By Alison McGill
What do Babygirl‘s Harris Dickinson, Meghan Markle, Paul Mescal, King Charles and Wicked‘s Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) have in common? They are all fans of the pinky ring, a centuries old piece of jewellery that is currently having a major pop culture moment.
The history of the pinky ring actually dates back to the Romans in the first century A.D., worn by men as a marker of status, signifying power and wealth. Interestingly, it was thought the smaller and more humble the design of the pinky ring, the greater the worth of the wearer. Today, the pinky ring is worn and loved by both men and women, and is a fashionable choice to wear as one iconic statement piece on your hand, or incorporate as part of an epic ring stack.
“I love how pinky rings have evolved in a fluid fashion which has created endless possibilities for styling,’ says Vancouver-based jeweller Leah Yard, owner of Leah Yard Designs. “Over the last few years, jewellery trends have shifted toward embracing individuality and creativity. The new rule is simple: there are no rules. This freedom has allowed pinky rings to shine as a playful, versatile addition to any jewellery collection. Whether it’s a bold, chunky design, or a sleek, minimalist band, pinky rings let you express your personality.”
Yard is a huge fan of how ring placement can add contrast to an outfit (for example, pairing a bold pinky ring with soft, flowing fabrics creates a whimsical fashion juxtaposition). The rise of menswear-inspired fashion has also made pinky rings a go-to accessory for adding structure and sophistication to tailored looks. “We’re seeing how this resurgence of pinky rings reflects the current movement in fashion: it’s a celebration of individuality, boldness, and breaking traditional norms,” Yard explains.
A pinky ring is one of my personal favourite jewellery pieces and I have one in my collection that is particularly precious. Growing up, my mother always wore a coin-shaped, gold signet ring engraved with her initials in a swirly script font on her right pinky finger. I always loved this ring, and for my 18th birthday she had an identical signet ring bearing my initials crafted for me.
Below, Yard shares more expert intel on modern pinky rings, including what’s trending design wise, how to stack them, and why choosing the right size is essential.
What is trending for pinky rings in 2025 in terms of style, silhouette, metals and motifs?
“I’ve seen three major things happening with pinky rings. First, stacking is everything. Over-the-top ring stacks have become a major trend, and pinky rings are at the forefront. Younger gens are all about bold, impactful looks, taking risks, and expressing individuality. If you’re new to stacking, pinky rings are the perfect place to start. Mixed metals is also huge. Break the old ‘rules’ and wear silver and gold pieces together to add depth to your ring styling. Lastly, choose rings with meaning. We often picture signet styles when we think of pinky rings, and this makes this style a perfect choice for something sentimental. Often jewellery comes into our lives when we are celebrating something, traveling, or making memories. I love the idea of adding a deeply sentimental piece on your pinky. That way if you are wearing nothing else on your hands, your style still tells a story.”
How to you build a solid jewellery stack and balance it around a pink ring?
“I always approach ring stacking with balance top of mind. Even with the ‘more is more’ trend, I do love a stack that looks intentional. When I wear a pinky ring, I choose something on the bigger side since it really does make a great hero piece. If you want a layered look, start with minimalist bands on your pinky. I love this approach because you can control how dramatic you want to go, and add personal touches like birthstones or engraved designs. Each ring can tell a story, making your stack uniquely yours. Mix your metals by pairing two rings in different tones on your pinky which keeps things clean and modern feeling. Never overthink it because creating your ring stacks is all about having fun.”
Fit is particularly important when it comes to pink rings, what are your shopping tips?
“When it comes to sizing, choose a size that is snug. Our pinky fingers tend to taper more than our other fingers so you want to make sure the fit is snug enough that you won’t lose your ring—speaking from experience as a hand-talker, I have lost a few!”
