which way should the ring be facing? Thankfully, the traditions of how to wear a class ring have not been completely lost. This will keep the decorations proportional to your finger size. To prevent your ring from appearing too flashy, consider limiting the signet ring design to initials or relatively simple designs. As the smallest finger, located on the periphery of the hand, it stands apart from the other digits and attracts attention despite its diminutive nature. 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. If you feel that the friendships and learning that you gained at college will stay with you through your whole life, a ring is a perfect way to remind you of them. I have a small collection of some contemporary and antique rings. If you want to ensure that a ring is noticed, wear it on your index finger. You should be able to read the name when you look at your hand. Rings are one of the most accessible forms of jewelry for men and were regularly worn by gentlemen of style throughout history. 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. Wearing a ring on your ring finger could evoke Apollo in his capacity as a seeker of truth and pursuer of what is beautiful and right, or perhaps, if you are in a medical field, it could represent Apollo in his capacity as god of healing. Via Wikimedia. The things you learn in school are things you can use for the rest of your life. While your wedding ring finger is traditionally on your right hand, some cultures wear wedding rings on their right index finger. Apart from that, you can customize as you please. :-). When Should I Order My Class Ring? This is done to ensure that military rings and other jewelry are not mixed up (such as wedding rings). If worn on the passive hand, it can indicate that the wearer needs to be seen as serious and responsible. The schools name will face outward so its easier for others to read. After the ring ceremony, Firsties are mobbed by plebes reciting the "Ring Poop": Oh my Gosh, sir/ma'am! 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. If you dont prefer to wear rings all the time, wear your class ring as a pendant. This tradition reflects the strong connection that many men have to the places where they were reared and educated, and is reflected in the Latin term alma mater, which literally identifies places of higher education with a nourishing mother.. Again, this is why it makes sense to be sure you are wearing it on your right hand. Signet rings represent you or your ancestry. That way, your wedding band can be easily placed on your left ring finger during the ceremony and later, your engagement ring can be placed on top of the stack. Yes, you can. If you want to emphasize your family history, consider wearing your signet ring on your left hand, as it reflects how your lineage has influenced you and your development as a person. If so, you can order your ring through the ring carrier they have chosen. Learn the answers to the questions about this purchase you may have. 14 Tips for Freshman First Day Worries. While there is probably a similar way to wear your class ring throughout different schools or military academies, there could also be unique circumstances for your school. This information will help you decide the best way for you to wear your rings. Some married men wear a ring in their nose, as well as their finger. There are a lot of ways to tell people exactly who you are, but the longevity of a class ring is one of the best to forever symbolize everything about who you are right now. Class rings have a prestigious history. Conversely, many cultures also associate the ring finger with the moon, and as such, it is especially appropriate to wear silver, a metal often associated with the moon, on your ring finger. For gemstone options, consider anything bold and stolid, like malachite, bloodstone, or tigers eye. That being said, it may not be practical to match all of your metals. For instance, rather than wearing rings on your pinky, ring, and index finger of your left hand, consider moving one of two rings to your right hand. Films like The Godfather series and Goodfellas have immortalized the lackey reverently kissing the ring of a powerful mafia don. The military ring is a striking piece of jewelry that you can wear daily, bring out on special occasions, or whenever you are feeling nostalgic about the good old days. Even Saturn wears a ring, but a bathtub should never. How to Choose a School Ring Inscription: A Guide, How to Clean Gemstones on a Ring: An Easy Guide, Class Ring Symbol Meaning ClassRings.com. Turning your ring around happens at a special Turning Ceremony at your school. Because statement rings function primarily as a decorative element, they are ideal for expressing yourself with unique imagery or designs and are well-suited to the middle finger. This can come down to personal preference, but the number of engravings and words that you want to add to the ring can also have an impact on the size. Ring Weekend is a tradition at the United States Military Academy where senior cadets are awarded their West Point class ring. I AM NOW AWAITING A PHONE CALL FROM MY JEWELER WHO IS RESIZING IT. Ring, Ring Some argue that the tradition of wearing class rings started in antiquity. You can display your ring in your office or study. Many schools will have a prestigious turning of the ring ceremony at or near commencement. Rings, cufflinks, and stickpins are about all the jewellery a man gets to own. During this weekend, the senior cadets receive awards that include the West Point class rings. Theyre a tangible reminder of the formative time that you spent at your school. For instance, your right-hand ring finger might already have a ring on it, such as an heirloom. Do not let these associations dissuade you from wearing a pinky ring, however, as countless men, not just mobsters, have worn pinky rings through the ages. To minimize the impact that the ring has on the functionality of your hand, it might be prudent to also limit middle finger rings to your non-dominant hand. Class rings are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When worn with any piece of jewelry, the evil eye symbol on it represents both power and protection against evil spirits and bad luck.. A jealous glare or some other negative energy is thought to have cast an evil eye on a person who is unaware. Gold Plated Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Lapis Lazuli Balls, Platinum Plated Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Lapis Lazuli Balls. ArtCarved has been making class rings for nearly 100 years. For these ceremonies, the rings are pre-selected months in advance, and the cadets get to choose the details of the ring, including the metal to be used, ring size, stone, and other customization features or specifications. How do you feel about girls putting their first name on the side of their ring? Stay tuned. [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. Silicone rings are the perfect accessory for even the best military personnel because they are less clunky than their metal counterparts and are great for field safety, training drills, and field workouts. This to aid the senders authenticity. Your email address will not be published. The metal it is made of, the kind of stone it has, the engravings, and any other custom options can impact the price. In many schools, when students graduate, they are encouraged to turn their rings so the insignia faces outward. The ring is quite unmistakable and is an astute representation of the service, a symbol that commemorates the personal commitments and sacrifices made by servicemen in the military. It has two distinct sides: one with your school's name or initials, and one without. This article is not about palmistry or astrology, but some elements of these belief systems have influenced the traditions associated with the meaning and significance of each finger. Some cadets opt to "inherit" pieces of rings from other family members or mentors who have also graduated from West Point. They can be altered to emphasize your accomplishments and distinguishing qualities. On your wedding day, you might opt to switch your engagement ring to your right hand before walking down the aisle. Numerous rings are often associated with the dandy style and this look is becoming more popular as a form of conspicuous consumption. This could include Jostens, Balfour or Herff Jones (three of the most popular ring and graduation product companies). Service rings associated with various branches of different nations armed forces are also commonly worn on the ring finger, although which hand varies according to local custom. WeddingByColor.com, Veterinary Wedding Bands: Silicone Rings for Veterinary Technicians. While in school, the school's name or . The middle finger of your right hand and the thumbs are the least common options for ring fingers because the bulkiness of class ring can be a hindrance for everyday tasks. Great question to ask. It is a big, celebrated, formal event that features a formal dinner and dance, and the ring ceremony follows it. Typically, your college ring finger is the fourth finger of your right hand. While a member of the military may wear up to two rings (a wedding set is considered one ring), all rings must be simple and in good taste. Eagle Globe Anchor Stainless Steel Marine Corps Ring The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is the official emblem and insignia of the United States Marine Corps. Based on cultural, traditional, and mystical associations, the ring on which you choose to wear a finger can be very significant. Which way should the ring be facing? In creating a personalized class ring, you get to express your own individuality. Coming Soon. Take a look at your ring. Should You Wear a Black Shirt? He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for. How many rings are in the military? Precious and semi-precious gemstones are often employed as decorative elements in mens rings. Required fields are marked *. Despite its small size, the pinky, positioned at the periphery of the hand, can visually handle surprisingly bold rings. Since most people are right-handed, there is a certain practical sense to wearing an engagement ring on the left hand. You could wear your military ring on whichever finger feels most comfortable with you. For instance, rings associated with United States military academies were traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand, although now the ring finger of the right hand or any other finger has become commonplace as well. I try to match the metal of that ring with my cufflinks. Need help choosing a wedding ring? There isn't a right answer when it comes to wearing a ring. He passed away and one of his sons wanted his ring and has been wearing it. Of course, your ring will also display the most important feature: your year of graduation. This means that you receive your ring in your junior year as you move toward becoming a senior. That being said, the society in which you live likely has some assumptions and cultural associations about the meaning of rings, and to prevent confusion it is useful to be aware of them. Its decadent color was soon associated with royalty and nobility across the world, and both the stones and the dyes derived from them were literally worth more than gold. Great article & video, I normally wear my wedding band on left hand ring finger. For them, the ring shares the story of a profound military career, so the ring is a treasured piece handed down generations. What if youre not a jewelry person, but you still value the tradition of class rings? Whichever finger you choose, your best bet is to wear your class ring on your right hand. To avoid confusion, consider wearing it on the ring finger of the hand opposite the one reserved in your culture for wedding rings. We all know the meaning of class rings: showing pride and connection to your past while looking ahead to the future. I wear this on my right pinky. In reality, however, betrothal and marriage rings have been worn on nearly every finger of the hand based on the traditions of different cultures. The same factors that make the thumb ideal for authority rings also make it ideal for rings that establish your place and position in the world. Theres nothing wrong with that. It may not, however, be as practical for you, because these conventions were not created with you in mind. 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. 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. Looking for even more non-traditional ways to keep your class ring visible? Each school developed a unique design to distinguish its alumni from the others. Others wear six rings or four, or one or two, or of course, none at all. Lapis lazuli represents excellent of spirit, dignity, and personal honor. Why? If you are in the military or know someone who is, you probably are aware of what the military ring is and what its role is. Others choose to wear their rings only at certain times and places. So if you must wear a ring on the middle finger, you should stick with a simple, small ring. Fittingly enough, the pinky finger is associated with the Greek god Hermes, known to the Romans as Mercury, the messenger of the gods. What does a ring on your left ring finger indicate? First, do you want to order the class ring style that your school has chosen? This tradition is often observed shortly after the beginning of the senior year for the cadets. This can be a lot of fun as there are often 1,000s of designs to choose from and an endless amount of engraving combinations. Any jewelry worn by soldiers must be tasteful and conservative. While your fingers have three major joints, the thumb only has two, and a ring will noticeably alter your ability to move your thumb, in addition to employing it. Malachite is often formed by the weathering of copper ore and it is an immediately recognizable, unforgettable gemstone. While signet rings are often associated with pinky rings today, historically they were often larger and worn on the index finger. Image via Wikimedia. Some people prefer to wear them on their thumb and others prefer to wear them on their index finger. ago. Try putting on your class ring at important times, such as: There is no wrong time to wear your class ring. Men occasionally stack their rings, which refers to donning multiple rings on the same finger. Note also that a wristwatch, especially one with a metal bracelet, can visually balance out one or two rings. It is somewhat ironic that while the planet Saturn has rings, rings are not often worn on the middle finger. Lots of students have no idea which finger is the right one for their class ring, and this can cause issues with sizing if you do not decide on time. Do not let questions like "What finger do you wear a class ring on?" or worries about class ring etiquette stop . While its inky color bespeaks mystery and romance, this stone has traditionally been associated with protection and healing. There is no definitive moment when you should stop wearing a class ring. This association reinforces the pinky finger as a way to communicate about yourself. The distinctive design includes a sizable, vibrant stone encircled by engravings that include the school name, graduation year, and other insignia. You will find that we not only have the same quality rings, but we crush the competition when it comes to pricing. The oldest extant carnelian jewelry consists of beads found in Bulgaria that date to the close of the Stone Age. As with any piece of jewelry, the cut of the stone can have an impact on the overall look. I also, wear my military service branch ring instead of the class ring, which is similar in size, during military events and ceremonies. The cadets of the United States Military Academy first began the practice of wearing class rings in 1835. Its no surprise that there are many important customs surrounding them as well. As a result, this created a dilemma regarding where the ring is meant to be worn the left or the right. There are two traditional times to get a class ring in college. Earning your degree is a tremendous achievement. Your email address will not be published. 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. Military rings are a distinctive item of statement jewelry that you will cherish forever. If you go with this option, your ring will be a generic style. Class rings are a classy, historical way to show your love for your alma mater. If you feel a deep connection to your school, the answer to Where to wear a class ring? is probably, Everywhere.. This can happen during the graduation ceremony or before commencement. Again, this is why it makes sense to be sure you are wearing it on your right hand. This styling is not conventionally Classic but can exude a casual, bohemian charm. We will have rings and things and fine array. If you want to live the tradition of class rings, keep reading. A statement ring that features a large and classically cut gemstone is the perfect piece for a pinky. However, West Point was the first to use rings with the same design to show that students graduated from the same school. This turning of the ring symbolizes that you have graduated and are now on your way to do big things in the world. If you wish to capture the majesty associated with the king of the gods, favor rings on this finger made from gold with luxurious stones like lapis lazuli, ruby, or even diamond. This is also the reason why, in a lot of royal portraits and pictures, monarchy is seen wearing rings on their index fingers. The ring is symbolic and quite important because it represents the pride and honor that can only be awarded to men and women in the military. As with the junior class ring, you will want to wear it with the insignia facing you until you graduate. However, others prefer wearing the ring on the middle finger because it is believed to exude strength the middle finger is also the symbol of balance given its center placement, and it also symbolizes responsibility because of its sturdiness. Whether you wear it on your right or your left hand, the ring finger is, in many cultures, the most common place to wear a wedding ring. Some of the cultural traditions associated with the meaning of rings on particular fingers developed from particular beliefs, often centered in ancient medical knowledge or historical rites. Normally, class rings are to be worn on your right hand. Others developed organically, as men through the ages found that certain rings simply worked best on certain fingers and this reality developed its own significance. Astrologers associated the middle finger with the Greek titan Kronos, known as Saturn to the Romans. West Point alumni may donate their rings to be added to the smelting pot when a new batch of rings are cast. You should be able to read the name when you look at your hand. Whether it marks your membership in a fraternal club, a professional organization, or a loyal body of alumni, a ring that conveys your association with a particular group or school is an excellent choice for your pinky finger, because it will be located on such a visible part of your hand. In this sense, a ring on the right hand is thought to give the wearer strength and courage to do difficult tasks. United States Military Academy class ring, "1904, LTG Lesley J. McNair, side view 2", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=United_States_Military_Academy_class_ring&oldid=1092481372, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 10 June 2022, at 15:38. In fact, throughout the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, thumb rings were especially favored among the noble, royal, and imperial classes. Via Wikimedia. HOWEVER, MY MOTHER-IN-LAW JUST RECENTLY FOUND BOTH MY RING AND MY WIFES IN HER JEWELRY BOX (FOR SAFE KEEPING 30 YEARS IN THE ARMY. 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 . The wedding band, of course, is typically worn on the left hand by men as a symbol of a different celebration they may one day have. The army rules stipulate that you can wear a wristwatch, wrist identification bracelet, and a total of two rings as a soldier. In the Roman Catholic Church, some clergymen wear rings with religious imagery on the ring finger of their left or right hand to express their devotion to God, and many high-rank prelates in the Roman Catholic Church and other religious organizations wear a ring on the ring finger of their right hand as a sign of their authority and religious devotion. Were you aware that the tradition of class rings began at West Point Military Academy in 1835? 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. The opposing hand causes less wear for wedding bands and engagement rings. If you prefer to emphasize stones associated with Hermes, consider vibrant stones like amber, citrine, or carnelian. Since then, countless juniors and college students have purchased and worn class rings to remember their times at school. It was to mark a life milestone.