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If you like to adhere to traditions, then wearing a signet ring correctly is going to be very important to you. While fashion today dictates that you can wear what you want as you want, it’s always nice to revert back to a more classic style.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the traditional way of how to wear a signet ring and some modern alternatives.
One of the first things that people ask when thinking about how to wear a signet ring is which hand is correct. Traditionally, people would have worn their signet ring on their non-dominant hand which is why you mainly see them being worn on the left. However, lefties would use the right hand.
While there’s no hard and fast evidence to suggest why this is the case, it’s widely agreed that it’s for convenience. Back when men wore signet rings for practical purposes, having it on their non
dominant hand meant that it wouldn’t get in the way and pose as a nuisance.
However, it’s also speculated that the signet ring is worn on the left in some countries because the wedding ring is worn on the right hand. In most countries, wedding bands are worn on the left but places like The Netherlands do things differently and, during the ceremony, will place a ring on their partner’s right hand. It’s therefore believed that the signet ring is worn on the left in order to avoid having two rings on the same hand.
That said, you have to consider that this might not be all that reliable since there are plenty of people in The Netherlands that follow the tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the left; catholics,
for example.
Traditionally, the signet ring would have been worn on the pinky finger so if you want to stick with the classic style then you would choose this finger. As I have already discussed, most people would choose the pinky on their non-dominant hand. However, if you like to mix things up and have a quirky style then there’s no rule that says you can’t wear it on the opposite hand.
Which pinky you choose can be determined by comfort. I have found that it feels more comfortable to wear the ring on my left hand but it’s worth experimenting and seeing what feels best for you. You should also keep in mind that having a ring on your pinky is a very obvious statement and great if you want to make an impact. If you’re looking for something a little more subtle then this probably isn’t the best finger to choose.
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Another great way to make a visible statement is by wearing your signet ring on the index finger. This is in clear view but it doesn’t look garish. In fact, for those with slender fingers, wearing a signet on the pointer can often give a very elegant appearance.
The main issue with wearing your signet ring on the index finger is that it can sometimes get in the way and be impractical. If you work with your hands then this might not be the right option for you.
The thumb is also a brilliant place to wear your signet ring if you want it to be very visible. This will definitely get the ring noticed but it can be a rather unusual style so you need to feel confident and proud enough to wear it this way.
A lot of people keep their ring finger free for their wedding ring. However, if this doesn’t apply to you then it’s perfectly acceptable to wear your signet ring here. In fact, a lot of people prefer this as
it showcases the ring in a much more subtle manner.
In the United States, it’s very fashionable to wear a signet ring on your middle finger and it’s something you might see a lot of celebrities doing. It gives a much less formal appearance and is a
great way to draw attention to the jewellery.
A lot of people choose to have their signet rings engraved with a family crest, symbol or other unique design. This is the most traditional way to wear a signet ring and we have a guide on choosing the right engraving here.
But once you have had your ring engraved, you then need to consider which is the right way to wear it. You can choose to have the design facing you or facing outwards and you’ll see people wearing their rings in both ways.
There are a lot of people that are under the belief that a signet ring should always be worn with the design facing outwards. It’s thought that in the past when the rings were used as a seal or way of
signing, this would have offered the most convenience. Imagine using the fist to press down into a piece of wax, having the ring facing outwards would be that the design would be the right way up.
However, this is a misconception because men would typically take their rings off before pressing them into the wax to avoid burning their hand.
There are other theories as to which way the ring should be worn. For example, in some cultures, it’s thought that wearing the ring with the engraving facing outward suggests the wearer is not married while wearing it facing you shows that you are married. Again, this isn’t the most reliable notion since it’s not a hard and fast rule that all signet ring wearers apply.
There is also the idea that wearing a signet ring with a coat of arms facing outwards is a way to show anyone you encounter which family you belong to. This may have had significance historically but it’s a less recognisable way to identify yourself in modern society. That said, there are some wearers that like to have the family crest or coat of arms facing them as a way to remind themselves where they belong and the loyalty to their family.
When it comes down to the crunch, the way you wear your ring in terms of which way the engraving faces is a completely personal choice. There may be a family tradition you’d like to stick with or
perhaps you just like how it looks when you wear the ring a certain way. Since signet rings are such personal pieces of jewellery, it makes sense to wear them in a way that’s unique to you.
In the past, there may have been a certain way that people wore their signet rings whether this be for practical reasons or for sentimental ones. However, much of this is speculation, especially in
modern society and it’s perfectly acceptable to wear your signet ring in a way that feels best to you.
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