Accessorizing is the best part of putting an outfit together. With jewelry you can make your outfit shine: most of us started adorning ourselves with bracelets, then necklaces, then earrings … but why did it stop there? If you’re looking for another way to show your style that isn’t fabricated, then rings are calling your name.
Cultural Apprehension
A 2017 study found that only 53% of women wear fashion rings daily, while 87% of women wear earrings daily and 64% wear necklaces every day. Rings are not commonly the first piece of jewelry that young women invest in when they begin shopping for their bling. This happens often because brands marketed toward this demographic carry more earrings and necklaces.
More than 1 or 2 rings is unacceptable for a professional job interview, and when you’re talking with your hands, anything that is on them becomes extra apparent. Although these concerns are common, you can still wear rings regularly on your own time.
Many worry that rings will feel too heavy or clunky for daily wear since our hands do so much work during the day. Especially for people in trades, the chance of losing or damaging a ring during the day is too much risk for reward. However, if you try going a day with a few rings on, you’ll see that in no time you’ve forgotten that they’re even there.
Which Type is Giving You a Ring?
First, know what step you want to take next in your jewelry journey. If you want to go big and bold, find rings that are bigger and heavier — maybe even one that stretches up your finger or sideways across a few fingers. For someone who wants to ease into this accessory, dainty rings are always a timeless option.
Then decide if you want to match your current jewelry. Once you become a ring wearer, you’ll find that rings are more of a one-in-a-kind type of product, as opposed to earrings which are easier to find with slight variations. You can choose your rings to be independent; while your earrings and necklace are associated by framing your face, your hands are far away and can do what they want jewelry-wise. However, someone who likes a fully cohesive outfit can find rings that match their current aesthetic, too.
It’s important to know where you want to source your rings before you dive in. Online retailers are easier but will give you fewer unique options, just like any other item. Vintage stores are great if you want to make your ring set look more unique because any vintage shopper knows that when you find a great piece there, it’s great. Hand-me-downs are always an option, too — ask your grandparents if you can look through their old jewelry boxes or find estate sales that are happening near you. A great ring shopper doesn’t overlook the darkest corners for their next jewelry addition.
Unique Ring Functions
There are several types of rings that give signals to others about your status, just as other pieces of jewelry do. The Claddagh Ring is a traditional Irish ring (although many non-Irish people wear it today), which can signal if the wearer is prospective, in a relationship, engaged or married. A promise ring can be worn if you are devoted and intend to maintain a loving relationship for the future. An engagement ring and wedding band are eponymous in their symbolism.
Rings can foster a sense of confidence that no other piece could. Because rings are less common, when you wear them you can feel unique and memorable to your acquaintances. Especially with a gaudy set on your hands, you can really feel like you’re there. People look at each others’ hands more often than we think — when we exchange something, shake hands or make gestures while talking — your hands are a part of the show as much as your face and clothing are. Adorning your fingers regularly will have an impact on others whether they realize it or not.
VALLEY doesn’t condone violence, but rings provide a feeling of protection if you have to defend yourself! The bigger and more abundant, the more don’t mess with me you feel.
Show off your rings by tagging @valleymag on Instagram!
