How to Understand the Symbolism of Rings

While there's not an established significance associated with every ring you might wear, some rings are by their nature symbolic, while others take on added symbolism depending on the finger you wear them on. This is especially true of engagement and wedding rings, but may apply to other rings as well.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Jewelry Boxes
• Claddagh Rings
• Class Rings
• Engagement Rings
• Friendship Rings
• Mother's Rings
• Promise Rings
• Wedding Rings

1. Wear a mother's ring to show the birth months of each of your children. The ring is made up of birthstones - one for each child - arranged in one of several styles.

2. Order a school ring that displays your year of graduation and the activities you are involved in. Tradition has it that the ring is worn with the insignia facing inward (toward you) while you are in school, and is changed so that the insignia faces out (away from you) after you have graduated.

3. Wear a friendship ring to symbolize a close - but not necessarily romantic - relationship. This ring is often worn on the little finger, but can be worn on any finger of either hand.

4. Choose an Irish Claddagh ring (two hands clasping a heart with a crown) as a friendship, engagement or wedding ring. Each item pictured is symbolic, as is the way that the ring is worn. (See "How to Wear a Claddagh Ring" in Related eHows, left.)

5. Give or wear a promise ring to symbolize love, faith and commitment - but not engagement. This ring is usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand, but is not as formal or expensive as an engagement ring.

6. Wear a diamond ring on the ring finger of the left hand to signify engagement. The diamond symbolizes purity and light.

7. Place a wedding ring on the ring finger of your left hand. Tradition says a vein from this finger runs directly to the heart, putting a ring worn here closer to the heart than a ring worn on any other finger.

Tips & Warnings

• If students are "going steady," the boy wears the girl's class ring on his pinky finger, while she wears his ring around her neck on a chain.

• The design of a promise ring can include a diamond or other stone, or be a simple gold ring with intertwined hearts.

• In some cultures, the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand.

• If you give a promise ring that contains a diamond, be sure it is not interpreted as an engagement ring, especially if you are not ready to be engaged.