Wearing a Ring on a Necklace: What Does It Mean?

If you’ve seen someone wearing a ring on a necklace, you’ve probably wondered about the significance. Is it a style thing? A convenience thing? Just a really big fan of neck-based jewelry? Well, in fairness, it could be any of those things because people wear rings on necklace chains for all sorts of reasons. If you’re wondering what wearing a ring on a necklace means, you’ve come to the right place.

Style

Sometimes the most obvious answer is the correct one. While not the only reason to wear your ring on a necklace, style is a very popular one. Does your new gemstone engagement ring really bring out your eyes? Put that bad boy on a gold or silver necklace and let the world be your stage. Just like how it looks? Hey, that works, too! Want to wear a pair of rings (or more) but don’t want to wear them all on your hand? Well, a necklace solves that problem as well.

This is also an option if you have a pair of rings besides your wedding band. If you have a wedding ring, promise ring and engagement ring, you may not want to have them all on your hand at once. Maybe you like a simpler look but still want to show every ring some love. Throwing a ring on a necklace and making it a makeshift pendant necklace — probably the promise ring in this scenario — is the ideal way to show love to all the rings while not having them all in the same place.

Maybe there’s less sentimentality to your style and you just like it. Maybe you like your birthstone a lot but don’t have the hand real estate to wear it as a ring. Ring necklace to the rescue.

Weight Gain or Swelling

Whether you’ve experienced some weight gain or just have swollen hands from time to time, your ring may not fit as comfortably. Maybe your hands are just a bit swollen after an intense workout. You could go through the hassle of resizing your ring, or you could just pick up a sweet yellow gold necklace to put it on if it doesn’t fit like it used to. If you’ve got a ring that’s resizable, like sterling silver or gold, you’ve got options. If you have something in tungsten carbide or another really hard metal, your only option is to have it on a chain. 

8 Times When You Should Take Off Your Engagement Ring

Featured: The Ava, The Zoey and The Eternity

Weight Loss or Ring Is Just too Big

Alternatively, some folks wear their rings on necklaces following weight loss to avoid losing them. Or, as is common among teens, girls often wear their boyfriends’ class rings on necklaces because they are too big for their own fingers. Using a ring as a pendant means it won’t slip off a finger and disappear.

Sentimental Reasons

Maybe you’ve got your own set of stackable wedding bands but also want to wear your late grandmother’s engagement ring. Maybe it’s in remembrance of a good friend or loved one whom you lost. It could also be a family heirloom or a jewelry gift. Whomever it’s for, sentimentality is another big reason you might see a ring on someone’s necklace. Potentially that ring isn’t actually theirs but previously belonged to someone they love. Maybe the necklace itself means something and it’s the sentimentality of the chain that’s important here rather than the ring itself. There are plenty of options.

Safety

Sometimes it’s a better idea to wear your ring on a necklace or chain than on your ring finger. If you travel often, especially with a nicer ring, it may be safer to keep it around your neck where it’s a bit more hidden. It’s an unfortunate truth, but you have to pay attention when you’re traveling (or even walking around your own city). Even if your ring is insured, you still want to be cautious.

You might be someone who works or crafts with your hands in ways unsafe for the ring or for you wearing it. Pottery and machinist work come to mind. In those cases, a ring on a necklace tucked under your top would be advisable.

Do note that wearing your ring around your neck isn’t inherently safer all the time. In the gym, for example, you could get the necklace caught on something and you’re likely safer leaving it in your locker, keeping the ring on or just wearing a silicone band while you work out.

Going on a Trip? Wear a Travel Ring!

You Just Want to

Sometimes it’s the simplest of options: personal preference. Wearing rings just isn’t something that everyone loves. Just because you aren’t a fan of rings doesn’t mean you just write off this time-honored show of commitment. Put that gold ring on a necklace and it doesn’t have to be on your finger. If your fingers swell (and newsflash, everyone is susceptible to finger swelling), you never have to worry about an uncomfortable ring causing problems. 

Should You Wear a Ring on a Necklace?

This is the first big question to get out of the way if you’re thinking about having a ring on a necklace. In short, yes, it’s perfectly fine to wear a ring on a necklace. It’s not any less safe (more on that later), and you aren’t at great risk of damaging it. In fact, if you have your ring on a necklace underneath your shirt, it might even be a bit safer than wearing it on your hand.

Many professionals choose to wear their engagement ring or wedding ring on a necklace during work hours. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers often opt for this solution to maintain hand hygiene while keeping their precious rings close. Similarly, those working in industrial settings or with machinery find that a ring holder necklace offers the perfect compromise between safety and sentiment.

For business professionals, converting your ring to a pendant can add sophistication to your work attire while keeping your hands free for typing and other tasks.

Does the Type of Necklace Matter?

The main reason it matters is for aesthetics. As long as your necklace matches your metal band (or complements it), you’re good in the fashion department. A good minimalist gold chain will always be a solid choice.

Featured: The Lily and The Elena in Rose Gold

Choosing the Perfect Chain for Your Ring

When wearing your engagement ring or wedding ring as a necklace, selecting the right chain is crucial. A sturdy necklace chain not only keeps your precious ring secure but also adds to its beauty. For engagement rings with larger stones, opt for chains that are at least 1.5mm thick to support the weight. Popular choices include box chains and wheat chains, which offer both strength and style. If you’re planning to wear your ring as a necklace regularly, consider having a professional jeweler recommend the ideal chain length and style for your specific ring design.

If you like, you can opt for a ring holder necklace. These necklaces are designed exactly like the name implies: to hold your ring and keep it safe. While not necessary, it can be more comfortable, as it’ll prevent your ring from moving around as much as it would on a regular necklace. It can also be a good fashion statement if it looks good with your ring, but that’s really up to your taste.

Making a Statement with Your Ring Pendant

Transform your ring into a striking pendant by considering its unique characteristics. A vintage-style engagement ring can become an eye-catching conversation piece when suspended from a delicate chain. The key is finding the perfect balance. If your ring features intricate details, pair it with a simple chain that won’t compete for attention. Some creative ways to wear your ring as a pendant include:

• Layering multiple chain lengths for a modern look

• Combining your ring with other meaningful charms

• Using a ring holder necklace that showcases the stone’s brilliance

• Adding a subtle chain extender for versatile styling options

Remember that the metal of your chain should complement your ring. White gold rings pair beautifully with white gold or platinum chains while yellow gold rings shine when matched with similar toned necklaces. However, if you’re going for a bold look, mixed metals are a popular option as well.

Conclusion

You also don’t have to commit to one option or the other. If you have a necklace for your ring, you can obviously still choose to wear it on your hand (or vice versa) if you like. Go with whatever makes the most sense for you. 

Browse Our Collection of Necklaces Here

Header image source: shutterstock.com/AOFTO