When someone points out that a woman is wearing a ring on a particular finger—especially the ring finger on her left hand—most people instinctively assume she’s married. It’s a widely recognized symbol, and has been for over a century. The sight of a wedding band or engagement ring sends a clear message: this woman is taken, committed, and off the market. But recently, a new trend has emerged that’s challenging this traditional symbolism. More and more women are starting to wear rings on their pinky fingers, and their reasons have nothing to do with being in a relationship or tying the knot. In fact, the meaning behind these pinky rings might surprise you.
This growing trend is all about self-love and personal empowerment. Wearing a ring on the pinky finger isn’t just about fashion or accessorizing—it’s a statement, a declaration of commitment not to another person, but to oneself. While wedding rings represent love for another, the pinky ring represents a promise to honor, value, and care for yourself. It’s a bold movement, especially in a culture that has long associated jewelry with romantic commitment. But it’s also one that’s empowering a lot of women to focus inward and prioritize their own well-being.
Rings have always carried meaning. For centuries, they’ve been used to communicate emotions, status, and intentions—often without saying a word. Engagement and wedding rings are perhaps the most universally recognized examples, signaling to the world that a woman is in a committed relationship. But not every ring tells the same story. Some rings are simply worn because they’re beautiful, because they complete an outfit, or because they hold sentimental value. Others, like the pinky ring, can carry a much deeper, more personal message.
One of the leading voices behind this pinky ring trend is Fred + Far, a jewelry brand that encourages people to reclaim their self-worth and express it through symbolic jewelry. Melody Godfred, co-founder of the company, explained that the idea came to her during a time when she needed a tangible reminder to put herself first. She wanted something physical—a daily cue that she mattered and deserved her own love and attention. That’s when she thought of the pinky finger, a spot on the hand that’s often ignored or overlooked, much like women often overlook themselves while caring for others.
In an interview with Mental Scoops, Godfred said, “I chose to create the ring for my pinky because it is a finger I’ve never worn a ring on before. It is as overlooked as women can be in their own lives.” The symbolism resonated deeply with her. “It felt very powerful to me to take a traditional symbol of commitment to someone else—big bold engagement rings—and say, ‘This time, I’m choosing myself.’ I still wear my engagement ring proudly, and these two rings are not mutually exclusive. Because loving yourself makes you better able to love someone else.”
The pinky ring designed by Fred + Far features an inverted triangle-shaped stone, which they say represents the “divine feminine”—a concept rooted in self-awareness, balance, strength, and compassion. It’s not about the size of the stone or the price of the ring. What matters is the intention behind wearing it. For many women, this ring becomes a symbol of empowerment, a physical reminder to prioritize their dreams, needs, and happiness.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time pinky rings have carried meaningful symbolism for women. The trend may feel modern, but it actually has roots in the past. Back in the Victorian era, it was common for women to wear rings on their left pinky fingers to signify that they were single—and happy that way. It wasn’t just a way of saying “I’m not married”; it was a declaration that they didn’t need to be. They were content with who they were and weren’t interested in seeking a partner just to fit into societal expectations.
Fast forward to today, and the pinky ring is once again gaining popularity for similar reasons. Women are embracing the idea of being whole and complete on their own. Whether they’re single, in a relationship, or married, they’re using this subtle piece of jewelry to communicate a powerful message: “I am enough.”
Of course, not everyone who wears a ring on their pinky finger is making a statement. For some, it’s simply a stylish choice. They might like how it looks or how it balances out their other jewelry. But for others, it means much more. It’s a way to honor their independence, to celebrate their journey, and to remind themselves that their value doesn’t depend on anyone else.
The beauty of this trend lies in its inclusivity. It’s not reserved for a particular age group, relationship status, or background. Anyone can wear a pinky ring and assign their own meaning to it. Whether it’s about recovering from a breakup, setting new personal goals, or simply embracing a season of self-growth, the ring becomes a tiny but mighty symbol of self-respect.
So the next time you see a woman proudly wearing a ring on her pinky finger, consider what it might represent. Maybe it’s a silent promise she’s made to herself. Maybe it’s a milestone, a tribute, or a reminder. Maybe it’s just jewelry. But knowing the movement behind it adds a layer of appreciation for the growing number of women who are choosing to put themselves first—and using a small piece of jewelry to say it out loud.
Have you heard about this pinky ring trend before? What do you think about using jewelry to celebrate self-love and empowerment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
