Everything You Wanted to Know About Mother’s Rings

For quite some time now, mother’s rings have become incredibly popular. Not only are they meaningful pieces of jewelry that many moms purchase for themselves, but they also make a great gift, especially when given to a mother by her children or a loved one.

We don’t want to assume that everyone knows what a mother’s ring is. So perhaps the best way to start this post is to answer that question:

What is a mother’s ring?

Here are 3 quick qualifiers:

1. A mother’s ring is worn by a mother.

2. A mother’s ring symbolizes a mother’s children and loved ones, usually with their engraved names and/or their birth month stones incorporated into the ring design.

3. A mother’s ring is personal and one-of-a-kind to the mother who wears it.

To add: mother’s rings are also referred to as family rings since they symbolize a mother’s family. So not only her own children, but there could be many people that live within Mom’s “family” of love, including grandchildren, other important loved ones, and even cherished pets.

A Brief History of Mother’s Rings

There is some disagreement as to where the practice of making and giving mother’s rings came from. Some believe it was as early as the 1900s, around the time of the origination of Mother’s Day, but that cannot be verified with any historic examples.

More than likely the first mother’s ring was designed by a jeweler in the 1950s. As a gift to his wife, he took two wedding bands and forged them together into one band. He also added birthstones to the design – one for each of their children. Evidently, this unique piece of jewelry became a local hit, and its influence spread. The rest, as they say, is history.

Are There Other Types of Mother’s Jewelry?

The short answer is yes, there are. For as many different jewelry types you can shop in today’s marketplace, including necklaces, bracelets, watches, brooches, earrings, and of course rings, there are designs that are made specifically for mothers.

With the availability of personalization, each piece of jewelry can be customized in the same way that rings are, with engravings and birthstones, to create wearable tributes to a mother’s beloved family. While some moms might prefer these alternatives, rings are still the most popular type, followed closely by necklaces with pendants.

On Which Hand and Finger Should You Wear a Mother’s Ring?

Mother’s rings have historically been worn on the right hand. And usually on the ring finger. The reason behind this is that the left hand has been traditionally reserved for wedding and engagement rings. But, as we all know, not everyone wears a wedding or engagement ring or is inclined to wear them on their left hand.

This same protocol should apply to the wearing of mother’s rings. Meaning, this is a symbol that is important and significant to the mother wearing it. Standardized practices, no matter how historically verified, should not be used to dictate the hand and finger on which a mother should wear her ring. She should wear it in a way that is comfortable and pleasing to her

Should Mother’s Rings Include the Mother’s Name or Birthstone?

Some mothers do add their name and birthstone when personalizing their ring. It brings a mother’s “presence” into the design, adding another layer to the symbolism. For those personalizing a mother’s ring as a gift, it’s a good idea to consider whether Mom would like to be included in her own ring or have the focus be on her children. There are also certain mother’s rings available for purchase that already have a spot designated for the mother’s personalization, included in the design.

What Are Some Popular Styles of Mother’s Rings?

There are probably as many different styles of mother’s rings as there are moms. Having the availability of so many options is great because every woman has her own individual fashion sense. That’s what makes shopping for a mother’s ring fun as well. Here are a few style categories you might encounter when selecting a ring:

Metals – the most prevalent ones are solid sterling silver, yellow gold and rose gold.

Design – simple to ornate, classic to contemporary, designs vary and run the gamut.

Personalization – how the engravings and/or birthstones are arranged in the ring design.

Themes – sometimes showcase additional themes, like faith, birthdays or holidays.

Should You Wait Until Mother’s Day to Give a Mother’s Ring?

Mother’s rings do make an ideal gift for Mother’s Day, but you certainly can give her one for any occasion or even just to let her know how much she is appreciated. And any time is a good time to personalize one for yourself. After all, mothers should be honored and celebrated every day of the year.

If you are in the market for a mother’s ring, shop with The Bradford Exchange. We offer a wonderful selection of rings with designs that mothers are certain to cherish. Each one is a beautiful symbol of family and motherhood, and a loving expression of the ones that moms hold most dear: their precious children.