How to Wear Rings: 4 Considerations When Purchasing Rings

Rings are accessories that humans have worn for centuries, dating back to 2,500 BCE when archaeologists found some of the earliest rings—engraved with signets or personalized seals—in ancient Egyptian tombs.

Rings have taken on different adornment uses and meanings throughout history and worldwide, from ornamental flair in ancient Greece to signifying social status in ancient Rome. Engagement rings or wedding bands are a popular style of ring worn in many cultures. However, people primarily wear the accessory as a fashion statement in modern times. Rings come in various designs and materials, including gold, rose gold, silver, platinum, stainless steel, and plastic. Worn tightly around the base of the finger, rings often have different stones—like diamonds or gemstones—set into the design.

Different types of rings vary in price, design, and purpose. Consider the following variables before purchasing the right ring for you:

1. 1. Material: The price of your ring can vary depending on the material used. For example, gold rings are more expensive than silver rings. If you’re looking for an engagement ring, its gemstone type, clarity, size, and number also affect the price. Generally, plastic rings cost only a few dollars, while some engagement rings with diamonds and intricate designs cost thousands of dollars.
2. 2. Purpose: Identifying the purpose of your ring will also help you narrow down your selection. For example, wedding rings typically consist of a simple metal band, such as a gold band with minimal adornment. In contrast, engagement rings are often more elaborate, with precious stones and opulent settings. Family crest and signet rings often feature a large, flat surface (usually in a circular or rectangular shape) so that a symbol or inscription can fit onto the setting.
3. 3. Size: Before purchasing this type of nonadjustable jewelry, figure out the size of your fingers. Go to a jewelry store and ask a jeweler to measure your fingers. Alternatively, determine your ring size at home by wrapping a piece of string or rope around the desired finger. Next, mark the circumference of your finger with a marker. Using a ruler, measure the string and compare the length to a ring chart. Keep in mind that pinky rings or thumb rings are, respectively, smaller or larger than traditional ones.
4. 4. Style: You can choose from several types of rings, from thick-banded pieces with lots of bling to thin gold bands. Different gemstones add color and flair to rings. Consider your personal style as well as what kind of ring you want, so you can determine which colors, gemstones, band type, and ring setting are best for you.

Styling multiple rings is a chic and fun way to accessorize your ensemble. Follow these tips to learn how to wear more than one ring at once:

• Layer stackable rings. Stacking rings allows wearers to layer the accessories on top of one another on the same finger, making them a stylish and easy way to wear multiple at once. Stackable rings are usually thin bands, meaning they won’t look too busy when worn simultaneously. For a bold ring stack, mix and match different materials (like gold and silver bands), or create a classic, monochromatic statement by layering the same type of band across different fingers.
• Create balance with different ring styles. Costume jewelry baubles (like cocktail rings) make great statement pieces to incorporate into your jewelry box. Wearers typically sport these rings alone, but adding them next to a finger with simple rings creates balance. For example, pair a cocktail ring on your right hand’s ring finger with a delicate ring on another finger on the same hand for a complementary look. Alternatively, stack larger rings with simple, small bands, so the statement ring rests higher on your finger.
• Add a midi ring. Midi rings are small rings made to rest above the knuckle toward the top of the finger. They’re easy to wear with multiple rings; simply layer a regular ring at the bottom of your finger and a midi ring just above your knuckle. Midi rings are also small enough to work on pinky fingers. For an elegant multi-ring look, pair a regular ring on your middle finger or index finger with a midi ring on your pinky.

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