Rings Are Jewelry for Many Occasions

Historically, rings were worn on the finger to symbolize specific meanings relative to romantic relationships, religious expressions, and social status. Today’s society upholds no faux pas rules about which finger to wear rings. People wear rings on any finger they desire, without regard to symbolism. However, when it comes to romantic expressions of love and relationships, many people in today’s society still uphold historic tradition when wearing jewelry, especially rings.

With regard to engagement or wedding rings, they were placed on the third finger of the left hand because, ancient Egyptians believed that this finger contained the “vena amoris”, meaning, “the vein of love”.

Eternity rings are available either as half eternity rings or as full eternity rings. Half eternity rings are designed with the diamonds or gems halfway around the ring. Full eternity rings are designed with the diamonds or gems all the way around the ring

The tradition of wearing the engagement and wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand stems from an old Grecian fable, which indicated that the artery from this finger flows directly to the heart. The fourth finger is also referred to as the "ring" finger.

Engagement Rings

Engagement rings, in some customs, are given as a betrothal present, prior to the wedding. Often, engagement rings are given as a proclamation of intended marriage. Engagement rings symbolize devotion toward one another and the love the couple hopes to share forever in their marriage.

Wedding Rngs

In some cultures, the wedding ring is a symbol of possession. Western society views wedding rings as a symbol that two people have promised to love one another and remain united in love together forever. On the wedding day, the engagement ring is removed and transferred to the right hand. The ring can also be kept safely in the care of the matron of honor or simply kept somewhere safe until after the ceremony. The reason is that on the wedding day, the wedding ring finger is left bare so that it is the only ring on that finger during the wedding ceremony. The wedding ring is worn closest to the heart. So, first place the wedding ring on and then the engagement ring follows.

Eternity Rings
Eternity rings symbolize eternal life and love. Eternity rings are a continuous circle of metal studded with stones either halfway or all the way around the band. Eternity rings can be given for any momentous occasion, such as the birth of a child; however, eternity rings are commonly given as wedding or anniversary rings.

Eternity rings are also known as anniversary rings, infinity rings, or special occasion rings, which makes eternity rings a gift to be given almost any time to symbolize your love, devotion, and honor of your special someone.

As well as with couples in a relationship, some single women select eternity rings for themselves, simply for the beauty of the ring itself. Eternity rings are a beautiful and classic design, and, in many families, eternity rings are used as heirlooms, passed down through generations.

When not used as traditional wedding or engagement rings, eternity rings can be worn on any finger.

Friendship Rings
Friendship rings are a symbol a close relationship. The relationship may not necessarily be a romantic relationship and is exchanged between friends to symbolize their friendship. Traditionally, friendship rings are worn on the little finger.

Promise Rings
Promise rings are a symbol of love, faith, and commitment. Promise rings do not symbolize that the couple is engaged, instead, promise rings are an informal proclamation of a couples desire to be together. Promise rings are usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand.

Purity Rings
Purity rings, also called chastity rings are a symbol of a person’s commitment to abstain from sex until marriage. Purity rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. In some religious cultures, when a couple becomes engaged, the bride-to-be wears the purity ring along with her engagement ring. Upon marriage, the purity ring is removed.

Mother's Rings
Mother’s rings symbolize the birth months of a mother’s children. In a specialized setting, each birth is represented by a birthstone. Mother's rings can be worn on any finger.

School Rings
School rings symbolize the year of graduation and the activities in which students are involved. While in school, students wear the school ring with the insignia facing inward toward them. After graduation, the alumnus wears the ring so that the insignia faces away from them. School rings are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the right hand.

As with anything in today’s world, you will not be out casted if you do not follow what has been known as tradition. Many people wear any kind of jewelry simply for its beauty without regard to tradition.