Pinky Rings: A Modern Jewellery Trend Rooted in History
We often hear that necessity is the mother of invention. This is particularly true in fashion, and even more than one might think in fine jewellery. For instance, let’s take the pinky ring. This piece of jewellery to grace the little finger was not originally created for accessorising purposes. Here, we explain more about this small but mighty jewel…
The origins of the pinky ring date can be traced back to 3,500 BC in Mesopotamia (now Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey and Syria), where illiterate businessmen wore a personalised seal around their necks to help them authorise and approve important documents. Eventually, the Ancient Egyptians adopted this signature system, improving on it by turning the pendants into rings for easy access. More practical than fashionable, these small ‘signet rings’ became integral parts of the day-to-day ongoings in society. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, with silversmithing and stone carving advancements, signet rings became a symbol of wealth among the more affluent members of society. They would have their rings set with precious gemstones to further demonstrate their wealth and social status.
Brent Neale gold, multi-coloured sapphires and emerald Eye Heart U Rainbow Pave Signet ring
Annoushka one of a kind gold, diamond and andalusite ring
Anita Ko gold, emerald and diamond Pave Snake Coil ring
Alexandra Abramczyk gold, multicoloured-sapphires, topaz and tsavorite Bauge Soft Grand Modèle ring
Cece Jewellery gold, enamel and diamond Pisces Signet ring
Darius Jewels gold, pink sapphire and diamond ding
Deborah Pagani gold and pink sapphire Honey Heart Gypsy
Harwell Godfrey gold, multi-coloured sapphires, topaz, amethyst and diamond Chubby Talisman ring
lily Gabriella gold, tourmaline and diamond Wave ring
LYLIE gold Shield Engraved Signet ring
Model wearing Noor Fares gold, carnelian, yellow sapphire, amethyst, brown diamond, orange enamel and black rhodium Svadhisthana ring, ammolite, ruby, black enamel and gold Muladhara Pinky Ring
Mateo gold, sapphire and diamond ring
Venyx World gold, coloured stones and diamonds Moonshell and Star Ring
Olivia Burton rose gold, tourmaline and jewel-toned crystals Jewel Rainbow ring
Ouroboros gold and rainbow moonstone Horizontal Oval Rainbling ring
XOIA gold, diamond and gemsonte Pinnacle ring
Retrouvai gold, malachite, sapphire and diamond Compass ring
Tabayer gold and diamond ring
Thomas Sabo gold vermeil and coloured gemstone ring
ZEEMOU ZENG gold, amethyst and diamond Eye Cocktail ring
Chris Pine wearing a pinky ring
Harry Styles a pinky ring
Bruno Mars wearing a pinky ring
Nick Jonas wearing a pinky ring
Roxanne First gold and diamond rings
Chanel white and yellow gold Coco Crush rings
Carbon & Hyde gold and diamond Marquis Bling rings
Tiffany & Co. gold Signet ring
Boodles white gold, rose gold and diamond ring
Pomellato white gold, topaz and diamond Nudo Classic Petit ring
Melissa Kaye gold and diamond ring
Margot McKinney high jewellery ring
Misk gold and diamond Signet rings
Glenn Spiro gold and diamond Pebble Ring
Foundrae gold and ruby Forever and Always a Pair ring
Theo Fennell gold and carnelian dignet Ring
Nour by Jahan diamond and ruby ring
Carbon & Hyde white gold and diamond Bling Pinky ring
Ashley Zhang Pinky Belcher ring
Ashley Zhang gold, diamond and ruby ring
Ashley Zhang gold and opal ring
WORDS
Katerina Perez is a jewellery insider, journalist and brand consultant with more than 15 years’ experience in the jewellery sector. Paris-based, Katerina has worked as a freelance journalist and content editor since 2011, writing articles for international publications. To share her jewellery knowledge and expertise, Katerina founded this website and launched her @katerina_perez Instagram in 2013.
Related Articles
Feminine Finesse: Women at the Bench Crafting Jewellery Masterpieces
I am sure all of you have heard incredible things about the power of the human touch. The same can be said for handcrafted jewellery - an artisan's hands can breathe life into metal, transforming it into something precious that embodies beauty and charm
Slithering Success: The Best Year of the Snake Watches for Chinese New Year 2025
Knock on Wood: Precious Wooden Jewellery for Luck and Grounding
Would you consider swapping gold and gemstones for wood?
Glorious Garnets: Why This Lesser-Known Gemstone is Undergoing a Renaissance
Found in the jewellery of Egyptian pharaohs and ancient Romans, the Victorians adored the red variety of garnet for which this gemstone is best known. Jewellery in the 19th century wasn’t just an accessory; it was a vehicle of expression
Heavy Metal: The Trend For Bold Gold Medallions Gathers Pace
Medallions infused with meaning are hot property right now, as jewellery lovers fall for the symbolism and style of these statement designs.
New Horizons: Building a New Life in Hong Kong with Valentina Fine Jewellery
Life can take you in unexpected directions – this is one thing I know for sure. Sometimes, though, these directions can lead to hugely exciting, life-altering events!
Star of Singapore: Exploring the Incredible Legacy of B.P. de Silva
The brand’s heritage traces back more than 150 years and it is now run by the fifth generation of the founding family. It is a real destination.
Latest Stories
Club
Club
Club
Club
Add articles and images to your favourites. Just
Gem Focus:Brazil Gem Commerce
Discover a company specialising in the cutting and trading of Brazilian and African precious gems, including Paraiba, rubellite and morganite
Continue Reading
Club
Club
Club
Ask Katerina:Diamond Jewellery Styling Tips for Modern Dressing
Here are some of the answers I gave during the presentation to aid your jewellery dressing…
Brand Focus:Van Cleef & Arpels
Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox
Style Guide
Club
Club
Club
Club
