The Ultimate Pinky Ring Guide

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Everything That You Need to Know to Wear a Pinky Ring

Next to the wedding ring, the pinky ring is today the most popular ring for men to wear. This unique accessory adds flair and personality to your look and serves as an excellent source of unexpected visual interest.

Despite their popularity, you might be unsure if a pinky ring is right for you. Will it look gaudy on you? Will it harmonize with your personal style? Should you wear a pinky ring at all?

That’s exactly what this guide will help you determine, and along the way, you will learn about the fascinating history of pinky rings, the incredible variety of pinky rings, and the men who wear pinky rings today.

What a Pinky Ring Is

Technically, a pinky ring is any ring that is worn on the little finger, or “pinky,” of your right or left hand. Practically speaking, pinky rings are usually smaller than other types of rings in order to fit on their appropriate finger and to appear proportional relative to the rest of the hand.

Pinky rings can come in a variety of styles and employ a variety of metals and stones. Pinky rings also function well with a variety of outfits and are therefore an extremely popular ring type in contemporary menswear. There are almost as many kinds of pinky rings as there are pinkies in the world, so if you want to wear a pinky ring, it is likely that one will suit your personal look.

See Raphael’s entire pinky ring collection!

A close-up look at Dickie’s pinky ring with a green stone and his Swanson 30-meter quartz watch.

The origins of the word

Pinky

Pinky rings derive their name from the popular name for the little finger on either hand: pinky. What are the origins of this unique name? They are actually less involved than you might think. The word “pinky” is a diminutive form of the Dutch word pink, which literally means “little finger.” This nomenclature spread to Germany, a neighbor of the Netherlands, and from the Germans, it was adopted in Great Britain, from which the term was popularized throughout the rest of the Anglophonic world. [Image Credit: Paramount Pictures]

A Brief History of Pinky Rings and How They Have Been Worn

A picture of a few of Sven Raphael Schneider's favorite rings
A few of Sven Raphael Schneider’s favorite rings.

Pinky Rings Have Been Worn Throughout Human History

Men have worn rings on their fingers for millennia, both as a status symbol and as a convenient means to keep portable wealth handy. While modern men in the Western world usually wear a single ring or two on only a few fingers, men historically could wear any number of rings on any finger. The pinky finger, however, has remained a favored ring to this very day.

Pinky Rings in Antiquity

An illustration of a Roman emperor and his subjects.
Rings were commonly worn by the Ancient Romans to display their wealth.

While pinky rings were worn in numerous civilizations throughout Antiquity, the Romans offer us a fascinating example of commentary on the meaning and purpose of the pinky ring.

Pliny the Elder, Pinky Rings, and Conspicuous Consumption

Pliny the Elder was a Roman naturalist and philosopher active in the first century AD. He wrote an important treatise on the functioning of the world known as the Naturalis Historia, and in this work, he commented upon the conventions and traditions of the Roman people.

A print of Pliny the Elder in Roman garb

“Some people put all their rings on their little finger only, while others wear only one ring even on that finger, and use it to seal up their signet ring, which is kept stored away as a rarity not deserving the insult of common use … thus even wearing a single ring on the little finger may advertise the possession of a costlier piece of apparatus put away in store.”

Pliny the Elder

Pliny references the fact that Roman nobles would sometimes wear pinky rings as a subtle status symbol. It would seem that the intentional decision to wear a small ring on the smallest finger of the hand was actually a flex: the implication was that if the wearer was content to wear a more humble pinky ring, he did so with the implicit understanding that he actually owned considerably finer, larger, and more costly rings that he did not bother to wear. Essentially, the pinky ring served as a hint at the even greater wealth that the wearer did not feel the need to show off.

Pinky Rings during the Medieval and Early Modern Periods

Throughout the Middle Ages and the Rennaiansce, men often wore a considerable number of rings on many of their fingers as a way to showcase their wealth and as a badge of office, one of the common uses of the accessory. The pinky remained a popular finger for the display of rings because it was less likely to become scratched or damaged during regular wear, being relatively far removed from the more active side of the hand.

During the 18th century, especially in England, concerns about propriety and sumptuary laws saw the prevalence of ubiquitous ring jewelry decline in menswear. Pinky rings, however, were an exception to this trend, as they remained extremely popular and, in many instances, were the only type of ring regularly worn by men in the Western, and especially Anglophonic, world.

Pinky Rings during the Victorian Era

Early Victorian Mens Fashion
Pinky rings were one of the most common types of rings worn by men during the Victorian period.

Signet Rings & Wedding Rings for Victorian Gentlemen

As the 18th century gave way to the Victorian Era, pinky rings became a regular feature in the dress of aristocratic English gentlemen. It was especially common for men to wear on the pinky finger of their left hand their family crest signet ring. These signet rings showcased the gentleman’s noble family heritage and were often treasured heirlooms.

Around this period, the German tradition of men wearing a wedding band on thee left pinky finger began to be popularized in England. Ironically, this trend was adopted both my married men and by those who did not wish to get married: in both instances, the presence of a pinky ring indicated that the wearer was not in search of a potential bride.

To avoid the appearance of an excess of rings, it was common for men of this time to stack two Victorian era pinky rings, usually a wedding band and a signet ring, on their left pinky finger. This tradition was enthusiastically taken up by the British royal family and soon spread even to North America.

A gold ring with a red stone worn on a pinky
Two pinky rings stacked, one of which features a large red stone.

The British Royal Family and Pinky Rings

Queen Victoria’s sons all adopted the habit of wearing rings on their pinky fingers, a style for which Victoria herself was famous and which quickly became a long royal tradition. Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, was especially known for the considerable number of pinky rings he liked to wear. Pinky rings were worn by Victoria’s heir, Edward VII, and while his own heir, George V, eschewed rings as gaudy, both of his sons, Edward VIII and George VI, wore pinky rings.

The consort to Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, wore the signet ring of his father, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, until he was in his fifties. King Charles III, while Prince of Wales, wore the official signet ring of his title, which is over 170 years old and was worn by many future kings of England. To this day, many of the men in the British royal family wear their signet rings stacked on top of their wedding bands, as did other prominent Englishmen like Winston Churchill.

Beautiful Custom Signet Ring

All about …

Signet Rings

A signet ring is a special type of ring that originally bore a seal. From Antiquity onwards, seals, often engraved on rings for security and ease of use, were used to certify important documents and identify important officials. A signet ring was therefore both an important tool and a badge of honor. Even after sealing important documents fell out of favor, signet rings remained popular and often featured depictions of family coats of arms or a personal monogram.

Pinky Rings during the Golden Age of Menswear

In the 20th century, a new approach to clothing came about, and garments generally became less about traditional associations and more about fashion and personal style. The same became true for pinky rings. Men increasingly wore pinky rings both in keeping with established conventions but also simply out of personal interest.

Pinky rings remained a common sight on the European Continent and proliferated in major artistic and cultural centers like Paris during the Jazz Age, where they became emblematic of the modern spirit of self-expression. In the United States, many wealthy Americans continued to adhere to the British tradition of wearing their signet ring or their pinky ring on the left hand, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and pinky rings were often seen on famous actors.

Pinky Rings Today

Classic Black Tie Accessories - Shirt Studs, Cufflinks, Pinky Ring, Pocket Square
A pinky ring worn with a Black Tie ensemble.

Following the Golden Age of Menswear, menswear jewelry like pinky rings has fallen in and out of fashion. In general, however, the pinky ring has remained a fixture of men’s style and enjoyed fairly consistent popularity. As a result, the pinky ring is one of the most common forms of men’s jewelry and is associated with many famous men and iconic style trends.

Why Men Wear Rings on Their Pinky Fingers

While pinky rings have a long history of customs and traditions, today, men can wear pinky rings for a variety of reasons.

Pinky rings are …Because …
Culturally AcceptableDue to social and cultural pressures, many men feel uncomfortable wearing jewelry because they have been erroneously led to believe that it is not masculine to do so. However, because the pinky ring has a storied association with menswear, it can feel less conspicuous to wear a pinky ring than to wear other men’s jewelry like a gold chain or bracelets. You should never allow gendered social norms or conventional wisdom to dictate what your wear, but if pinky rings provide you with a comfortable entry into men’s jewelry, we encourage you to consider them a first step in your men’s jewelry journey.
ConvenientDepending on how actively you work with your hands, rings on your thumb, index, or middle finger might seem cumbersome or get in your way. Conversely, because the ring finger is culturally associated with indicating marital status, wearing a ring on that finger could cause confusion. Because it is relatively out of the way and not strongly associated with particular significance, the pinky ring is, therefore, a simple and convenient location for rings, especially if you only plan to wear one or two rings.
ExpressiveDespite its small size, a ring on the pinky is often very noticeable, so a pinky ring can be a great option for showing your personal style or expressing something about yourself. You can either take advantage of the longstanding history of pinky ring symbolism to convey information about your family history, or you can simply use a pinky ring to say something about yourself and your own style.
Associative In addition to saying something about themselves, many men also use pinky rings to say something about institutions with which they are associated. While the ring finger is often used for the wearing of class rings, the pinky finger is a common alternative for class or school rings. Professional rings associated with engineering, in particular, are also often worn on the pinky finger, as are rings associated with fraternal organizations like Freemasonry, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, or the Knights of Columbus.
Status Symbols While we here at the Gentleman’s Gazette do not condone fashion as a means to show off, we would be remiss in not acknowledging that pinky rings are sometimes worn as a way to subtly, and often not-so-subtly, display one’s wealth. This tradition does have an extended pedigree, as it was observed among the ancient Romans, as mentioned by Pliny the Elder in the above history section.

The Meaning and Significance of Rings on Pinky Fingers

The Secret Language of Rings

An infographic displaying a pair of hands with rings on the fingers and information about what each of the fingers means when you wear a ring.

Left Pinky: Family heritage or scholastic or fraternal associations
Left Ring Finger: Relationship status or meaningful institutions
Left Middle: Individual expression or familial responsibility
Left Index: Collaborative ability and comradery
Left Thumb: Familial status & legacy

Right Thumb: Personal status & strength of will
Right Index: Leadership & potential authority
Right Middle: Individual expression or collective responsibility
Right Ring Finger: Meaningful institutions or relationship status
Right Pinky: Personal achievements and status
What Rings Mean on Each Finger

Throughout history, the wearing of particular rings on particular fingers has been employed as a subtle way for the wearer to express something about himself or his desires. You should feel free to disregard this “secret language of rings” if it does not comport with your personal style, but being aware of the conventions and traditions of pinky rings will allow you to integrate pinky rings into your look with greater depth and awareness.

A young white man wears an expensive brown suit and pinky rings on both pinkies in this early 20th century painted portrait

Pinky rings and The Portrait of

James H. Hyde

James Hazen Hyde (1876-1959) was an American playboy and financier who inherited a billion-dollar company at the age of 23. In this 1901 portrait by Theobald Chartran, Hyde is at the pinnacle of his success, and to reflect his position he wears two pinky rings, one on each of his pinky fingers. The left pinky ring could signify the power and influence of his family, while the right pinky ring could be celebrating his own achievements and status. [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Despite its relatively small size, the position of the pinky finger on the edge of the hand draws special attention to it. Therefore, the pinky ring is often associated with communication and socialization. Essentially, pinky rings are a great way for you to say something about yourself to others.

Because the pinky ring is far removed from the more active digits on the hand, like the index finger and thumb, it can be perceived as more suited to abstract conceptions like personal expression and perception even when worn on the littlest fingers.

Learn more about ring significance!

Pinky Rings in Pop Culture

Men Popularly Associated with Pinky Rings Today

Tom Ripley talking on the phone as Greenleaf.

HOLLYWOOD FILMS

Pinky Rings Underline Style

In keeping with their long and varied history, a considerable variety of famous modern gentlemen are today associated with wearing pinky rings.

Their ranks are extremely diverse and indicate the breadth of styles into which pinky rings can be incorporated, and this reality should make it clear to you that if you are interested in wearing a pinky ring, it will complement the rest of your personal style and you shall find yourself in very good company.

Musicians

Preston's Jazz Concert
Did Preston wear a pinky ring during his musical performance? Get ready with him to find out!

You will notice that a considerable number of modern men who are associated with pinky rings are musicians in some form. This fact likely reflects the strong personality and creative verve that is often associated with pinky rings, especially considering that, since the Jazz Age, pinky rings are often associated with free spirits.

Many musicians who wear pinky rings are particularly associated with rap and hip-hop artists. This association also illustrates the connection between pinky rings and status, as many performers in this genre have cultivated an image of a street-wise, successful man that rose from obscurity to the pinnacle of material success and excess.

The Mafia

Sonny also wore a pinky ring to match his outfit here.
James Caan wears a pinky ring while portraying Sonny Corleone in The Godfather. [Image Credit: Paramount Pictures]

In addition to musicians, including gangster rappers, both real and fictional gangsters associated with the Mafia and other organized crime syndicates are also closely associated with the pinky ring, especially diamond pinky rings. Pinky rings appear on gangsters in Japanese Yakuza films, mobster films from the Golden Age of cinema, and iconic Mafia media like Goodfellas, The Sopranos, The Irishman, and the Godfather Trilogy. Along with a cigar, Tony Soprano is often seen wearing a pinky ring, as are members of the Corleone Family.

Real-life mobsters were also associated with pinky rings, including Arnold Rothstein, Al Capone, Meyer Lansky, Charles “Lucky” Luciano, Bugsy Siegel, and John Gotti. These criminal figures often wore pinky rings to flaunt their wealth and status and to indicate their steadfast devotion to their criminal enterprises. Pinky rings could also serve a different sort of practical purpose as a kind of life insurance policy, because in the event of the wearer’s sudden or untimely death, the ring could be sold to cover any funeral expenses.

Discover the style of real-life gangster Al Capone!

Despite its strong associations with Mafia bosses, you do not need to worry that people will automatically assume that you are a member of La Cosa Nostra just because you were a pinky ring. Countless men have worn pinky rings and you should not let a vague association with a few bad apples spoil your enjoyment of this versatile and refined menswear article.

Types of Pinky Rings

Raphael’s other on person items: cufflinks and pinky rings.
Pinky rings are great collector’s items because of the diversity of styles.

There are many different types and styles of pinky rings, below you will find brief introductions to the most common.

A photograph of an electrum ring with a monograph design on the face

Signet Ring

A signet ring was originally a historic ring on which was kept a seal, with which one could seal important documents as a patent of authority and prevent tampering. Today, signet rings often depict a coat-of-arms, dynastic crests, an insignia, initials, or a monogram and are one of the most common types of men’s pinky rings.

A large gold class ring with a clear stone

Class Ring

A class ring is uniquely associated with a particular high school or institute of higher learning. While often worn on the ring finger, class rings can also be worn on the pinky finger as a sign of reverence to your alma mater.

A large silver ring with no decoration

Professional Ring

Professional rings broadcast an association with a particular profession or trade. Because wearing a pinky ring is less likely to impede the use of one’s hands, professional rings associated with engineering and other more manual endeavors are often associated with pinky rings. The Order of the Engineer pinky ring or Iron Ring of Canada are especially famous examples.

An image of a Freemason Ring

Social or Fraternal Rings

Pinky rings are often associated with groups or associations of men united by a common fraternal, religious, or conventional bond. These rings express fidelity to the larger organization and serve as a means to identify the wearer to any of his compatriots.

A gold wedding band on a finger

Plain Ring

A plain pinky ring consists of a simple band in a base or precious metal or other ring material like stone, horn, bone, or wood. It is an elegant and understated accessory that belies the false assumption that all pinky rings have to be gaudy or showy.

A photograph of a pair of hands with a gold wedding ring on the left ring finger and a pinky ring on the right hand

Single or Multi-Stone Ring

A very popular pinky ring, the single-stone ring ornaments a ring band with a single gem or other stone. This simple design creates unique visual interest without being distracting or excessive, especially with a sterling silver or gold band. Pinky rings can also feature a variety of stones, usually arranged in a pattern of some kind. A common Classic arrangement consists of a small stone in a brilliant cut set to the left and the right of a center stone.

A photograph of a silver ring with an amber stone worn on the pinky

Common Pinky Ring

Stones

Pinky rings can feature any number of unique precious or semi-precious stones and other decorative elements, but certain types of stones are particularly suited to this type and style of ring. They are turquoise, bloodstone, onyx, lapis lazuli, tiger’s eye, tourmaline, malachite, star sapphire, ruby, emerald, and diamonds. Sven Raphael Schneider is a particular fan of star sapphires because of their rarity and the unique way that the stone reflects and refracts light to appear like a star. Pinky rings stones are usually flat to emulate the appearance of a signet ring.

A photo of Sven Raphael's ring collection

Common pinky Ring

Metals

Pinky rings can come in a variety of metals, including platinum, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, and stainless steel, all in a variety of carats. Selecting the correct metal for you will depend on a variety of factors, such as common colors in your wardrobe, your skin coloring, and your personal preference.

Find the perfect cufflinks to complement your pinky ring!

Eagle Claw Cufflinks - handmade by master jeweler - Fort Belvedere
Fort Belvedere cufflinks feature a variety of metallic lusters and stones.
Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Lapis Lazuli Balls - 925 Sterling Silver Gold Plated

Fort Belvedere

Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Lapis Lazuli Balls – 925 Sterling Silver Gold Plated

Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Tiger's Eye Balls - 925 Sterling Silver Gold Plated - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Tiger's Eye Balls – 925 Sterling Silver Gold Plated

Silver cufflinks with carnelian balls

Fort Belvedere

Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Carnelian Balls – 925 Sterling Silver Platinum Plated

Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Malachite Balls - 925 Sterling Silver Platinum Plated - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Malachite Balls – 925 Sterling Silver Platinum Plated – Fort Belvedere

Why You Should Wear a Pinky Ring

A photograph of a pair of hands with many rings on the fingers
Pinky rings are just one type of the many menswear rings available to you, but they are a great place to start!

Because You Want To!

Ultimately, pinky rings should be worn for the same reason that you wear most of your other clothes and accessories: because you like them and you want to express your own style. Pinky rings come in such a wide range of styles, colors, and options that you will be able to find an example that ties in with your look, no matter what it might be.

Because They Are an Unexpected and Accessible Accessory

Keep in mind that not many other men are wearing pinky rings, so it’s an easy way to set you apart from others. There are also no mechanical parts, so you don’t have to service them like a watch, and at the same time, they’re less expensive than many wristwatches. Pinky rings also harmonize with any dress code on the formality scale.

Because They Are an Excellent Entre to Men’s Jewelry

A vintage German ad depicting a man wearing a pinky ring
Pinky rings put a smile on everyone’s face, and have for years.

Because many modern cultures discourage men from wearing jewelry, you might find it difficult to start doing so. Fortunately, pinky rings are an excellent way to ease yourself into this exciting sphere of menswear, providing an opportunity to experiment with a unique and creative accessory that is still a timeless and popular example of men’s jewelry.

How to Size a Pinky Ring

There is no tried-and-true way to estimate pinky ring size because finger size can vary greatly relative to your other measurements. Therefore, you will need to measure your pinky ring size yourself or with the aid of a local jeweler, or have available a selection of rings that you can try on.

If You Have a Ring-Sizer

Plastic ring sizer - use with caution because the rings are slim and a wider ring will fit differently
A ring of sized rings, used to determine ring size.

The easiest and most accurate way to measure your ring size is to use a special instrument called a ring-sizer. These tools can come in a variety of styles, but the most common are a band that you tighten around your finger or a collection of dummy rings in various sizes.

The band-style ring-sizer is relatively simple to use: simply slip it around your finger and tighten it until you reach your desired ring fit.

The ring-style ring-sizer is also relatively simple to use, as you simply need to place the various-sized rings on your finger until you find a good fit. Be sure to rest the additional rings on a table or other surface so that their weight does not alter your perception of the feel of the ring.

In both of these cases, be aware that your ring-sizer will employ a regional measurement standard. Depending on the source of your desired ring, it may use a different standard of ring measurement so be prepared to convert sizes if necessary.

If You Do Not Have a Ring-Sizer

If you don’t have a ring-sizer, do not fret, you can still determine your ring size fairly easily.

  1. Wrap a piece of string or dental floss around the finger you wish to measure at the point at which you wish the ring to rest. Do not pull the string tightly as this may stretch it out and give inaccurate results.
  2. Mark the string so that it reflects the desired circumference of your finger.
  3. Lay the marked string flat next to a ruler or measuring tape sized for millimeters.
  4. Use the measurement in millimeters to determine your regional ring size.
  5. Repeat this process from the very beginning two or three times to ensure as accurate a measurement as possible.

How to Style a Pinky Ring

Ultimately, there are almost as many ways to style pinky rings as there are pinky rings in existence. Here you will find a gallery of ways that we here at the Gentleman’s Gazette wear our pinky rings.

Pinky Rings Dos & Don’ts

1
A photo of an Oversized pinky ring that looks rather cheap

Don’t go with oversized, flashy pinky rings

Attention grabbing pinky rings can be very gaudy and are not typical of the Classic Style. As a general rule, the center stone should be slightly slimmer than the width of your pinky finger.

2
Example of well-matched leathers and metals

Do match the metal of your pinky ring with your other metallic accessories

This will ensure a cohesive and elegant overall appearance.

3
A wedding ring worn with a pinky ring

Don’t mix metals.

Either go with gold or silver, but two-tone rings often have a jarring, disjointed effect and can appear dated.

4
A photo of Sven Raphael's ring collection

Do buy rings in different sizes.

We have found that with the seasons, finger sizes changes dramatically. In the summer, fingers tend to be puffier and bigger while in the winter they become slimmer. Buying rings in different sizes, rather than relying on a single pinky ring, will allow you to wear them comfortably at different times of the year.

5
Raphael dressed in loud and flashy jewelry

Don’t buy overly ostentatious rings.

Rings with very bold and loud engravings or lots of different stones are not typical of the Classic style.

6
A photograph of a pair of hands with many rings on the fingers

Do experiment.

Do not limit yourself to just one type or style of pinky rings, or even just to pinky rings. Rings have a rich and deep history in menswear and utilizing them in your personal wardrobe is sure to be a rewarding and creative experience.

Where To Buy Pinky Rings

Buying RetailBuying Vintage or Second-Hand
Reputable local jewelry stores and online dealers offer a wide variety of pinky rings in many styles, designs, metals, and stones. If you have a favored source for menswear jewelry in general, they will likely have something that you will like.

In our experience, a local jeweler is likely to have some of the best deals and offer the highest quality. A well-made, precious or semi-precious pinky ring will represent a sizable investment of hundreds or thousands of dollars, so being able to personally inspect the article before purchasing can help prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Because of rapidly increasing prices for precious metals like platinum, gold, and silver, many new pinky rings have become prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, you can leverage a massive second-hand market to find some incredible deals on truly beautiful pinky rings.

Gentleman’s Gazette and Fort Belvedere founder Sven Raphael Schneider, for instance, sourced his entire original ring collection from vintage sources because he preferred to save money where he could to allow for further investment in suits, shoes, and shirts.
Finding vintage rings can be a tricky and exhaustive process, but with our tips for second-hand shopping
and a little luck, you could unearth a genuine treasure. Remember that a skilled jeweler can increase or decrease the size of most rings to a certain extent, so if you find a ring that you like but it doesn’t exactly fit, it may be worth purchasing and potentially resizing if the price is right. The price for resizing will vary based on local market conditions but it usually ranges from $20 to $50 for basic resizing but can balloon to over $100 for more complicated work.

Conclusion

An illustrated ad depicting two men in smoking jackets and one in a house coat
A toast to pinky rings!

As one of the most common and versatile accessories in men’s jewelry, a pinky ring is a celebrated item that could become a new signature jewelry style for your outfit. Men have been wearing pinky rings for millennia, and we hope that with the information you have learned in this guide, you can determine whether or not they will be a fitting addition to your Classic wardrobe.

What’s your take on pinky rings or men’s rings, in general? Do you wear one? If so, what are your favorite designs?

Pinky Ring FAQ

What is a pinky ring?

A pinky ring is any ring that is worn on your pinky or little finger. Common examples include signet rings, class rings, and professional rings, but almost any type of ring could be worn on your pinky finger if it is properly sized and proportioned.

How do you size a pinky ring?

Pinky rings are sized the same way as other rings, using special tools or methods. There is no way to accurately guess your ring size, so employ one of the methods discussed in this guide under the How To Size a Pinky Ring section to find the right size for you.

Is it okay for men to wear pinky rings?

Yes! Pinky rings, along with wedding rings, are one of the most common types of rings worn by men today. If you are new to wearing rings, a pinky ring will be a fantastic place for you to start.

What does wearing a ring on your pinky represent or symbolize?

The significance of a ring worn on the pinky varies through different times and cultures; at one point, many men wore their wedding rings on their pinkies! Today, however, a ring on a pinky finger often indicates personal status and achievement and is a way to celebrate what you’ve accomplished. Pinky rings can also, however, be purely decorative and be worn only as an expression of personal style.

Should I wear a pinky ring on my left or right pinky?

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.

Are pinky rings inherently tacky?

No, they are not. While some pinky rings certainly can be tacky, especially according to the conventions of Classic Style, it is perfectly possible to select and wear understated pinky rings that are refined and elegant. Pinky rings like these have been worn by well-dressed gentlemen for centuries, including during the Golden Age of Menswear.

Aren’t pinky rings associated with criminals?

While it is true that pinky rings were often worn by historical gangsters and are closely associated with mobsters, pimps, and criminals in popular culture today, this association is not intrinsic to pinky rings themselves. During the Golden Age of Menswear, every imaginable type of man wore pinky rings, so do not feel like you cannot wear pinky rings just because they were also worn by criminals.

Outfit Rundown

Raphael in a casual outfit consisting of a sports coat, light blue chinos, white dress shirt and Fort Belvedere accessories.
Raphael in a casual outfit consisting of a sports coat, light blue chinos, a white dress shirt, and Fort Belvedere accessories.
Grenadine Silk Tie in Brown - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Grenadine Silk Tie in Brown

Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Light Brown and Blue Fil d'Ecosse Cotton

Fort Belvedere

Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Light Brown and Blue Fil d'Ecosse Cotton

Silk Pocket Square in Brown with Blue, Green, Red Large Paisley Pattern- Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Silk Pocket Square in Brown with Blue, Green, Red Large Paisley Pattern

Raphael is wearing a casual combination which consists of a sports coat. It’s a little heavier wool. It’s cut short. It has patch pockets and a notched lapel which makes it informal. He combined it with a light blue pair of chinos that pick up some of the tones in the jacket all the same keeping that same summery light color palette. His shoes are brown chukka boots that work well and pick up tones off the jacket and they’re also contrasting the pants. His socks are grey and light blue striped over the calf model. His tie is a brown, solid grenadine.

The shirt is slightly off-white and it’s very soft and a little wrinkly which gives his appearance a little more of a soft, casual character. The pocket square is light blue and brown with Paisley. It picks up the tones of the tie as well as the pants and the socks and the shoes and ties it all well together. His pinky ring is sterling silver with a tiger’s eye. It’s relatively large, but you can tell it’s slimmer than it is long. He really likes the effect when you move it into the light and he picked it because it works well with a brown tie as well as my brown shoes.

Reader Comments

  1. I wear a 1964 Silver Quarter that was turned into a ring on my right pinky finger. I love coin rings.

  2. Great article, Raphael. I own a signet ring with my ggg grandfather’s coat of arms – titles were not hereditary in Brazilian Monarchy, so it is just a tribute I pay to him – and I wear it on the left pinky. I learned an interesting rule from the French, who call this ring a chevalière – if you are married, you use the ring with the coat of arms toward you; if you are single, the arms are pointed toward your nail. As a French website said, “Tinder before its time!”

  3. Vintage is the way to go, and IMHO wearing the pinkie ring on the same hand as the watch can be the look of a Sharp Dressed Man that every girl is crazy about, as revealed in the Gospel according to ZZ Top. Bravo Sven, once again!

  4. I wear an .8 ct. perfect European cut diamond in an 18 ct gold setting. It has been handed down for a couple of generations. Almost no one I know in business wears one so it is very noticeable and unique. Makes for a good conversation piece.

  5. Really don’t know where this atrocious term ‘pinky’ ring came from. America, I presume. I wear a signet ring that was created for me when I came of age. It is engraved with the family crest and that’s quite good enough for me.

    1. The term “pinky” ring originated in Novosibirsk, during an horrific experiment on a herring. The herring, affectionately known by the lab staff as “Pinky” wound up with rings around his fins and this was mistranslated as “fingers” and the rest, as they say, is history. The family crest of the herring by the way, was an inch work rampant on a field of azure. Hope this clears up the confusion.

  6. Dear Sven, The Brigadier suggested that I write to you because one of you other correspondents had mentioned tiaras but I think he may have used the wrong word. All is not lost however because the Brigadier is always thinking of new topics for your articles and wished me to add that, now that he knows that you are Brazilian in addition to being German, there could be nobody better qualified to pen one explaining the off-side rule for your adopted countrymen. It is a pity that you are probably asleep because the article could have been what I believe is called a scoop, the England match, and discussions whether Harry Kane had scored No.6 or was off-side, having ended only minutes ago.

  7. The term “pinky” ring originated in Novosibirsk, during an horrific experiment on a herring. The herring, affectionately known by the lab staff as “Pinky” wound up with rings around his fins and this was mistranslated as “fingers” and the rest, as they say, is history. The family crest of the herring by the way, was an inch work rampant on a field of azure. Hope this clears up the confusion.

    1. Nice detail Adam, thanks for sharing. May I asked what the source is for that

      1. The Gospel According to Aaron Marino. It was one of the chapters in the Voynich manuscript. That, or I kinda made it up. :-D

  8. The Gospel According to Aaron Marino. It was one of the chapters in the Voynich manuscript. That, or I kinda made it up. :-D

  9. Only two people who I saw who could pull off the pinky ring is Michael Douglas and Pierce Bronson.

    Everyone one else I see wearing them look awkward including King Charles with his unkept stubby little fingers.

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