Why You Need To Try An Index-Finger Ring This Party Season
This season, the ring finger has some serious competition – index-finger rings are trending, offering the perfect spot for eye-catching jewels with big gems, says CHARLIE BOYD
The ring finger has always been able to speak volumes – it can say “I’m single”, “I’m married”, or “I’m about to be married”. The reason that wedding jewelry is traditionally worn on the ring finger in many Western cultures goes back many centuries, when it was believed that the fourth finger on the left hand was directly connected to the heart, loading engagement rings with great symbolic meaning. It is not, however, the only digit that can do the talking – the index-finger ring is now piping up with its own dialogue.
At the recent CFDA Fashion Awards, no fewer than 10 A-list celebrities wore rings on their index finger. A coincidence? Not at all. As we plough headfirst into after-dark dressing for the festive season, whether it’s red-carpet events, black-tie dinners or simply after-work drinks with friends, at this time of year there is an inherent tendency to pile on the sparkle. Suddenly, every finger becomes a canvas, able to amp up the bling factor tenfold. An added bonus? Think about how you hold a champagne flute, and you will notice that the index finger suddenly becomes the most prominent position to show off a striking jewel. Blake Lively took the concept to a whole new level at the CFDAs by sporting a Lorraine Schwartz ring featuring two enormous triangular diamonds on her pointer – an effortless companion to her engagement ring.
The index finger is, to a certain extent, the ultimate fine-jewelry flex. Jennifer Lopez, after her second-time split from husband Ben Affleck, recently shared a photo of herself on Instagram and quipped “Oh it’s been a summer”. Wearing all black, with a noticeable absence of her famous green diamond engagement ring, yet sporting a chunky, modern gold ring on her index finger, felt like a statement – incidentally, the index finger is also the most prominent placement for a ring to shine when taking a selfie in the mirror. Lopez proves that the index finger ring need not be a sizeable gemstone piece. Everyday rings in simple band or stacking styles will add a gleaming accent for everyday wear.
So, who are the designers to turn to for modern and minimalist pieces? Seek out those who excel at sculptural metalwork, such as Spinelli Kilcollin, Tabayer, Agmes and Lié Studio. Pavé and baguette-cut diamond designs, such as Anita Ko’s ‘Hive’ style, and By Pariah’s ‘Cluster’ ring will add subtle glitz and can transition easily from day to night – consider mixing their yellow gold tones with sterling silver rings across the hand for a more casual style.
Those looking for larger gems that will give cocktail-ring energy should turn to New York-based designer Mateo, who works with many semi-precious gems that deliver a powerful shot of color, such as his sky-blue topaz design. Jacquie Aiche explores deeper blue hues with her 18-karat gold tanzanite and diamond ring, a modern take on a toi-et-moi design. Meanwhile, Shay’s 18-karat yellow-gold, diamond and emerald ring flaunts a signet-ring silhouette, souped up to index-finger sizing and set with a vibrant emerald weighing over one carat.
Whether you opt for one mega gemstone or prefer a subtle stack of delicate sparkle, make an index-finger ring your final jewelry flex of 2024.
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