Thumb Rings Significance

Thumb rings are rings worn on the thumb of either hand by men as well as women alike. Thumb rings are available in a variety of sizes, styles and patterns. They are also made from a variety of materials ranging from stone, ivory, metal to sterling silver or white gold or 10K yellow gold. Engraved thumb rings made of metal are specially popular among the youth. But do you know that thumbs rings symbolize different virtues and merits? Thumb ring's significance dates back to the ancient Egypt. Let us have a look at the history of thumb rings.

Thumb Ring's History
An Egyptian mummy of a woman wearing a thumb ring was found which proved that thumb rings date back to the Egyptian era. Even in ancient times, thumb rings signified different things. In the most ancient period, thumb rings were used to keep off evil spirits or diseases. It is also found that thumb rings were worn by both men as well as women in ancient times. The reference of thumb rings is also found in one of Shakespeare's plays. In the medieval times, thumb rings symbolized love, commitment, will power, etc. Let us have a look in detail at thumb rings purpose.

Thumb Ring's Significance
We find a variety in thumb ring's symbolism as its significance and meaning changed according to the culture and the era. Here are some popular thumb rings meanings.

Thumb Rings for Men
In earlier times, thumb rings were used only by upper class men. Even in the upper class, the thumb ring was used to signify the status of the wearer. The higher the status and the rank of the wearer, more ornate and heavy his thumb ring was. In archery, large thumb rings were worn by men in order to shield their skin against injury. In the medieval times, thumb rings were worn by doctors.

Thumb Rings for Women
In ancient times, women wore their husband's wedding rings in their thumbs if the husbands were dead or were on a battlefield. In certain parts of the world, a woman wearing a thumb ring in her right thumb symbolized that she was open to sexual experimentation. There is neither proof conforming this rumor nor it is applicable any more. Now-a-days women wear thumb rings more as fashion than for its meaning.

Thumb Rings Symbolism
Since long time, it is believed that thumb rings are associated with independence and will power. It is also believed that thumb rings symbolize strength and individuality. Interestingly, thumb rings significance is even found in palmistry where it symbolizes free thinking and individual freedom. One of the fun fact associated with thumb ring is that the bigger the thumb ring a person wears, greater the freedom he is trying to express.

Thumb Rings and Sexual Orientation
Recently there is widespread hearsay about thumb rings and its relevance with the wearer's sexual orientation. It is rumored that thumb rings are worn only by homosexual individuals. A person who wears a thumb ring in his right thumb is said to be into a same sex relationship. On the contrary in some parts if the world, it is considered that wearing a ring in right thumb signifies that the person is single. Thumb ring in the left thumb means that a person is into a serious relationship.

One is sure to get baffled with the contradictory symbolism associated with the thumb ring. These days thumb ring's importance has increased as it is also associated with fashion jewelry. With the myriad options in styles, sizes and the material used, thumb ring for guys and girls are a popular trend these days. You can either go for a studded one or a carved or an engraved one. Each one finds something that suits his budget.

Read more on:

• Wedding Rings
• Promise Rings

It is better to not to get bothered as thumb rings significance keep on changing with the changing trends. You can buy yourself a beautiful engraved thumb ring, if you really fancy having it!