Pinky Rings: What they Mean and Why You Need One
Lately, the pinky ring has made a stylish comeback, seen adorning the little fingers of many Hollywood icons.
If you’re eager to expand your ring collection to include every finger or simply want to sport something unconventional, let us introduce you to the pinky ring. Our new collection of pinky rings promises to elevate your style game.
Keep reading to discover why pinky rings are a must-have in your jewellery box and how they can add an elevated element to your ensemble (spoiler: your ring stacks are about to get a major upgrade).
The History (and Meaning) of Pinky Rings
Traditionally, the pinky ring has a long and storied history, with its origins tracing back to Ancient Egypt. One of the most iconic styles associated with the pinky finger is the signet ring. These rings were not only personal but also served a significant purpose as a stamp of authenticity, or signature.
What is a Signet Ring?
Signet rings were meticulously engraved with meaningful symbols, family crests, or personal markers, and were used for centuries by rulers, noble families, and religious authorities to authenticate documents by stamping seals made of wax or clay. Because they were so personal, these rings were often unique to their owners and were sometimes destroyed upon the owner's death to prevent forgery.
The tradition of wearing signet rings on the pinky finger continues in European royal circles, with King Charles III being a notable example.
The Meaning of Pinky Rings Now?
Today, pinky rings are no longer reserved for nobility or official purposes. They have become a fashionable accessory for celebrities, fictional characters, and everyday trendsetters. From Tony Soprano’s signature gold and ruby pinky ring to appearances in Mad Men, The Godfather, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, pinky rings have made their mark on pop culture. Celebrities like Henry Cavill, Diddy, Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, Ringo Starr, Frank Sinatra, and Oscar Wilde have all been seen sporting pinky rings. AND, if you’re up to date on your latest season of Bridgeton, you’ll have noticed Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton) and Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton) all donning their fifth digits in style.
Now, we’re sure you are sensing a theme here. And yes, traditionally, pinky rings and gold signet rings in general have been considered a men’s accessory. That’s not to say you can’t take inspiration from the aforementioned stylish dudes (gendered trends are a thing of the past, let’s be real) – but if you need a little further convincing of its fashion credentials, pinky rings have also been embraced by women. Style icons such as Meghan Markle, Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Blake Lively, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Princess Diana have all rocked the pinky ring, find yours here.
Who Can Wear Pinky Rings?
While traditionally associated with status, power, and family ties, pinky rings and signet rings today can be worn by anyone who loves the style.
You can wear a pinky ring as a modern-day nod to tradition, chosen for yourself as a symbol of self-empowerment. Choose one of our pinky signet ring styles with complimentary engraving, and have it adorned with your monogram for a truly timeless take on the style. Pinky rings can also be worn simply because you love the look; these modern, trending pieces have a timeless appeal that ensures they’ll be a staple in your collection for years to come.
Engravable Pinky Rings: A Personal Touch
Engravable pinky rings offer a timeless way to make your jewellery uniquely yours. Adding a personal engraving transforms a beautiful ring into a treasured keepsake, carrying special meaning and significance. Whether it’s your initials, a loved one, or a symbol for a word that resonates with you, engraving turns a ring into a piece of your personal history.
Engravable pinky rings allow you to carry a piece of your story with you. They can commemorate special moments, celebrate loved ones, or simply reflect your personality. These rings make perfect gifts for milestones such as graduations, anniversaries, or birthdays, offering a personal and thoughtful touch.
Our Top Pick:
Engravable circle signet pinky ring – the classic pinky ring style with a unique silhouette, available in gold and silver. Add your monogram, or a loved one’s initials, with our complimentary engraving service.
Gemstone Pinky Rings: A Splash of Colour
Gemstone pinky rings add a vibrant and luxurious touch to this timeless accessory. Whether you’re drawn to the deep blues of topaz, the fiery reds of garnet, or the calming greens of agate, a gemstone pinky ring can bring a unique pop of colour to your look. These rings are perfect for making a bold statement or adding a touch of elegance to your jewellery collection.
Each gemstone carries its own meaning and symbolism. Topaz are often linked to wisdom and royalty, garnet to passion and vitality, and agate to courage and strength. Wearing a gemstone pinky ring allows you to embody these powerful attributes and incorporate them into your personal style.
Our Top Pick:
Green agate signet pinky ring – for a bold approach, choose a stone-set pinky ring with statement proportions. Our new green agate style gives a modern yet timeless pop of colour, but you can also choose the white topaz version or our best-selling blue topaz curve pinky ring.
Bold Pinky Rings: A Statement Maker
Add a chic statement to any silhouette with a simple bold pinky ring. Fuller in its construction, bold pinky rings, just like our dome pinky ring collection- bring the eyeline down through the entire look of an outfit, and give you the edge without concern of stone colour clashing or, overcommitting to an engravable!
Our Top Pick:
Curve dome pinky ring – this versatile statement piece can be worn alone for unique minimalism, or added to any and every ring stack. Take your pick from gold or silver.
Tips for Choosing a Pinky Ring
When selecting a pinky ring, consider going bold. A statement ring on your little finger can draw attention and add a unique touch to your style. To ensure a perfect fit, measure the diameter or circumference of your finger and compare it to our size chart. We’ve recently added smaller sizes for some of our popular designs, making them ideal for pinky rings.
Sizing:
We stock both F and I sizes in our pinky rings as they are both more general sizes worn buy women, F being a little more on the slender ring size side, and I being a little thicker. Men looking to purchase a pinky ring are better suited (generally speaking) to K and L sizes.
How to Style a Pinky Ring
01. Wear it Alone:
For minimalist vibes with an unexpected twist, wear your pinky ring solo. Our bold designs at Medley ensure you can still make a statement while keeping your look refined.
02. Personalise
Add an engraving for a nod to traditional signet rings. Our engravable hexagon gold signet initial pinky ring is a perfect choice.
3. Stack It Up
Use your pinky ring to anchor a stack of rings, balancing your overall look.
4. Mix Your Metals:
Introduce a pinky ring into a mixed-metal stack for an edgy, unexpected style.
Ready to embrace this timeless trend? Add a 925 sterling silver or a 18k fine gold plated pinky ring from our new collection to your jewellery box and watch your style soar.