A Guide to Wearing Men’s Rings

Men have been wearing rings since the very first bands were forged. In fact, they used to be very important pieces of jewelry. They were worn by men of power and influence. You’ve heard of signet rings? In ancient times, they acted exactly like a man’s signature. A raised initial or family symbol defined these vital bands. Dipped in wax and pressed onto the finish remarks of a letter, or used to seal an envelope, signet rings were a man’s bond.

We all know about wedding rings. Seems like they are the most prevalent type whenever you look around at men’s hands. Wedding rings, of course, denote another kind of bond. A more personal one. One that represents the unity you share with your one true love. However, men didn’t wear wedding rings until around the first World War, so they are actually a pretty recent trend, all things considered.

In high school and universities across the world, class rings are a very popular accessory for young men to sport on their hands. Until another interested party steals his heart away. When this happens, the class ring usually becomes the property of the new sweetheart. At least temporarily.

Historically, these are all very well represented men’s rings. But today there is an entire world of handsome bands that could be worn if one had the notion. Some are worn for pure style. Others might make a strong statement or represent a conviction. You also don’t have to be married to wear a band that symbolizes your relationship. Promise rings for men indicate a commitment and loyalty to another person. A promise that resides in your heart and exists aside from any contractual obligation.

Now that we’ve discussed a few types of men’s rings from both the past and the present, we thought it might be helpful if we touch on a few of the most asked questions when it comes to wearing men’s rings.

Should Men Wear Rings?

As mentioned earlier, wedding bands are pretty standard fare when it comes to rings on men. But what about beyond the wedding vows? Is it okay for guys to wear rings? The short answer is absolutely, yes! But it really has to do with your own personal preference, taste, and style.

There are many men who will admit they don’t prefer to wear rings. Some say rings “get in the way” or feel uncomfortable. Even their wedding ring feels out of place on their hand. That’s perfectly fine. But if you’re looking for a way to stand out, get attention, make a statement, or complement your daily attire, men’s rings are a great option. And luckily, there are many popular choices if you decide to be a ring wearer. We will get into a few of those in a minute.

Which Hand or Finger Should You Wear a Ring On?

It could vary depending on where you live in the world, but if you are in the United States, traditionally wedding rings are worn on the left hand. Outside of that, there are no standard rules dictating which hand men should wear their rings on, which fingers, or even how many rings they should wear. The only exception is that if you choose to wear several rings at once, you should probably avoid wearing more than one per finger.

Regarding left hand versus right hand, there is not a general rule per se, apart from wedding band etiquette already mentioned. There are, however, different kinds of rings that are specifically made to be worn on different fingers.

If you are not married and don’t wear a wedding band, the ring finger is the most obvious first choice to adorn with a ring. Second to the ring finger would be the middle finger, suitable for the same styles of rings but more of a bolder expression. Pinky rings are often synonymous with statement rings for men. Despite the size of the digit, the little fingers are actually a position of power and strength. And, of course, the index finger, or trigger finger, is historically known as the appropriate location for family, fraternal, or class rings.

What Are the Most Popular Men’s Rings?

Men’s rings are created with many different materials as their base metal, including silver, gold, platinum, titanium, and tungsten. They also feature a multitude of different designs and styles that range from simple bands to ornate works of art. And just like women’s rings, men’s rings are also a wonderful canvas for showing off gemstones. Diamonds, black onyx, emeralds, and sapphires are just a few of the major ones.

But what about ring types? Every ring means something, even if the intention is purely to enhance a man’s overall look. Here are a few of the most popular ring types for men and what their meaning typically is.

Wedding Rings or Promise Rings – worn to express the important bond or relationship shared with another very special person. Usually, that significant other will wear a comparable ring to confirm the commitment, sealing the bond.

Statement Rings – interest- or passion-based ring worn to share your love for a certain thing or belief. This could range from a cause or ideal about which you have strong convictions, to a favorite hobby you are enthusiastic about. Statement rings can also express your love of a sports team, college or university.

Fashion Rings – any ring that is not connected to a specific person or belief could be considered a fashion ring. The focus is usually on the design of the ring and how it complements the man wearing it, his outfit, his outlook and his personal style.

Truth be told, there are no hard-and-fast rules in place governing the wearing of men’s rings. But hopefully, this article was able to provide a little guidance navigating the overall landscape of male banding.