During this weekend, the senior cadets receive awards that include the West Point class rings. One option that is traditional is to go with your birthstone. Its a perfect everyday piece of jewelry, but also makes a great formal accessory for important occasions. Learn the answers to the questions about this purchase you may have. This was popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, however, we rarely see this today. In general, we feel that you should select your preferred gemstones based on how well they complement your larger wardrobe and personal style. The pinky finger is thought to represent communication and socialization. Military rings can become treasured family heirlooms that are passed down for many generations as they are a special memento from a particular time in your life. The things you learn in school are things you can use for the rest of your life. The Index finger is a symbol of ambition, leadership, spirituality, and self-ambition, and it's named after the Greek god for Jupiter. We live in SC, and it is common for other CU grads to recognize my husbands Clemson ring and immediately start reminiscing about their time there. A wedding ring is counted as one ring. The other brothers and I believe he should not wear this ring because he did not earn it. 46 products. To acknowledge and celebrate your professional status as the result of your own hard work, it is common to see rings like these worn, traditionally, on the right, but now on the dominant hand. I AM NOW AWAITING A PHONE CALL FROM MY JEWELER WHO IS RESIZING IT. With its bold color, carnelian usually symbolizes life and energy, and is believed to help encourage passion and motivation. According to ancient mystics, it could grant magical powers like invisibility, but today it primarily represents vitality, longevity, and overcoming adversity. Numerous rings are often associated with the dandy style and this look is becoming more popular as a form of conspicuous consumption. (Two of us are Clemson grads,). An open-back ring will have less metal, so you can expect it to be lighter and more affordable than a closed-back one. Image via Wikimedia. And yet, leaving your beloved college behind can be a bittersweet experience too. Rings like these are well-suited to the breadth and length of the index finger. 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. College class rings can help you honor the school that leads you on to your career. 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. A statement ring that features a large and classically cut gemstone is the perfect piece for a pinky. It must have cost you a fortune! Films like The Godfather series and Goodfellas have immortalized the lackey reverently kissing the ring of a powerful mafia don. With your newfound knowledge, you might find yourself inspired to wear types of rings, or wear rings on fingers, you would not have considered before. The symbols that you can add to the class ring usually pertain to school classes, groups, organizations, sports, and lots of other activities. This association was established by the belief, allegedly taught by medical scholars in Antiquity, that a major vein ran directly from the heart to the ring finger of the left hand. I have a small collection of some contemporary and antique rings. As an exemplar of Neptune, rings on the thumb can be said to represent strength, majesty, and individuality. You can display your ring in your office or study. This could include Jostens, Balfour or Herff Jones (three of the most popular ring and graduation product companies). To convey a sense of your leadership skills and authority with rings on your index finger, favor larger rings that either feature prominent stones or ornate detailing; for a very bold look, consider rings with both. The military ring also has some ceremony associated with how it is worn on your hand, which is one of its fun aspects. This article will cover each of the fingers on your hand, revealing what a ring on those fingers can mean according to different belief systems and cultures. This arrangement encourages balance and is very visually appealing, ensuring that your hand jewelry does not appear cluttered. 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. In Ancient Egypt, pharaohs, religious leaders, and nobles would wear rings made of stone or a unique glazed pottery type called faience. What does a ring on your left index finger indicate? If you are a left-handed gentleman, following the traditional conventions associated with these rings will make it easiest for others to recognize the meaning of the rings on each finger. 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. In some cultures, wearing a ring on the right hand symbolizes the power of the sun and is thought to bring good luck and protection. Can you wear your class ring after high school? But there is so much more that you may not know about the military ring, and this article shares insights on everything you should know about the military ring. West Point was the first American school to have class rings. Students can pick out items for family members made to resemble their class ring such as cufflinks, pendants, and pins. At WearMyStory.com, we offer quality class rings by ArtCarved, who is a sister company to Balfour. Turning your ring around happens at a special Turning Ceremony at your school. Again, this is why it makes sense to make sure it is on your right hand. All rights reserved. Even a plain and simple band, rendered in a base or precious metal, will catch peoples attention when worn on the thumb. THANKS VERY MUCH FOR THE INFORMATION!!! It may not, however, be as practical for you, because these conventions were not created with you in mind. If you are on the fence about purchasing a class ring, go for it so that you do not regret it in the future. Lapis lazuli represents excellent of spirit, dignity, and personal honor. This can happen during the graduation ceremony or before commencement. As the most unique digit, prominently positioned on the edge of your hand, any ring on your thumb will be immediately noticeable. A class ring is a celebration of the time and work you put into graduating. What does a ring on your left ring finger indicate? Men occasionally stack their rings, which refers to donning multiple rings on the same finger. So I usually sleep with it on my left middle finger, then move it to my right middle finger (otherwise it will say I've slept until at least lunchtime, because apparently desk work and sleep are the same thing). Keep in mind that the pinkie finger is usually not a good choice to wear your class ring. But they are not just for officers; they are also important symbols for the unlisted ranks. But, if you want a quality class ring at the lowest price online, be sure to check outWearMyStory.com. To prevent confusion, such rings are traditionally worn on the opposite ring finger for which the local culture has reserved wedding rings. So if you must wear a ring on the middle finger, you should stick with a simple, small ring. Rings on the middle finger can be of different shapes and sizes, they do not interfere with the hand much and participate in gesticulation. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Do all military ring traditions resemble one another?<\/strong>

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? Traditionally, the ring was worn on your left hand, although several recent military graduates opted to wear it on their right hands. Most class rings have a stone in the center, with the schools name around it and designs engraved on either side. If you have large hands, then it's fine to wear a larger ring. In creating a personalized class ring, you get to express your own individuality. Modern adherents of palmistry, however, have associated the thumb with the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon, venerated by the Romans as Neptune. Class rings can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Class rings are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You should feel free to make your military ring however you want and to wear it. When I would wear multiple rings on the hand, Ill wear my wrist watch on the opposite wrist, umm, going for the balance look, I suppose. 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. This simply could be a matter of preference. Is there any policy regarding wearing someone elses Clemson ring, or is there any guidance you can give us? Therefore, rings on the thumb are most often associated today with ambition, self-assertion, and as a sign of wealth. When choosing the stone, think of the budget you have. Once you know that, you can start seeing how many designs you want to add. When Should I Order My Class Ring? Conversely, the non-dominant hand index finger is sometimes associated with the ability to be cooperative or maintain good friendships. Need help choosing a wedding ring? There are classic designs and more modern options, so take your time to think about what would look best on your finger and what option will allow you to add the custom details you want. Most people choose to wear the class ring on their right hand's ring finger, with students who attend military schools choosing their left ring finger to honor the old tradition of that finger being connected to the heart. A ring worn on that finger with a showcased gem stone is an engagement ring. The opposing hand causes less wear for wedding bands and engagement rings. Read on to make the choice you want. :-). The military rings are always a way of honoring and commemorating the military career. Afashionblog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. There are some options, however, that are open-back. After you graduate, though, you will wear your class ring the opposite way. Ring Weekend is a tradition at the United States Military Academy where senior cadets are awarded their West Point class ring. However, West Point was the first to use rings with the same design to show that students graduated from the same school. Some Roman legionaries, for instance, carried onyx tables dedicated to Mars into battle with them, while women in the Middle Ages wore onyx items to stave off pain during childbirth. Not all schools have this kind of ceremony and if they do, each one is different, so you may want to ask the school about its own process. If youd prefer toorder your own ring, make sure to get your order in at least 4-6 weeks before graduation. Also, the stone from an older ring can be removed and placed into a new graduate's ring. You may be able to customize one or two elements and choose the size. Some refer to the right hand as the active hand. Image credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Military rings and the traditions around the military rings date back to 1835. They help capture yourcollege memories so that you can carry them through the years. I am a freemason, and in Norway we wear our freemason-ring on the middle fingre on our right hand. Via Wikimedia. Although the thumb may be one of the most bold locations for a ring, a ring does not have to be ornate to be noticeable. [8]. 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. For juniors getting ready to choose a class ring, there can be a number of concerns you may have. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"In the army, am I allowed to wear my wedding band?<\/strong>

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. ArtCarved has been making class rings for nearly 100 years. Although commonly worn on the ring finger today, class rings were sometimes worn on the index finger in the past. Because mid and early 20th-century class rings were often worn on the index finger, consider reserving your left or non-dominant index finger for any large rings you might have inherited from family members. So, if your arm is outstretched, you should be able to read the name of your school. Again, this is why it makes sense to make sure it is on your right hand.<\/p>

<\/p> "}}]}, @2022. 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. Relationship status or a personal connection to a meaningful institution. Lastly, the pinky finger represents intelligence, communication, intuition, and persuasion, and it gets its name from Mercury, the Greek god. Rings associated with certain professional trades, like engineers, architects, and lawyers, are often worn on the pinky finger because their presence would not interfere with the operation of daily tasks and labor. A fraternal ring marks the wearer as a member of any one of the plethora of mens clubs and fraternal organizations active today. Similarly, signet rings worn on the pinky finger are also associated with marital status. While at West Point, the ring is worn so that the class crest is worn to the inside and closest to one's heart. If you go with this option, your ring will be a generic style. A wedding band plus a pinky or middle finger ring can get quite crowded, both visually and physically, whereas a thumb ring gives everything some space. Typically, your college ring finger is the fourth finger of your right hand. For other people, going for a natural stone feels like the better choice. Each school developed a unique design to distinguish its alumni from the others. Gold vs. Silicone Wedding Rings: Which is Better [& Why]? As far as college class rings are concerned, I wear mine on my right ring finger and wedding band on my left ring finger. Some people choose to wear them forever, while others stop wearing them right after graduation. To avoid confusion, consider wearing it on the ring finger of the hand opposite the one reserved in your culture for wedding rings. Most class rings are made of 10K or 14K white, rose, or yellow gold, with some options available in 18K white or yellow gold. Historically, it was associated with protection in the West and was thought to bring happiness and good health. An engagement ring and wedding band receive less wear than if worn on the dominant hand. There are lots of options for the stones that you may want on your class ring. For gemstone options, consider anything bold and stolid, like malachite, bloodstone, or tigers eye. A thumb ring is also often the natural choice for men who want to wear multiple rings on the same hand since it creates distance from the others. A small ring worn on the pinky finger, instead of a large ring worn on a more prominent finger, was meant to hint at the existence of other, more expensive rings that the wearer could not even be bothered to put on. Theres nothing wrong with that. Theyre a tangible reminder of the formative time that you spent at your school. Your email address will not be published. Yes! After the ring ceremony, Firsties are mobbed by plebes reciting the "Ring Poop": Oh my Gosh, sir/ma'am! This larger size can make it easier to appreciate the design on the ring. The way your ring should face is probably the most asked about question in regards to how to wear your class ring. You could wear your military ring on whichever finger feels most comfortable with you. To a certain extent, a bold, visually impressive statement ring is the ideal ring for your thumb, as it will draw immediate attention and afford ample opportunity for you to express your personal style and personality. This refers not only to your rings, but also to your watch, cufflinks, and any other jewelry pieces you may have on. Answers & Solutions. WeddingByColor.com, Veterinary Wedding Bands: Silicone Rings for Veterinary Technicians. The fact that the majority of your metals do match will ensure that the entire look still appears uniform. In fact, throughout the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, thumb rings were especially favored among the noble, royal, and imperial classes. 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.. The standard finger to wear your class ring on is the right hand ring finger. Pinky Finger It was once believed that wearing two rings on your left pinky finger was a symbol of marriage for a man. The United States Military Academy class ring has traditionally been worn on the left hand, but most recent graduates choose to wear it on their right hand, which is likely in response to the dilemma posed by wearing both a West Point ring and a wedding ring on the same finger. keep writing. Be sure to keep the ring in proportion to your hands. [2], Some graduates choose to wear both on their left hand. Engagement ring fit can be affected by a number of factors, including the weather. Traditionally, a gentleman would wear one ring on each hand, such as a wedding ring and a signet ring. 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. Military rings are incredibly intimate. But did you know that there can be a meaning for each of the fingers on which you wear your ring? Required fields are marked *. First, do you want to order the class ring style that your school has chosen? Rings are one of the most accessible forms of jewelry for men and were regularly worn by gentlemen of style throughout history. This association reinforces the pinky finger as a way to communicate about yourself. Reflecting a sense of affection and obligation, class rings, which honor your school, college, or university, are often worn on the ring finger as well. In the low hundreds, you can find some gold rings as well as brass and alloys, while in the mid-hundreds you can get silver options. If you feel a deep connection to your school, the answer to Where to wear a class ring? is probably, Everywhere.. It was a low-key setting in darkened silver, if I recall correctly, with a diamond chip on each side. 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. Then you have the middle finger for balance, justice, law, soul-searching, and responsibility; its named after Saturn, the Greek god. The index finger is also bigger than the ring finger, which is the more traditional option for a military ring. Because the index finger is often associated with the change you are able to affect in the world, it, therefore, stands for your power and authority, especially on your dominant hand. 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. When youre ready to design your custom ring, the sky is the limit. Wearing a ring on your thumb conveys to others that you want to present yourself as an accomplished person who appreciates not only possessing, but also displaying, the finer things in life. These rings can be plain or ornate and assume any appearance and are generally referred to simply as pinky rings. I have always worn a yellow gold and diamond ring on my left ring finger and often wear a yellow gold and diamond ring on my right pinky. 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. As a result, this created a dilemma regarding where the ring is meant to be worn the left or the right. As such, fingers worn on the middle finger can reflect things for which you feel responsible or ways that you seek balance in your life. Absolutely. This understated approach encourages you to invest in just a few high-quality rings and ensure that they are counted among the centerpieces of your ensembles jewelry. In the UK, any ring on your Right pinky finger is an instant advertisement that you are Gay, so be careful..it really is an instant giveaway. The first thing you need to do is find out what your ring size is. Body Jewelry is a No-Go. This may have been one of the first examples of using rings to show membership in an elite group. OffusMax 5 mo. 2. A military ring is one of the most important forms of showing pride and celebrating the amazing work that men and women continue to put in working in the military and doing their best to protect the rest of us. This is done to ensure that military rings and other jewelry are not mixed up (such as wedding rings). According to the conventions of the Classic Style, however, a gentleman would usually wear one or two rings, or perhaps in very particular circumstances, three. How you balance your rings with other jewelry is another thing to take note of. When you order your ring from an independent ring supplier, such as Classrings.com, you can customize more elements. First used by West Point Military Academy in 1835, class rings were quickly adopted by other important schools.