The origins of the Pinky Ring can be traced back to 3,500 BC in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey and Syria). Back then, illiterate businessmen wore a personal seal that they hung around their necks. So this seal would help them to approve and validate important documents. Eventually, the Ancient Egyptians adopted this signature system, refining it and turning pendants into rings for easy access.
More practical than fashionable, these small “signet rings” became an integral part of society's daily activities. In the Middle Ages, with the advancement of silversmithing and stone carving, signet rings became a symbol of wealth among the wealthier members of society.
They put gemstones in their rings to further show their wealth and social status. Historically, signet rings were the most important piece of jewelry worn by men.
It was Queen Victoria's sons who made them popular among the British nobility in the 19th century. So they saw the German trend of wearing the rings and signet rings together on the left little finger. So all four of the Queen's sons carried this tradition to London. Then this trend spread to the upper classes and the British aristocracy.
A favourite in the UK even today. So many young men wear a 14 or 18 carat gold ring on their left little finger. Some with their family crest engraved on it.
Today, with the relaxation of social structures, formalities are more relaxed. Thus the fashion of wearing a ring on the little finger is no longer a display of social class or heritage.
Instead, wearing a ring on one's little finger, or what is colloquially known as a “pinky ring”, has become a way of expressing personal style, character and mood. Men and women from all walks of life wear them.
However, the trend has become particularly popular among male artists. From Oscar-winning actors like Chris Pine to musicians Harry Styles, Nick Jonas and Bruno Mars, pinky rings can be seen in their daily appearances across social media platforms.
To keep up with the demand for this essential accessory, designers worldwide are getting creative.
Well-known brands such as Tiffany & Co. have released collections of 18-carat gold rings. While independent jewellers such as Glenn Spiro, Carbon & Hyde and Roxanne First are stepping up their game with unique pieces adorned with gemstones and embossed metals.
Foundrae Forever and Always a Pair's yellow gold and ruby pinky ring is perfect for everyday wear. A modern twist on the classic men's seal ring, is Theo Fennell's carnelian oval seal ring.
However, for a real look of high aesthetics, one can choose a ring that is based on gemstones. Nour by Jahan's pinky ring in titanium with pink ruby and diamond is the perfect high-style piece, as is Carbon & Hyde's Bling white gold pinky ring.
Contemporary jewelry designer Ashley Zhang has been making pinky rings for her clients for years. Based in the heart of New York City, the California native moved to the Big Apple to study fashion design at Parson. She discovered her passion for fine jewelry towards the end of her studies.
In her own words, “I think pinky rings are a fun and minimal style statement in men's fashion and the unisex style we're seeing in fashion right now. These rings are often either a stamp ring or a more chunky ring.”.
According to Zhang, the pinky ring is here to stay “Yes! I personally wear a ring on my right hand every day and have been doing so for over five years.”.
