A hoop-shaped object is made of different materials, wood, bone, stone, metal. Since ancient times, it has been a very common decoration among many peoples of the world, usually worn on the finger. The very definition of “ring” has two officially recognized origins, it is from the Old Slavonic “colo”, which means wheel, and from the French “collier” and is interpreted as “neck”, decoration, collar. Over time, the ring began to be decorated with inserts in the form of precious stones or some large sign on it, and received the definition of a “ring.” As a rule, it depicted symbols related to the history of the family, coats of arms, and was decorated with significant hieroglyphs and stones.
The ancients believed that tied threads with knots around the wrist protected against evil forces and evil spirits; they put them on the hands of newborns as a talisman. There are legends regarding its origin. According to one, Prometheus had the first ring, it was a link from the shackles. By decree of Zeus, he had to wear it as a reminder of imprisonment and torment. According to another version, on the titan’s finger, holding out fire to people, there was a hoop with a piece of rock to which it was chained, which became a symbol of freedom and inflexibility.
In Paleolithic times, rings were made from wood, bones and stone, and in the Bronze Age from metal. In ancient Egypt, the ring was used as a personal sign; a unique signature and its imprint were placed on documents as a seal. Sometimes they served in everyday life as an auxiliary item, for shoemakers in the form of a thimble, for archers as a backing for a bowstring. In fist fights they were used as brass knuckles to enhance the blow. In the Roman Empire, the social status of citizens was indicated using a ring. Commoners wore iron hoops, and nobles wore gold hoops decorated with precious stones.
The history of this symbol is quite rich and surrounded by legends. It can be interpreted in different ways, but it has practically no negative meaning. Depends on what elements will complement the design with the ring.
The meaning of the ring as a symbol
Considering the history of the origin of the symbol and the significance attached to it at different times, you will have to rack your brains over choosing a sketch for a ring tattoo.
A closed link without end and beginning is like infinity, integrity and unity of something. The space inside it is like a path for the passage of spiritual energy and heavenly power. It is designated as the eternity of a single union, marital fidelity and served as a symbol of the union of two hearts. In ancient Egypt, rings were used to decorate the hands of pharaohs to protect them from evil spirits and signify the power of the ruler. The Chinese considered it the basis of the universe as a sign of dignity and power. Among the Hindus, the dancing god Shiva, in a ring of flame, personified the wisdom accumulated by the universe in the process of its creation. In Christianity, there are not only marriage bonds, but also spiritual responsibilities. Two connected rings symbolize the union of heaven and earth, and three – the Holy Trinity. Among the Scandinavians, the hoop is directly associated with gnomes and dwarfs who guard this symbol, which contains magical power.
Wedding ring tattoos
There are different reasons to choose this option:
- the desire to never be upset with a memorable accessory,
- allergy to precious metal,
- work that excludes the wearing of body accessories,
- desire to stand out from the crowd,
- wedding in rock and roll style.
If you decide to get a tattoo instead of the option of wedding rings made of a precious alloy, all that remains is to decide on the design.
But, if you are closer to the classics, then we suggest reading how to choose a gold engagement ring.
A simple version in the form of a ring
This option is usually chosen in case of forced refusal of a gold accessory (allergies, work). It is very easy to do and the process is quite fast. Include it in your wedding program or photo shoot, if the administration of the tattoo parlor allows it. However, the image can also be complex, intricate, with an ornament or other design. Such tattoos in the form of wedding rings require maximum skill from the artist and take more time, so it is unlikely that guests will want to be present and a photographer to film the entire process.
The wedding tattoo design is applied to the ring finger of the right hand and can be simply an ink accessory, or it can have a special meaning. For example, hieroglyphs meaning eternal love and devotion to your soulmate. Also popular are images of Celtic patterns, which fascinate with their beauty and carry deep meaning.
Other images used as wedding images
If the decision to get a tattoo instead of buying an engagement ring is based on the desire to highlight the individuality of your couple, then most likely you will prefer to apply a design with meaning. These include:
- date of marriage (in Roman or Arabic numerals),
- the name of the spouse in Russian or a foreign language or the capital letter of the name,
- a heart instead of a ring on a finger looks especially elegant in a color version of the tattoo,
- infinity sign, which means eternal devotion,
- the image of a diamond means the pricelessness of feelings,
- if the future spouses have the same hobbies or hobbies, then you can put images associated with them: an anchor or a steering wheel, a treble clef or musical notation, elements of flora or fauna,
- English abbreviations for Mr. and Mrs. - “Mr”, “Mrs”,
- symbols of the zodiac signs.
This is not a complete list of popular drawings. The chosen wedding tattoos will depend on the boundlessness of your imagination.
There are situations when, in addition to an allergy or another reason for refusing a gold wedding accessory, a tattoo ring also does not fit into your image. For example, because of a high position. Then the image is applied to the back or inside of the finger or on the wrist, which makes it possible to hide it from prying eyes.
Meaning of place for ring tattoo.
The most suitable location is considered to be on the hand; the sketch of the rings looks more appropriate than on the legs, stomach or back. A ring tattoo on the fingers is very common, as a permanent decoration that does not require careful treatment and care. Depending on which finger the ring pattern is on, its meaning changes:
- If on the index finger - arrogance, pride, endurance,
- Location on the middle - dignity, caution, prudence,
- On the nameless one - sensitivity and love, usually this is a tattoo of wedding rings,
- A little finger with a ring means power.
Options for sketches are selected individually with the designation, wedding date, names of loved ones, zodiac signs, or as a simple decoration in the idea of patterns with stones, hieroglyphs. Very often, such tattoos in the form of rings are applied by representatives of the criminal world. In their environment, a pattern on a finger may indicate the status or direction of his criminal activity, time spent in prison, etc. If a sketch of a ring with a crown is chosen, this can symbolize power or the desire to rule, luxury and wealth.
It is quite common to write inscriptions along the entire length of the finger - these are short phrases or one word with a deep meaning. Designed in a beautiful font, easy to read.
A larger sketch of the hoop is sometimes applied to the wrist. It’s a fairly convenient place because it’s easy to remove it with clothes if necessary. Usually plays the role of decoration, without hidden meaning. It could be a ring in the shape of a snake or an imitation piece of jewelry. If it is barbed wire, it can be interpreted as shackles or unpleasant duties that must be performed throughout life.
Hoop designs on the forearm, shoulder and neck are rare. Usually they are in the form of an artistically executed ornament. The role of a wedding ring tattoo on the hand will be completely meaningless, except if the symbol itself is not an additional element of any plot. Two rings woven together, as a symbol of love and fidelity, look great on the chest or shoulder of spouses. A flaming heart framed by gold jewelry is considered a symbol of fiery love, both for a person and for a favorite job or hobby, sometimes supplemented with an inscription. Such tattoos can be tattooed anywhere, with the possible exception of the buttocks.
Positive and negative sides of the Wedding Rings tattoo
Wedding ring tattoos are so romantic, right? Surely many lovers dream of such paired tattoos. But don’t rush to run to the tattoo artist. Consider all the pros and cons, find out all the nuances.
The advantages of such tattoos include:
- A ring tattoo on a finger always looks interesting, especially if the work was done by an experienced craftsman, a professional in his field. If it is not only a symbol of marriage, but also an adornment for the body, that’s great!
- Look at the photo, tattoos instead of wedding rings: what could be the best proof of love? If you and your partner are ready to take such a step, this indicates that your relationship is strong and truly serious. Why not seal them with a tattoo?
- This tattoo is done relatively quickly and will not cause too much discomfort. A significant plus!
- Sketches are usually simple and concise; the drawing consists of several straight or ornate lines. Most often the tattoo is black or contains one or two colors. Simplicity of execution makes the tattoo more accessible in price.
But there are also disadvantages. Among them:
- This type of tattoo is easy to perform, so sometimes it is offered by inexperienced artists, “bribing” with a very low price. The result of the work of such a “master” will most likely spoil the romantic euphoria, and you will have to either hide the ugly and unclear drawing or delete it.
- These “rings” are for life. This is a serious step that is not easy to correct. It is especially not recommended to apply such tattoos to very young boys and girls, who often mistake whirlwind romances for lifelong love.
Take your time, look at the tattoos instead of wedding rings in the photo, think twice. If you suddenly change your mind, will you have the opportunity to undergo a painful and expensive removal procedure? Or your relationship will change, what's the plan? And only if you are one hundred percent sure, then choose a sketch.
A simple version in the form of a ring
A wedding ring on your finger, but not made of gold or silver... but stuffed with a tattoo needle! This is a sign of eternal devotion and strong love, a symbol of wedding tradition, a sign of serious intentions. Such tattoos are made by those who have made a firm decision - after all, you cannot hide this ring in your pocket, it is always on your finger.
Simple tattoos of wedding rings in the form of one or two stripes look very beautiful and stylish. It can be a simple, even ring of black color, or maybe with the addition of red, green, or less often purple or yellow. Nothing superfluous - just geometry, reminiscent of the fashionable linework tattoo trend.
It can be one wide stripe, or two thin ones. There may be two strips of different or the same diameter. Very simple elements can also be added: dots, miniature triangles or hearts, letters or numbers. But everything is very concise, since the tattoo is miniature, there should not be any too small details.
Suitable styles for ring designs.
- Minimalism is a modest designation of a symbol for a small size,
- Linework - graphics - interesting, modest ornament, can be done in color,
- Chicano - suitable for a certain circle of people,
- Biomechanics - a ring in this style should look very eccentric,
- Old school, New school, traditional and neo-traditional - without a doubt the majority will choose,
- Tribal – suitable for large sketches with rings,
- Dotwork - will appeal to lovers of complex ornaments,
- Polynesia is a rich style, for a properly selected sketch it can work,
- Ornamental - an interesting and very beautiful sketch can be created with its help,
- Sketch style - it can turn out to be a masterpiece if you use your imagination,
- Watercolor - a great way to play up a picture with a ring,
- Black and white - classic execution
These styles will make your tattoo a work of art. If in the photographs offered in the salon, a sketch of an engagement ring or another was not found that would meet all the requirements, then it is worth spending time and creating your own, your own and unique (with the help of an artist, of course).
Wedding tattoo instead of engagement ring
Tattoos instead of wedding rings.
Couples who strive for originality in everything, when preparing for a wedding, do not go to a jewelry store to choose wedding rings, but to a tattoo parlor to get an image of the symbol of marriage. Lovers can choose a ring tattoo design from the sketches proposed by the artist or suggest their own idea.
Quite often, either jokingly or seriously, couples who have gotten tattoos justify their decision by saying that the other half, while on a business trip or vacation, will not be able to remove the engagement ring. Newlyweds who are ready to get a wedding symbol tattoo demonstrate their readiness to live together for the rest of their lives.
Features of the place for the sketch.
Most often, they stop at choosing a small picture with this symbol. If this ring is in the form of a decoration, then it is struck on the fingers, and very rarely on the feet. It is worth considering that the smaller the area of the body, the more painful the application process will be.
If the ring serves as a fragment of any plot, then the shape plays a role. Extended upward, appropriate on the shoulders, forearms, shins, along the spine. In the case of the symbols of the Olympic Games, for example, the chest, shoulder blades, back, shoulder, back of the head or lower back are suitable.
Important points
Sketches of wedding rings are not complex designs, and any tattoo artist can handle them, but you should not trust this process to amateurs. Contact a trusted salon that has many positive reviews from former clients.
Before you sit down in the artist’s chair, carefully consider the width and design of the tattoo down to the smallest detail. After all, the tattoo will always be visible. If it doesn't work, you won't be able to hide it under clothes. Experts advise choosing only dark ink colors for your fingers, since they are the most durable.
Place to place tattoo ring
It is logical that the issue can be resolved in an elementary way: such tattoos can be relevant on the fingers. Oddly enough, there can be tattoos on the toes, but they are less often shown off. As a rule, rings are drawn on the legs if a person gets tattoos quite often and is simply looking for a new format to express his aesthetic tastes.
On the hand, the rings are placed along the entire length of the phalanx. The classic version is closer to the palm. But in recent years there has been a trend to draw rings closer to the nail. If even real jewelry and costume jewelry are put on the outer phalanges, then why not fill circular images in the same way.
Alas, often artists have to remove such ring tattoos. The first reason is a crisis of relationships, the breakdown of marriage bonds. The second is poor-quality application, which can be very distressing due to the openness of the area. It is better to choose an experienced craftsman who does not neglect the little things and details.
There are unusual ideas - for example, a small ring on the shoulder blade or shoulder, on the back of the forearm. This is a sign of a special craving for aesthetics, sophistication of taste and some coquetry.
