Close Menu
Jewellery MonthlyJewellery Monthly
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Jewellery MonthlyJewellery Monthly
    • News
      • Industry News
      • Celebrities
      • Launches
    • Events
    • Insights
    • Consumer Education
      • Diamond Prices
    • About Us
    • Contact
    Friday, May 9
    Jewellery MonthlyJewellery Monthly
    Home»Education»The cultural aspect of a ring
    cultural aspects of a ring
    Education

    The cultural aspect of a ring

    Jewellery MonthlyBy Jewellery Monthly03/05/20134 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Taking a peep through ring culture and history.

    We are surrounded by oh so many things that speak about us. They describe our style, our life and, why not, our desires. We dress in a certain way to express something. We put on make-up to show the world what they should be looking at. We match our outfit with perfect accessories to establish our place in this universe. We want others [and ourselves, of course] to be aware about who we are. And why we are who we are.

    With this ring…

    As you may know, rings have been used for many purposes through history. It’s very hard to give an exact time about when these custom of giving, sharing and receiving a ring has become, but it seems it dates back somewhere 6000 years ago. In the ancient Rome, only senators, members of the military, physicians had the right to wear gold rings, the gold ones have been prohibited for slaves or lower rank persons. They were replaced with the bronze and iron rings.

    A Symbol of Power and Status!

    A ring may represent wealth, power, social and political status and is the perfect element that links this tangible world with a magical one. The one that has the eternity term in its description. A ring’s design, its shape and colours have much more effect on communicating a message than its own stones or metals. Remember all those goddesses and gods who wore rings that symbolized their power. Think always about the person that wears the ring, not about the financial value of it. It has been said that the Gauls and British people loved to wear a ring on the middle finger while the Greeks [very much influenced by the Egyptian rings] and Romans hated this way.

    And, since the dawn of time, the ring speaks for us.
    Differently, on each finger.

    diamond ring stock photography

    Image Supplied by Copyright © LionSorbet Ltd 2013 – All rights reserved

    Which Finger or Thumb?

    The ancient Anatolian people were famous for the signet rings [we have discovered only a few of them until now], the Egyptian style was actually diverse, the ring had quite complex designs. Of course, the finger that holds a ring has to have a special significance. You cannot put a wedding ring on your thumb, for example. Let’s start with the little finger or the auricular one: this is the Mercury finger that talks about your communication and the way you express yourself and relate towards personal and sexual relationships.

    Having a ring on the pinky speaks about the way you talk about yourself. The thumb is much more stronger: it’s the willpower finger that symbolizes vitality, freedom and action. And it makes you unique, in a certain way. Your Jupiter finger [the index one] is the fellow that stands up. He has speeches about ambition and willingness. He is a leader. The middle finger, referred to also as the identity or the Saturn finger, is associated with our potential, our own limitations and capabilities. A ring on the middle finger will talk about responsibility. No, we won’t forget about the Apollo finger [or the annular one]: it is all about creativity and romance, the perfect link to the heart. And yes, this is the traditional home for wedding rings. Friendship, engagement, love.

    “The ring is given by the espouser to the espoused
    either for a sign of mutual fidelity or
    still more to join their hearts by this pledge;
    and therefore the ring is placed on the fourth
    finger because a certain vein, it is said,
    flows thence to the heart.”

    – SAINT ISIDORE OF SEVILLE
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Jewellery Monthly
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • LinkedIn

    Jewellery Monthly strives to be the UK's most helpful jewellery publication - informing, educating and connecting all levels of the jewellery trade to help our industry grow.

    Related Posts

    Goldsmiths’ Centre Opens Applications for Shine 2025 Training Programme

    25/04/2025

    BAJ to Host Apprenticeships Webinar for Jewellery Employers

    17/04/2025

    Birmingham Assay Office to Host Careers Day for Aspiring Jewellery Professionals

    09/01/2025

    CMJ Introduces Free Training Platform for Members

    05/12/2024

    BAJ to Host Online Apprenticeship Info-Session for Jewellery Industry Employers

    01/11/2024

    BAJ Celebrates Emerging Talent at 2023/2024 London Graduate Show

    02/10/2024

    Jewellery industry news & insights delivered straight to your inbox

    Get the free 5-minute newsletter read by Jewellery Industry professionals who want to get ahead

    Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
    Your subscription has been successful.

    Explore

    • About
    • Contact

    Reach Our Audience

    • Advertise
    • Submit a press release
    • Submit an opinion piece

    Consumer Education

    • 4Cs of Diamonds
    • Diamond Price Chart

    Jewellery Monthly is part of Loupe Media Network

    Privacy policy | Terms of use | Cookie Policy

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT