Comments on: How to Understand the Symbolism of Rings

on 7/26/2007 In Arab society the engagement ring is the same ring you use for your wedding ring. Both the man and woman wear their wedding rings on the ring finger of the right hand and then during the marriage ceremony the rings are moved to the left ring fingers. I love the symbolism of this transition and it gets rid of the need for overly-materialistic diamond engagement rings. Also, it's very equal as the man is as proud of wearing his engagement ring as the woman is of wearing hers. My fiance shows off his every chance he gets--he loves being "taken off of the market"!!! It's so lovely!

on 12/7/2006 Promise Rings- Promise rings is something that is beaufiful and gives the woman a sense of security. I recently got a P.R. from my man and I was sooooo happy because it showed me that he was very serious about me and about our relationship. He talks about marriage and kids with me ALL the time and about how he can't wait. He calls the ring "the ring before your engagement ring", lol. He is so cute. I love him dearly and I know that he loves me dearly too. We know for sure that we are the ones for each other. He has given me confidence and security. A Promise Ring is very special.

on 12/7/2006 a promise ring is a beautiful thought and gesture. i just got one from my man and that shows me how serious he is about us. he talks about marriage an kids with me ALL the time and thats great. he said that "thats my ring before my engagament ring" and i'm happy.

on 8/8/2006 Many jewelry lovers have a common question on their mind and that is on which finger to wear a ring. There are three to four fingers on the hand which are quite popular for wearing rings, however it should be understood that the term ring finger refers to a particular finger on the hand. It therefore does not mean that any finger on which a ring is worn could be called a ring finger. In this article we try to answer the most common questions that relate to a ring finger, we also analyze the reason why a finger came to be known as the ring finger.

Let us start by first identifying which finger is the ring finger. For this, hold your left hand palm up and facing you, now start counting your fingers starting with the thumb.
The thumb is the first finger, now move toward the right and count the second and third fingers, stop when you arrive at the fourth finger as that is the ring finger. You can of course say that the finger that is next to the small finger is the ring finger. The small finger
is also called the pinky finger. You should also remember that when most people refer to the ring finger, they refer to this finger on the left hand and not the right hand.

So why is this finger referred to as the ring finger? In the ancient times it was believed that, there is a vital blood vessel that runs from the ring finger on the left hand directly to the heart! Since the heart is long believed to be a symbol of love, this finger was named as the ring finger. It is therefore apparent that a ring worn on the ring finger of the left hand, is worn with some matrimonial intentions or significance. A promise ring worn with a commitment to marriage, an engagement ring and a wedding ring are some examples of such rings. As medical sciences advanced, it was proved that the belief of a vital blood vessel connecting the left hand ring finger and the heart was wrong! However, the finger continues to be referred to as the ring finger until today.

We have mentioned above that the left hand ring finger is the finger where most people wear their wedding rings or engagement rings. However, a clarification of the finger on which a promise ring is worn, should be made. The meaning of the ring finger symbolizes a special type of relationship with matrimonial intentions. A promise ring can be worn for many reasons and not just with intentions of a matrimonial relationship. Promise rings worn to signify close friendship (not matrimonial), promise rings that are a commitment to purity or religious
promise rings, should ideally be worn on a finger other than the ring finger of the left hand.

The above article provides information that is both interesting and important regarding the meaning of the ring finger and also why this finger came to be known as the ring finger. It is important that a ring worn without matrimonial intentions on the ring finger of the left hand, could be misunderstood to mean an engagement ring or wedding ring or a promise ring (with matrimonial intentions).

You can read the complete report on the meaning of the ring finger and the significance of wearing a ring on the ring finger of the left hand. This report has been compiled after an intensive study was conducted by Kaisilver experts on this topic. The full report is available at this link:
http://www.newsletter.kaijewels.com/ring-finger-meaning-kj-01.htm


We will be back with more interesting and useful information regarding gem stones and jewelry.


Thanks and God Bless.
Regards.
Ms.Jittrah
http://www.kaisilver.com


Ms.Jittrah is senior executive at http://www.kaisilver.com the world's largest online provider of high end custom jewelry. All our custom jewelry can be ordered in 14k or 18k white or yellow gold with high end craftsmanship. You can choose from our jewelry designs or send us your own
designs to be custom made.

on 1/25/2006 This can sometimes indicate a gay or lesbian committed relationship-- either living together or married (in some areas). Usually this is symbolized by a silver band, either decorated or plain. The two partners may wear the same or similar rings. However, they may wear two different styles-- but more than likely they will be silver and not gold (since most heterosexual unions are symbolized by gold rings).

on 1/18/2006 I have always been told the wedding ring, being the most significant ring, is worn closest to your heart. The engagement ring is worn on the outside to protect the wedding ring. The engagement ring is moved to the right hand prior to the wedding ceremony, and moved back to the left hand once the wedding ring is in place.

on 11/22/2005 In many Eastern European countries, and other Christian Orthodox cultures, you will find that wedding bands are often worn on the right hand. The right hand is, of course, the hand of favor.

Wearing the wedding band on the left hand was adopted in the West, and much like the entirety of the traditional western wedding ceremony it comes from ancient Roman magisterial ceremonies.

I have been told, though I wouldn't know how to verify such a thing, that it has become a bit of a custom in the States for some divorcees to wear their wedding bands on their right hands.

on 11/22/2005 I was widowed at a young age and when I remarried my present wife had no problem with me wearing my late wife's wedding band on my right ring finger. She says, and I think the same, it shows a sign of solidarity to both her and my late wife that many just don't seem to understand.

on 11/22/2005 Breaking with tradition a bit, it is customary for gay couples to wear a silver or platinum band on the right ring finger.

on 11/22/2005 Surprisingly, many married couples in Japan don't wear wedding rings!Friendship rings are worn on the little finger of the left or right hand, since these fingers are used for making promises.

on 11/22/2005 As someone who was single till age 37, I did my share of tap dancing around the question of matrimony. I learned the cost of staying single got expensive. I would buy jewelry, to be sure, but never a ring. And never anything in a small box (I gave diamond earrings once - she cried when she saw the box, then cried harder when she opened it), it sends the wrong message. Especially if all you want to do is express your affection rather than your intentions.

on 12/12/2005 A promise ring is a ring with a special meaning and is given to someone or worn, with the intention of making some commitment. The commitment that a promise ring symbolizes need not be related to matrimonial intentions alone. There is a wrong notion that promise rings are nothing more than engagement rings, the truth is that a promise ring could be given or worn for many other reasons too.

Reasons for giving or wearing a promise ring:

(a) Pre-engagement promise rings: Such rings are worn when two people have decided to surely get engaged in the near future. A pre-engagement promise ring symbolizes the strong belief between two people who have decided to spend their lives together in the near future. The meaning of the promise ring in such a case would be very similar to an engagement ring. These promise rings are very common.

(b) Purity rings: The meaning of these promise rings do not imply any matrimonial commitment. Purity promise rings are often given by parents to their children and symbolize a promise from the child to abstain from sexual relationships until marriage. Chastity or abstinence promise rings serve a similar purpose as they imply a commitment to abstain from vices like drinking, smoking, etc.

(c) Promises between friends: The bond between good friends can be very great even if they are geographically separated by many oceans and mountains! A promise ring can also be given by a good friend to show a commitment that, friends will always be there for each other in times of need. The meaning of the promise ring in such a case would signify a strong bond between good friends and once again does not have any matrimonial intentions.

(d) Religious promise rings: Followers of a religion or of a particular religious saint, might all wear a similar type of ring. These are in fact promise rings and signify a commitment to follow the teachings of the saint or religion that they all worship. Since the promise ring meaning in this case relates to a specific religion or saint, a symbol or image of the saint could also be present in the design of such promise rings.

Important advice:

(1) Due to the fact that the meaning of the promise ring would change depending on the reason and intention for which it is given, it is always a good idea to clearly mention the reason when giving a promise ring to someone. It would be very sad and awkward if the receiver of the promise ring misinterprets the intention for which the ring was given. For example,
a person gifting a promise ring for friendship would be put in an awkward situation if the receiver feels that it was given for matrimonial intentions! It is a good idea to include a small note when gifting a promise ring to someone, let the note clearly mention the reason for which the ring is being given.

(2) As mentioned above, a promise ring meaning could change depending on the reason for which the ring is given or worn. Both ladies and men can wear promise rings though pre-engagement promise rings are very often presented to the lady by her man.

(3) In most cases a promise ring would be worn on the left ring finger. The ring finger is taken to mean the third finger on the hand. There is an exception for friendship promise rings, (with no matrimonial intentions) where it is best to avoid the left ring finger so that it is not mistaken for an engagement or wedding ring.

(4) A promise ring already has special meaning depending on the reason for which it is worn, however you can enhance the promise ring meaning by including a birth stone in the ring. It has been believed for a very long time that a gemstone represents every birth date and wearing a birth stone jewel brings good health and fortune.

We have put together one of the most comprehensive reports on promise rings and invite you to spend some time reading it. The information contains interesting facts and beliefs regarding promise rings and also includes a gorgeous collection of high end promise rings. You can read the complete report at this link:
http://www.kaisilver.com/promise-ring-all-ks-01.htm

Ms.Tuk
http://www.kaisilver.com/custom-jewelry.htm

Ms.Tuk is senior executive at http://www.kaisilver.com the world's largest online provider of
highend custom jewelry. All custom jewelry is made with your designs or ours and with gemstones of your choice.

on 11/22/2005 Promise rings are kind of a waste of money. Most of the time they are given to females as a sign to get out while you can. The majority of people I know, including myself, have experienced the reality of this! Not to say that it happens to all. Just be careful how you accept it (a sweet gift or we will hopefully be getting married soon). Good luck!

on 11/22/2005 I understand that the wedding band should be worn first, because it lies closest to your heart, and then the engagement ring.

on 11/22/2005 Don't be a slave to anything for sake of tradition, discuss the matter of ring position with your future husband and make the choice together, as a couple. Don't be afraid to go against the grain. Promise rings are fantastic, especially if you buy a wedding ring duo set. You switch the promise ring to the right hand after the wedding, and wear the set on the left hand. You get three rings instead of two! That's a great deal!