(Courtesy of Woman's World)
Contents
- Queen Victoria’s Sons Made Pinky Rings a Royal Must-Have
- The Hidden Meanings Behind Pinky Rings
- Pinky Rings’ Evolution From Old-School to Modern Cool
- Style Icons Who Wore the Pinky Ring With the Most Flair
- Iconic Designer Rings that Deserve a Spot on Your Pinky
- Treat Yourself to Luxurious Pinky Rings (Without Emptying Your Wallet!)
- About The Writer
From Meghan Markle and Prince Charles to Harry Styles, Coco Chanel, Rihanna, the Beckhams, and every mob boss you can name, pinky rings are impossible to miss on every finger that matters.
Ever wondered what it means when someone flashes a statement ring on their pinky? Or how this little piece of jewelry went from old-school tradition to red carpet must-have? You might just find yourself wanting to join the pinky ring club after this!
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and break down everything there is to know about this iconic accessory—from its storied origins and hidden meanings to modern trends, legendary wearers, and even a starter set of the best rings to ensure your pinky game is on point.
Queen Victoria’s Sons Made Pinky Rings a Royal Must-Have
(Courtesy of Woman & Home)
It was during the Victorian era that pinky rings became a signature for British nobility, all because Queen Victoria’s sons couldn’t resist the sophisticated style of German aristocrats (per Town & Country Magazine).
Their habit of stacking wedding bands and signet rings on the left pinky set a royal standard that’s still going strong, with royals like Prince Charles still keeping the tradition alive. The pinky ring wave even made its way to America, with Franklin Delano Roosevelt sporting a ring so chic that even Winston Churchill took notice.
Far from royal palaces, pinky rings took on an entirely new energy among mob bosses and their right-hand men.
(Courtesy of Town & Country Magazine)
Joe Pesci’s character in The Irishman famously turned a rare Liberty dollar coin into a diamond-studded statement ring (per Town & Country Magazine). Thanks to its rare charm and classic elegance, Joe Pesci’s ring has earned a permanent spot in style history.
As the film’s costume designer Sandy Powell put it, “At the time, a pinky ring was a thing that men did. They were often signet rings or school rings. It was a bit of flash. Sometimes they did it when they got engaged instead of a wedding band.”
- But it wasn’t just about mob status: these rings also had a very practical use, covering funeral costs in the unfortunate event of a mobster’s sudden passing.
The Hidden Meanings Behind Pinky Rings
(Courtesy of Vogue)
Pinky rings carry a surprisingly rich history that goes far beyond their status as simple jewelry. Across centuries and continents, they’ve sent signals about everything from personal identity to social status.
Historically, the pinky ring has held different meanings for various groups. In Victorian times, for example, men and women would sometimes wear a ring on their little finger to indicate they had no interest in marriage, almost like an early version of a “not available” sign.
(Courtesy of Jewelry Activist via Pinterest)
Fast forward to the early- and mid-20th century, and pinky rings were co-opted by several subcultures, including queer communities. In some circles, wearing a signet was a subtle yet almost definitive way for queer folks to recognize one another.
The pinky ring has always had a strong link to wealth and influence. From aristocrats and nobles to royalty, signet rings on the smallest finger have been a long-time status symbol. Traditionally, these rings showed off a family crest or initials and even doubled as a seal for official documents.
Pinky Rings’ Evolution From Old-School to Modern Cool
(Courtesy of Observer)
The pinky ring’s modern renaissance proves that fashion can rewrite the script for even the most tradition-steeped pieces. Just like pearls have outgrown their old-school reputation, pinky rings are now all about showing off your own vibe with no big meaning attached (it’s not that deep anymore!)
“The pinky now shows a reverence for the past infused with a modern spirit of self-expression,” explained Evan Yurman, chief creative officer at David Yurman.
Whether chosen for its vintage charm or as a bold, minimalist statement, the pinky ring now slips seamlessly into everything from a casual daytime outfit to a glamorous evening ensemble.
Now, it’s less about sending coded messages and more about showing off the personal style that makes you, well, you!
Style Icons Who Wore the Pinky Ring With the Most Flair
(Courtesy of Vogue)
Pinky rings have long enjoyed their time in the fashion spotlight, showing up on everyone from royalty to movie stars and chart-topping singers. Meet the trendsetters whose iconic pinky rings kept this look going strong for decades.
Meghan Markle
(Courtesy of @meghan)
Ever since Meghan Markle (or should we say, the Duchess of Instagram) made her social media comeback earlier this year, fans have been treated to rare, behind-the-scenes peeks into her royal world.
Meghan dropped a heartwarming photo marking Lilibet’s fourth birthday. Her birthday wish for the young royal was as sweet as you’d expect: “Happy birthday to our beautiful girl! Four years ago today she came into our lives - and each day is brighter and better because of it.”
Amid all the oohs and ahhs for the adorable family moment, those with an eye for style couldn’t help but notice Meghan’s statement pinkie ring. That sparkle? Impossible to look away from!
King Charles
(Courtesy of Crisscut Magazine)
It’s not just queens and duchesses rocking jewelry with a story—King Charles’s pinky ring has been a fixture for almost fifty years! (per Reader's Digest)
His signature accessory is technically a signet ring—a style that goes all the way back to 3500 B.C..These rings were used for authorizing transactions or signing documents. As British jewelry expert Helen Dimmick explains, “The ring had your family crest or code of arms engraved. You would press it into hot wax and then on the paper or document—it would leave a permanent mark.”
What’s the point of holding onto this old-school tradition? It’s not about giving the OK on documents anymore, but rather about achieving that unmistakable royal vibe.
As Dimmick says, the eye-catching accessory remains “a symbol of status, power and wealth that instantly identifies its wearer as a member of the higher class.” And really, who could blame the king for enjoying a little rightful status?
Emily Ratajkowski
(Courtesy of Vogue)
Engagement rings are nice and all, but have you heard about divorce rings? Emily Ratajkowski made waves last year when she split her toi et moi engagement ring into not one, but two “divorce rings”—including a dramatic pear-shaped diamond pinky ring, set askew on yellow gold.
After her divorce from Sebastian Bear-McClard (with whom she shares her son Sylvester), Emily decided it was time for a jewelry glow-up. The model and actress took to Instagram to debut her bold new style, with fans cheering her on every step of the way.
Speaking with Vogue, Emily opened up about the meaning behind her avant-garde approach to wearing rings, saying, “The rings represent my own personal evolution. I don’t think a woman should be stripped of her diamonds just because she’s losing a man.”
Harry Styles
(Courtesy of PEOPLE)
There’s been a wave of “illegally attractive” pinky ring moments in Hollywood, and nobody nails the gender-fluid look quite like Harry Styles.
Whether it’s his crystal-studded, rainbow jumpsuit at the Grammys or his everyday street style, he never skips out on piling on chunky statement rings, especially on his pinky. With his fingers always sparkling in oversized rings, Harry proves that a little effort with accessories goes a long way.
Victoria Beckham
(Courtesy of Vogue)
Victoria Beckham has jumped on the pinky ring train too—she was spotted in Paris rocking a minimalist stack, letting her little finger ring shine alongside a dainty emerald on her pointer.
With those bold oversized shades, a sleek luxury bag, and that unmistakable old money vibe, Victoria Beckham’s vintage-meets-modern glam couldn’t look more perfect.
Iconic Designer Rings that Deserve a Spot on Your Pinky
(Courtesy of Vogue)
Ready to give your pinky a little luxury treatment? The big fashion houses have truly nailed the art of the statement ring. Cartier’s Love Ring—with its unmistakable screw motif—has become the go-to pinky accessory for stars and style insiders everywhere.
On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for something edgier, the Cartier Juste un Clou Ring, which wraps the finger like a sleek bent nail, is your best bet.
(Courtesy of ZenLuxe)
For anyone drawn to old-school charm, Tiffany & Co. nails it with the Tiffany 1837 Makers Signet Ring. It oozes classic style and looks right at home on any pinky finger, especially if you appreciate a hint of prestige without being too flashy.
Meanwhile, when the goal is to make an impression, Tiffany’s Atlas Ring is the one piece that never goes unnoticed.
(Courtesy of ZenLuxe)
As part of the iconic Atlas collection, those bold Roman numerals instantly catch the eye, while every detail stays true to the house’s NYC charm.
The Gucci crowd can truly relish the Icon Ring, where the brand’s iconic double-G detail and gleaming gold finish deliver distinctive personality and classic refinement.
Fashion insiders are also obsessed with the GG Marmont Ring—it’s super easy to spot, thanks to that classic double-G and its glossy gold or silver finish.
(Courtesy of ZenLuxe)
For a more playful touch, the Gucci Blind for Love Ring delivers dreamy messaging wrapped up in Gucci’s iconic design. And if you’re after something with real wow-factor, Bvlgari’s B.zero1 Pinky Ring—with its swirling, sculptural shape—absolutely delivers!
Treat Yourself to Luxurious Pinky Rings (Without Emptying Your Wallet!)
(Courtesy of Fred and Far)
Pinky rings may have started out as the go-to bling for royals, but these days, you don’t need a royal title—or a royal bank account—to get in on the ancient trend. Thanks to the booming second-hand jewelry market, even the sparkliest statement pieces are within reach
If you happen to have some extra cash lying around, you might find yourself eyeing a brand-new Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels ring. But what if you could get more sparkle for your money? Fine second-hand jewelry allows you to pick up multiple high-quality, authentic pieces for the same cost as one new ring. With the market expected to soar to $1.3 billion by 2027 (per ELLE), now’s the perfect time to snag a bargain!
(Courtesy of Holts Gems)
And no, you don’t have to wander around town searching for a secondhand shop—online platforms like ZenLuxe make it delightfully easy to find authentic, pre-loved jewelry with just a few taps.
And when it comes to variety, ZenLuxe offers no shortage of options—think stunning, authentic pieces from Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari, Chrome Hearts, Chanel, Harry Winston, Hermès, Chaumet, Piaget, and Pandora, all handpicked and waiting for you to discover (but fair warning, the prices make it impossible not to treat yourself to a “few” extra pieces!)
About The Writer
Meet Mariam — a fashion writer who lives and breathes all things vogue and glamour. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores; it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (there's nothing quite like the thrill of flipping through a sleek fashion magazine, is there?).
