You surely know that a wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger – which is why it’s called the ring finger.

But did you know that in ancient times, each finger could give a clue about the respective ring? And that they not only symbolized beauty and power as unique pieces of jewelry, but were also believed to influence the fate of the wearer, even possessing magical and healing powers? To this day, wearing a ring can make a specific statement, depending on whether you wear the ring on your middle finger or index finger, for example. And who knows, maybe your ring protects you from the evil thoughts of others or brings you luck?

 

But: Where do you wear rings?

And does it matter whether you choose your right or left hand for your ring?

Hi, I'm Gudrun. I handcraft unique jewelry, inspired by nature. My leaf jewelry is one hundred percent unique, whether it's a ring, bracelet, or necklace: they are all one-of-a-kind!
But my handmade jewelry is not just meant to show my preference for the shapes of nature.

I also find historical facts about rings, bracelets, and necklaces incredibly exciting and have done some research.
Here's what I've learned for you: a little guide to wearing rings.

With my nature jewelry, you can also make your personal statement.

In the following, you will learn what meaning is attributed to each finger.

 

Rings of Love, Luck, and Power

Since the dawn of mankind, jewelry seems to have been made not only to adorn oneself: brooches, rings, and bracelets showed belonging to groups, such as the wealthy nobility or respected families. A ring in particular could be of great importance for the life of its wearer: rings were supposed to protect against diseases and slander, place the wearer under the protection of a certain god, or show a stranger that one was of high birth or important rank.

We still know this from signet rings, which were used not only by kings and dukes but also by ecclesiastical dignitaries. Or the wedding and friendship rings, which to this day symbolize a promise: to be faithful and devoted to each other. Certain rings even had their own names and were supposed to bring healing for serious illnesses.

Magic rings are also found in many ancient fairy tales and myths, where they possess magical powers: they make the wearer invisible when put on, or transport them to a specific place at will. Rings were also passed down within a family from generation to generation as a gift from a supernatural being, a fairy or a dwarf, for example – because the promise was: as long as the ring remains in the family, the house will endure and be blessed with happiness and prosperity.

Rings and the mysterious power of thoughts and feelings have always been intertwined – if the owner knows how to wear their ring.

 

Where is the best place to wear rings?

Choosing the finger

In the world of ancient Rome, every finger – except the thumb – was dedicated to one of the many gods. Some of these ideas have persisted from the Middle Ages to our time, even if we no longer believe in Jupiter, Cupid, and Mars.

I don't know about you, but I'm not really a superstitious person. Yet, from time to time, there seems to be something to the old traditions. When I wear my leaf jewelry, some days I feel particularly strong: I walk tall, look people in the eye, and feel ready for new deeds. Is Jupiter perhaps on my side when I wear my favorite ring on my right index finger? 

 

The ring on the index finger

The Romans associated the index finger with Jupiter, the father of the gods. He was the chief of all gods and directed the destinies of the Roman people. In war, he brought enemies to a standstill; he ruled over thunder and rain – and over the grape harvest.

If you wear a ring on your index finger, you strive for dominance and power over others, but also show self-confidence. Belonging to exclusive circles such as clubs or lodges is also often symbolized by rings worn on the index finger.

 

The ring on the middle finger

 

The middle finger was once dedicated to the god Saturn. This god was the guardian of agriculture, the solid foundation of life for all people of that time. In honor of Saturn, a festival was also celebrated, from which our Carnival and Christmas festival would later develop: the Saturnalia.

During these festive days in December, people exchanged gifts and staged a kind of inverted world, where subordinates were allowed to sit at the table and were served by the masters – a fun event, but also a form of recognition for the hard work performed by the servants. Thus, in the Middle Ages, Saturn was considered to determine measure and order, but also fate and magic.

A ring on the middle finger is located in the balancing center of the hand and therefore stands for justice and the order of things.

 

But memorial rings, intended to commemorate a beloved deceased person, are also often worn on the middle finger – perhaps as an echo from ancient times, in memory of the power of fate.

 

The ring on the fourth finger - the ring finger

 

The fourth finger was considered by the Romans to be a symbol of the god Apollo, the god of light and spring and the protector of art and music. The wedding ring (right hand) or engagement ring (left hand) is naturally worn on the ring finger, as marriage has always been associated with spring and a wedding celebration with music and dance.

The ceremony of mutually placing rings on each other's fingers is the wonderful highlight of every wedding. But unmarried people can also wear a ring on this finger: those who have dedicated their lives to art or music can also choose the ring finger.

Friendship rings, which already existed in the Middle Ages and symbolize the special bond between two close friends, are also often worn on the ring finger.

 

Anything is allowed!

 

Wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right hand in Austria and Germany. However, this is not the case in all countries. In Switzerland, Italy, and Portugal, and even in the USA, the wedding ring is worn on the left hand.

 

This is also very often a more comfortable option. Since in our culture, greetings are made with the right hand, and especially men often tend to have a very firm handshake, the ring is often painfully squeezed onto the fingers.

 

After this happened to my husband a few times and he got an open sore on his finger, he now also wears his wedding ring on his left hand!

 

The ring on the little finger

 

In ancient Rome, the little finger was considered a sign of the god Mercury, the patron god of trade. His image could be found on the reverse side of coins, among other places, until the early modern period.

Mercury was also the god of luck. A ring on the little finger can also be a friendship ring – this is particularly popular among young girls today.

 

But there is also space on the little finger for a personal message: religious symbols, indications of the wearer's connection to nature through leaves or flowers on the ring, or zodiac signs are often found on rings worn on the little finger.

The ring on the thumb

 

In Roman times, the thumb was the only finger not associated with a specific god. However, we know from ancient Greece that a ring on the thumb symbolized power and masculinity.

Today, of course, any woman can also wear a ring on her thumb and be assured of a very special effect: thumb rings are rare. They therefore stand for willpower, individuality, and self-confidence.

 

Nature jewelry for every finger:
Order handmade jewelry online

Have you found the right finger for your personal statement? Then I wish you a lot of fun browsing my pages!

Order handmade jewelry online?

But of course, that's possible! My handmade jewelry will be on its way to your home directly after your order. Soon my leaf jewelry in the form of a ring can adorn your fingers – and tell your surroundings who they are dealing with!

All rings are unique pieces, the little something special on your hand.
If you don't know your ring size now, that's no problem at all - because I have a very simple guide for you.

 

Measuring ring size

If you're now eager to wear a ring, but aren't really sure about your ring size. Then download my PDF guide and print it out to measure an existing ring.

Or you can simply order the Multisizer for 1 Euro plus shipping costs (this amount will be sent to you as a voucher, and you will receive the purchase price refunded with your ring purchase) and quickly and easily measure your ring size with its help.

 

See you soon!