What Wearing a Ring on Each Finger Means

Learn what someone’s ring placement says about them

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Stina Garbis

Last Updated: August 23, 2023 References

Each one of your fingers represents something spiritually—whether that’s love, willpower, or courage—so what does wearing a ring on your thumb, index, middle, ring, or pinky finger mean? What about if it's on the right or left hand? Read on to learn all about each finger’s spiritual and cultural significance.

1

Ring on left pinky finger meaning

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Marital status or mafia ties In the 19th century, many believed that if a man wore 2 rings on his left pinky finger, he was married. The bottom ring was typically a wedding band, while the top ring was a signet indicating allegiance to a club or organization.^{[1]
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Research source} Alternatively, a single ring on the left pinky finger is said to allegedly show devotion to a gang.^{[2]
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- Signet rings are small and have a circular or oval center with a crest, symbol, or initial. These rings symbolize family and status.
- Some believe that the 32nd president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, wore a wedding and signet ring on his left pinky finger.
- Spiritually, the left pinky finger represents power and devotion.

2

Ring on right pinky finger meaning

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Professional or educational status More often than not, a ring is worn on the right pinky finger if someone has graduated with high honors or is part of a specific profession, such as engineering or carpentry. A graduation ring or signet ring may be worn on this finger to indicate a devotion to a profession or field of study.
- Professional rings worn on the right pinky finger are typically made of simplistic metals like iron, silver, or stainless steel.
- Spiritually, the right pinky finger radiates confidence and dominance. The right hand is typically a person’s dominant hand, so a ring on the right pinky finger reflects a persevering attitude.

3

Ring on left ring finger meaning

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Love and marriage If someone wears a ring on their left ring finger, it’s likely because they’re married, engaged, or promised to someone.^{[3]
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Research source} The left ring finger is believed to be connected to the “vein of love” (or Vena Amoris vein), which is a direct connection to the heart. Therefore, wearing a ring on the left ring finger symbolizes a spiritual and physical commitment to a significant other.^{[4]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- Similarly, people often wear chastity rings on their left ring fingers to show that they’re practicing abstinence.

4

Ring on right ring finger meaning

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Love and trust Wedding bands are worn on the right ring finger instead of the left in some cultures. In German, Russian, and Indian traditions, wedding and engagement rings are placed on the right hand to reflect a couple's love and trust for each other.^{[5]
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- Similarly, the right ring finger also spiritually represents self-love. Some may wear a ring on the right ring finger to celebrate a personal or spiritual milestone or accomplishment.

5

Ring on middle finger meaning

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Life, identity, and position Being the longest and most central finger, the middle finger (no matter which hand) symbolizes power. Therefore, wearing a ring on the left or right middle finger is a bold statement that shows confidence and tenacity.^{[6]
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- Many choose to wear creative and bold statement jewelry on their middle fingers because of this. For instance, a ring with a tiger’s eye crystal may be worn on a middle finger to show an individual's confidence.
- In Palmistry (or the practice of reading palms), the middle finger is connected to a person’s Fate Line or Line of Destiny. This line indicates the obstacles and overall life path the person will take.^{[7]
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6

Ring on left index finger meaning

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Leadership and ambition More often than not, the left index finger is reserved for statement rings that draw the eye. This is because the left index finger spiritually represents power. Kings and other ancient leaders would wear rings on this finger to show dominance and authority.^{[8]
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- Alternatively, some believe the left index finger has no spiritual significance; however, wearing a ring on this finger can help someone stand out in a crowd and show off their personal style.

7

Ring on right index finger meaning

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Jewish marriage Unlike other cultures, Jewish people wear their wedding bands on their right index finger rather than the left ring finger. They believe the right index finger is the closest finger to the heart. Plus, the right hand is usually a person’s dominant hand, meaning that a marriage band is more likely to be seen on the right index finger.^{[9]
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Chabad.org
Online resource for information related to Chabad-Lubavitch and Jewish culture

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- A Jewish bride may choose to move her wedding ring to her left ring finger after the wedding ceremony, especially if she’s left-handed.
- Spiritually, the right index finger is said to represent intuition, balance, and ambition.

8

Ring on thumb meaning

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Strong will and independence Being the lone finger, a thumb is spiritually known as the finger with the strongest willpower. Chunky, bold jewelry is often worn on the left and right thumbs to symbolize a wearer’s self-reliance.^{[10]
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- Alternatively, thumbs spiritually represent logic. Many believe that wearing a ring on the left or right thumb can boost knowledge and help you see past obstacles.
- In Asia, thumb rings are worn on the left hand as a symbol of protection and bravery.^{[11]
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Find your ring size for all your fingers by wrapping a flexible measuring tape around a chosen finger. Then, compare your measurement to a jeweler's circular sizing chart.

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