Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (2024)

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Behind the centuries-old significance of the jewelry staple most closely associated with both Windsors and Sopranos.

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (1)By Leena Kim

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (2)

At first glance, future kings of England and pop culture's most revered and feared mobsters don't have much in common. But if one were to draw a link between them, it just might be a fine gold thread connected through that glinting, gilded accessory ever-present around their littlest fingers. Prince Charles and Tony Soprano, the Duke of Windsor and the Godfather, they're all united in their steadfast devotion to the pinky ring.

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (3)

Tony Soprano and his work family, bound by blood, loyalty (for the most part), and jewelry.

Perhaps it speaks to the far deeper credo shared by these disparate crews: that life-or-death affiliation to your clan—and extreme unquestioning loyalty to whatever it is that clan stands for, whether it's service to country (though to be fair, the Duke of Windsor sort of failed in this department) or service to organized crime—is paramount. And the best, most conspicuous, way to manifest all this is with these pinky adornments. In these tiny bijoux lie major undertones: of duty, honor, tradition, fidelity.

Like all jewelry, men's pinky rings are status symbols with roots that stretch back forever. Even Pliny the Elder, in his magnum opus Natural History, mused on the uses of the accessory, that some wear all their rings on their smallest finger while others choose a single pinky ring as a daily substitute for a more valuable signet ring, "a rarity not deserving the insult of common use," he wrote, adding, "Thus even wearing a single ring on the little finger may advertise the possession of a costlier piece of apparatus put away in store."

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (4)

Prince Charles never takes off his pinky rings.

During the Victorian era pinky rings became fashionable among British nobility thanks to Queen Victoria's sons, who took cues from the Germans and began stacking their wedding and signet rings on their left pinky, starting a long royal tradition that has continued to this day (see: Prince Charles). The trend found its way across the pond, too, most notably with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose pinky ring game was so on point it impressed Winston Churchill.

While the Windsors and their upper-class brethren are partial to signet rings engraved with their coats of arms and dynastic crests—long ago this served a practical purpose for easily sealing documents—not all pinky rings are signets, and vice versa. Over in the camp of mafia capos and consiglieri, flashy pinky rings—Joe Pesci's character in The Irishman turns a rare dollar liberty coin into a diamond-studded gem; Tony Soprano, on the other hand, preferred a gold band topped with a ruby—bound them to their shared cause, but also served a different sort of practical purpose: in the event of a mafioso's untimely death, his associates could use the ring to pay off funeral expenses.

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (5)

A scene from Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, with Joe Pesci (with his massive pinky ring) as crime boss Russell Bufalino and Robert De Niro as Frank Sheeran.

Even with such strong associations, obviously one need not be a Windsor or a Corleone to adopt their signature jewelry style, just as one need not be a prim and proper lady to wear pearls. And today, sporting a pinky ring hardly requires pledging diehard allegiance to some great cause. "The perception is evolving as men have become much more style-centric," says Evan Yurman, chief creative officer at David Yurman (and the son of its namesake founder). "The pinky now shows a reverence for the past infused with a modern spirit of self-expression."

Whether they're stamped with symbolic motifs—a lion for strength, a bee for protection, a horse for valor—or encrusted in pavé stones, David Yurman's array of options is a gem-flecked indicator of just how far pinky rings have come from their blue-blooded and/or mob ties. "It's relaxed, American luxury—modern, playful, and individual," Yurman says. "Besides a wedding ring, a pinky ring is often a man's most personal ring, an essential part of his style. Something you can wear every day."

And while there are still those who undoubtedly love to flash a pinky signet ring as status symbol, the tides are turning. "Now men are leaning more towards wearing chunky pinky rings as fashion statements," says jeweler Briony Raymond. "There's something about having a ring on the pinky that lends one's gestures and mannerisms a more intentional flair. It can embolden a man."

A handy starter kit, below.

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (6)

David Yurman Petrvs Horse Pinky Ring with 18K Gold

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (7)

Kingsman + Deakin & Francis Gold-Plated Signet Ring

Now 50% Off

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (8)

Briony Raymond Onyx & Diamond Signet Ring

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (9)

Bottega Veneta Sterling Silver and Stone Signet Ring

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (10)

Marco dal Maso Monetta Pinky Ring

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (11)

Alexander McQueen Skull Gold-Tone Ring

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (13)

David Yurman Petrvs Bee Signet Pinky Ring wth Black Onyx in 18K Gold

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (14)

Leena Kim

Associate Editor

Leena Kim is an associate editor at Town & Country, where she writes about travel, weddings, arts, and culture.

Mastering the Men's Pinky Ring For Those Who Aren't Royalty (or Mob-Affiliated) (2024)

FAQs

What does a pinky ring symbolize on a man? ›

Traditionally, a pinky ring worn on your dominant hand, which for most men is the right hand, represents things you have accomplished personally, while a pinky ring worn on the other hand indicates family accomplishments. However, you are free to wear your pinky rings as you choose today.

What kind of man wears a pinky ring? ›

In the United States, many wealthy Americans follow the British tradition of wearing a signet ring or pinky ring on their left hand. In the United States, the pinky ring is also associated with criminal activity. American Mafias wear pinky rings, said to provide an asset to their accomplice after their death.

Should a man wear a pinky ring? ›

The Little (Pinky) Finger

This is often the first choice for a man who wants to wear a “statement” ring. Pinky rings have a couple of advantages. First, they don't have religious or cultural associations in most cultures (unlike the ring finger), though family crests are often worn on the pinky finger.

What does it mean when a man wears a ring on his left pinky finger? ›

According to a famous 19th century tradition, two rings worn on the left pinky finger symbolized that the man was married. The bottom ring, in this case, was usually a wedding band stacked by a signet ring above.

Do mobsters wear pinky rings? ›

Especially in the United States, pinky rings also developed an association with criminal activity. Grifters were thought to wear such rings, sometimes to provide their associates with a source of funding for their funeral expenses in case of their death, as were made men in the American Mafia.

What are pinky rings associated with? ›

In the Victorian era, women and men who wore pinky rings were expressing their disinterest in pursuing marriage. Following suit, in the 1920-1930s many suffragettes started wearing them to represent self-love. In the 1930's, jewelers like Cartier and Van Cleef created pinky rings for their upscale clientele.

Should I wear pinky ring on left or right hand? ›

PINKY SIGNET RING:

Many people like to place a signet ring on the pinkie finger of the non-dominant hand, so if you're right-handed, the pinky signet ring goes on the left pinkie. Traditionally, many women avoid wearing a signet ring on their wedding finger, so a signet ring on the pinkie is a suitable substitute.

What does a black ring on a man mean? ›

What does a black ring on a male mean? Primarily, a black ring represents strength and courage, not only in the physical sense but also in terms of one's conviction. If a couple wears black wedding bands, it thus means that they have a strong and healthy relationship.

Which finger should an unmarried man wears a ring? ›

That makes the index finger a good place for things like class rings, fraternal rings, or family and membership crests, although many men (especially younger, unmarried men) opt for the ring finger out of habit instead.

Why do rich people wear pinky rings? ›

During the Victorian era pinky rings became fashionable among British nobility thanks to Queen Victoria's sons, who took cues from the Germans and began stacking their wedding and signet rings on their left pinky, starting a long royal tradition that has continued to this day (see: Prince Charles).

What finger should a man wear a ring on if he's not married? ›

As a single guy you'll probably want to wear a ring on your right hand, either on the ring finger or pinky finger, but any finger is acceptable.

What does ring on right pinky mean? ›

Right pinky finger - Professional status

Sometimes wearing a ring on the right, however, symbolises professional status. A ring on the pinky can be a symbol of graduating with a degree in a specific field, usually in engineering or ecology.

What is the spiritual meaning of the pinky finger? ›

The pinky represents ending and the ability to finish what you started and end what is not serving you anymore. Connected to the planet Mercury. ♕ Ring finger: To show a symbol of love, freedom, and trust.

What does it mean to be someone's pinky ring? ›

Class rings are historically worn on the pinky finger to signify the year in which someone graduated high school or college. But they are often also worn to represent a fraternity, sort of like a family crest to represent a fraternal organization.

Is a man's ring size the same as his shoe size? ›

We're happy to answer those questions too. For example, are men's and women's ring sizes the same? Unlike shoe sizing, in which a man's shoe size is 1.5 sizes smaller than a woman's, the ring chart for men and women is the same — one size for every .

How can you tell a man's ring size without him knowing? ›

If you can't get a hold of the ring itself, you can bring in an outline or impression of the inside of the ring. To get an outline, place the ring on a piece of paper and trace the inside of the ring with a pen or pencil. Do this several times, and bring it into the jeweler for sizing.

What is the most common pinky ring size? ›

The average person's pinky is two sizes smaller than their ring finger. This isn't true in every case, so make sure to consider your own hand when using this, "two sizes down" ring sizing method. In the United States, the average size for a woman's pinky is a size 4, and corresponds with a size 6 ring finger.

How tight should a pinky ring be? ›

For the pinky finger we recommend a size that is as tight as comfortably possible as this the finger you are most likely to lose a ring from. If its too tight it can be made a little bigger. Its best to do this than to wear it a little loose and lose it!

What is the meaning of a signet ring in the Bible? ›

Examining scripture, Pierce and Beeftu suggest that signet rings denote the covenant between God and the faithful, and the authors offer guidance on how to fulfill that covenant.

What do rings on each finger mean for a man? ›

The left ring finger symbolizes marriage and engagement for men. In North and South America, men usually put the left ring finger for marriage and the right ring finger for engagement. Before medical science evolved, people thought there is a direct vein from the ring finger to the heart.

What does the black ring mean on a man on middle finger? ›

English: A black ring is a symbol of asexuality and is most commonly worn on the right middle finger.

What does black onyx mean on a wedding ring? ›

Black onyx Meaning

It is said to be good for people going through emotional turmoil, as it is supposed to release negative energy and protect the wearer from the 'evil eye'. It aids in developing emotional and physical well-being and stamina during times of stress, sorrow or uncertainty.

What does a black ring on left middle finger mean? ›

A black ring on the middle finger symbolizes asexuality.

Asexuality is a sexual orientation defined by a lack of sexual attraction to others. Wearing a black ring on the middle finger is a way for asexual people to tell others that they aren't looking for a sexual relationship.

What does a black wedding band mean on a man? ›

Black can signify power, courage, or strength, as well as show conviction or belief. In relation to marriage, a black ring can symbolize the power of love. Wearing black rings can be a way for a couple to show that they are dedicated to their marriage and that they believe in the strength of their union above all else.

Why do single men wear wedding rings? ›

During World War Two, soldiers began wearing the rings as a reminder of their wives, and the tender gesture spread. Today, a majority of grooms choose to wear their rings as a symbol of their love and devotion .

Which ring finger is for wealth? ›

This beautiful ring should be worn on the middle finger to activate its powers. The position is suitable because this ring connects the middle and the index finger where the wealth line runs. As it touches that part of your skin, it energizes it, thus, creating a seamless flow of wealth in your life.

What does it mean when a married man wears his wedding ring on his right hand? ›

This is because it is believed that the right hand represents virtue and honor, just as the Bible mentions Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. In Jewish tradition, during the wedding ceremony, the wedding ring is placed on the index finger of the right hand.

Should a man wear his wedding ring all the time? ›

Traditionally, guys wear their wedding bands on the fourth finger of the left hand. Yeah, that's why it's called your ring finger. Generally, the tradition states that you should wear it all the time and rarely take it off, with few exceptions.

What does it mean when a man wears his wedding ring on his left hand? ›

At the time, the Romans believed that a vein ran directly from the fourth finger on the left hand to the heart. This vein was called Vena Amoris, which translates to 'vein of love' because of the belief that the heart is the center of our emotions.

What your pinky finger says about your personality? ›

If your finger joint and the pinky finger are at the same level, then you are a reserved person. You are an introvert and you take very long to open up. On the outside however you portrait yourself to be an independent and a stoic personality.

What does a long fingernail on the pinky finger mean? ›

A Sign Of Wealth Or Upper Class

One of the most common reasons that men in certain cultures keep their pinky nails long is to show that they are wealthy and that they come from a high class and social status. A long pinky signifies that they cannot do any manual labor.

What element is the pinky? ›

The Water element is associated with the little finger. The thumb nourishes and amplifies the element it connects to. So, create a seal with the pinky finger and the thumb of both hands to establish Jal Mudra.

Which finger should a straight man wear a ring on? ›

Which Finger Do Most Single Guys Wear a Ring on? As a single guy you'll probably want to wear a ring on your right hand, either on the ring finger or pinky finger, but any finger is acceptable. If you like the look of multiple rings, you can wear them on both hands.

What does pinky symbolize? ›

The pinky represents ending and the ability to finish what you started and end what is not serving you anymore. Connected to the planet Mercury. ♕ Ring finger: To show a symbol of love, freedom, and trust.

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