Accessories of african descent girl
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When you slip on a ring, coordinating it with your outfit likely springs to the forefront of your mind -- golds and bronzes flatter neutrals, silver tones pair with cool colors, and just the right gemstone serves as a crucial statement piece. Underneath the aesthetic statement, however, lies thousands of years of tradition culled from cultures around the world. Historically, each ring-bearing finger has been associated with various symbols or meanings. While choosing a finger might not be as essential to your ensemble as your clothing-jewelry pairing, it can add a whole new layer of subtle significance to your style.

The Promise of Pinkies

Pinky rings make a confident statement, and this goes hand-in-hand with the mercurial values traditionally connected to the finger. The pinky often represents confidence and independence, so feel free to showcase your quirkier, more brazen pieces on your littlest finger. A pinky ring also symbolizes openness and communication.

Ring Finger Symbolism

The wedding ring's traditional home (on the left hand) makes a lot more sense when you consider that the ring finger, across numerous cultures, often represents a connection to the heart. This finger is associated with the concepts of love, affection, commitment and faith, making finer, more elegant rings a natural fit. If you're sans wedding ring and looking to sport a ring on this finger without stirring up assumptions, choose a clearly decorative piece rather than an austere band.

The Middle Finger's (Other) Meaning

As it occupies the center of your hand, the middle finger signifies self and purpose. If you have a ring that you feel really sums up your personal identity -- perhaps a birth-month gemstone or a piece with sentimental value -- this is the place for it. Likewise, the finger's sturdy nature makes it a naturally masculine spot for rings. And while guys should keep rings on this finger simple, ladies may find it an ideal finger to feature chunkier cocktail pieces.

Pointing Forward

Just as your pointer finger draws attention to unexplored horizons, wearing a ring on your this finger symbolizes leadership, ego and ambition, making it a great choice for a bold and colorful statement piece. Wearing rings on your right-hand index finger indicates leadership, while placing them on the more passive left hand signifies a willingness to follow. Rings that symbolize association to a group -- such as a class or fraternity ring, or one bearing a family crest -- make perfect sense on the pointer finger.

Thumbs Up

As the most substantial finger, wearing a ring on your thumb speaks of strength and will power, and also emphasizes logic. Thick rings best suit this mindset, though even thinner styles worn on your dominant hand make an assertive statement. Outside of North America, people commonly wear valuable thumb rings to indicate wealth.