The History of Why Men Wear Rings While most people might think the history of jewelry is geared more toward women, they would be wrong. Men’s rings and jewelry pieces are equally important when discussing the history of jewelry. Men’s jewelry fashions date back thousands of years ago to ancient Africa, where tribal leaders and men in significant roles wore jewelry made from sea shells, polished rocks, and other unique items fashioned together. The Egyptians were the first ones to wear a wide array of gold jewelry, including men’s gold rings and even set various types of gemstones into the gold, depending on the piece being made. After they were invaded, the Egyptian’s use of jewelry spread throughout the Roman Empire, including Greece. Eventually, the trend spread throughout Europe and was popular during the Renaissance. However, it is worth noting, only those people who were consider rulers or the upper class of the society were allowed to wear jewelry and rings. This tradition began in Egypt and continued, as the custom of men wearing fine jewelry and rings spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to the “New World” colonies. Here in North America and Central America, jewelry pieces were customarily worn by Aztec and Native American tribal leaders, as well as to symbolize a person’s rank within the tribe. The 16th to Early 20th Century Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, gimmel rings were popular in Europe. A gimmel ring consisted of two rings that could be combined into a single ring. While a couple was engaged, both the man and woman would wear one part of the ring. On the couple’s wedding day, the man would connect his ring to his new bride’s. This was the first time that men who were not considered rulers, leaders, or the upper class of society started to wear rings. Prior to this time, roughly 15% of men around the world wore rings. Again, these 15% were typically the upper class and ruling members of society. It was not until after WWII that men started to wear rings on a more regular basis. After WWII, it started to become more commonplace for men of any societal class to wear wedding bands on a regular basis. Some men also started wearing other types of rings on other fingers, like pinky rings on their smallest fingers or class rings on the index finger. There is often significance and symbolism depending on what finger a ring is worn, as follows: Pinky Fingers – Rings on either pinky often indicate some sort of statement, like that given by a signet ring. Ring/Fourth Fingers – In most cultures rings worn on this finger indicate marriage or a commitment to another person. Here in the United States, it is common for wedding rings to be
worn on the left hand ring finger. In other places around the world, they are worn on the right hand. Middle Fingers – Not many men wear rings on their middle fingers, but for those who do, it often symbolizes responsibility, balance, and masculinity. Index Fingers – Rings worn on either index finger are normally reserved for rings portraying symbolism, like class rings, signet rings, family crest rings, and so on. Thumbs – Rings worn on the thumb once symbolized success, influence, power, and wealth in many places around the world. 1980s to the Present The next shift in men’s jewelry occurred in the 1980s. During this time, men started to wear more jewelry pieces, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and multiple rings on several fingers. This trend has continued right on through today, although another change is starting to occur in the men’s jewelry industry. Some high end fashion designers are showcasing a wide range of “genderless” rings, necklaces, and other jewelry pieces on the runways at fashion shows around the world. These “genderless” pieces include a wide array of unique and original designs that still can be considered masculine. Summary The history of men’s rings dates back several thousands of years, and has influenced and shaped why men continue to wear rings and jewelry today.