The tradition of wearing rings has been around since approximately 4,800 years ago. Such a time-lasting tradition now permeates our society in the form of promise rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, and, most importantly to this blog, statement rings. As is customary, most of these rings are traditional worn on a woman's left-hand ring finger. After briefly looking into this custom, I found out that it started because of a Roman belief that the vein in one's left-hand ring finger (the "vena amoris") was directly connected to the heart (and thus love).
For the longest time, I only bought rings for/wore rings on this finger. I thought it was the prettiest and most graceful place to wear a ring (after all, your ring fingers supposedly have the gentlest touch according to make-up artists). But then, designers started making these statement rings that covered the first third of a finger or more.
The first one I bought was the one shown below. It cost under $3.00 at Charlotte Russe and even though it turns my finger green when I wear it (it washes away, I promise!), I love it because of just how bold it is. Note the size though: it touches from knuckle to knuckle and even reaches out to cover small sections of my pinky and middle fingers when together.
While I still love the way it looks and while I legitimately only bought rings for my left-ring finger for 18 years of my life, one day I decided to branch out...and I fell in love with the concept of the middle-finger ring.
Something that this look reminds me of is the kind of gloves that are about elbow length and have a "V" that ends with a loop around the middle finger (like the example below). I cannot exactly figure out what movie I've seen these in or what era they're from, but something about them screams either Romeo and Juliet or The Other Boleyn Girl or something along those lines.
My philosophy is that it draws attention to the beauty of the hand's construction. Also, it makes sense to have the largest finger on your hand be the one occupied by the largest ring you're wearing. Perhaps the ring finger should be more delicately preserved. All of that being said, here are my current favorite statement rings to try this trend out with:
If you're feeling whimsical or prefer a ring with a little more character and color, the Crystal Elephant Stretch Ring ($50) from Betsey Johnson is definitely something to look into. This week was actually the first time I had ever tried on a ring with a stretch band (personally I always thought they took away from the ring by looking chunky and ugly). However, they're incredibly comfortable and once on your hand the band all but disappears.
If you want something a little less playful and a little more intricate, then definitely look into Forever 21's Damask Knuckle Ring ($5.80). As of today, it is out of stock, but definitely be on the lookout for it. It's not only gorgeous, but it's perfect for that extra little bit of space that your middle finger has. If you like the look of this, but want something that looks perhaps a touch more expensive, Urban Outfitters' Other Worlds by Species ring (right, $24.00) may be what you're looking for.
This next ring, also from Forever 21, definitely gives off the impression that you got it in some faraway land. And while my one criticism of Forever 21 rings is that the gemstones in them can look pretty costume-y or cheap, I don't get that vibe from the Textured Filigree Ring ($4.80). It's a statement piece that could dress any outfit up or give your outfit just the right finishing touch.
For the outfit that requires something a little less flashy (or a little more edge if a piece of hard silver jewelry will do the trick), a hammered sheath ring is the way to go. Anthropologie's Mycenaean Ring ($32.00) is a perfect example of this.
If that's not "trendy" or "cool" enough from you, Urban Outfitters' Chrishabana Bone Hinge Ring could be a cool alternative. If you've never heard of a hinge ring before, it's pretty much exactly what it sounds like. When your center knuckle bends, the ring bends (on its hinge) with it. Pretty intriguing, no? While this is currently out of stock as well, either use it as inspiration or find someone who's still selling it.
If you like things that are creepy and crawly (serpents a trend this season, after all), or you just like things that twist up your finger, the middle finger gives you the most space to gracefully do this. Neiman Marcus sells a gorgeous Snake Ring by Aurelie Bidermann ($205.00) that you should definitely check out.
A final note on "middle-finger" rings is that this is a great finger to show off rings that have flashy or large gems in them. The fact that it's the center of your hand allows things to stay looking symmetrical and balances the largesse of the ring out. That being said, if you can make a large splurge (or can find something similar to it), Armenta Heraldica's Oval Bloodstone Ring (sold at Neiman Marcus for $4,835.00) is gorgeous. If that's not nearly in your price-range though, get a little funkier and try out Urban Outfitters' Circling Serpent Ring (right, $24.00).
In any case, I suggest that you try wearing your jewelry in a new way. Maybe it will make you like something you haven't worn in a while more again. Maybe it'll make someone take notice of the "symmetrical beauty" of your hand. Or maybe (and I'm not telling you to do this but...), just maybe, it will make giving the finger to someone a little more fashionable. Enjoy.
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