The movie poster for The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone (aka Part III) tells you all you need to know about the pinky ring’s checkered past: Michael Corleone wears what appears to be a gold signet ring on his right pinky finger, cementing the style’s reputation as an accessory for the gangster life.
Even though the pinky ring’s history goes back to the 19th century, when Victorian dandies and unmarried women in England wore diminutive bands to denote their disinterest in marriage, the ring style developed a connection to organized crime over the course of the 20th century, perhaps a result of its symbolic ties to family and the notion of loyalty.
Lately, however, pinky rings have transcended those dubious associations to become one of the hottest jewelry trends. No longer reserved for men (or mafia bosses), the style appears in countless iterations, from diamond-set signets to eye-catching enamel and gemstone combos. Check out the 23 pieces featured here for a sampling of just how varied the category has become.
Gypset ring in 18k yellow gold with 2.35 ct. tourmaline, $2,800; Akaila ReidSquare pavé signet ring in 14k white gold with 0.54 ct. t.w. diamonds, $1,450; Ali WeissStella Mini ring in 14k yellow gold, $140; Alice PierreLola diamond band in 14k yellow gold with 0.03 ct. t.w. diamonds, $315; Aurelie GiEvil eye skinny band in 20k yellow gold with sky blue enamel and diamond baguettes, $2,350; Buddha MamaSmall protective ring in 18k yellow gold set with radiant brilliant-cut diamonds, $3,410; Christina AlexiouHummingbird signet ring in 14k yellow gold with diamonds, $1,050; EF Collection Lucy ring in 18k yellow gold with ombré pink sapphires, $2,400; Emily P. Wheeler Vivienne ring in 18k gold with bezel-set indicolite tourmaline, $5,200; Future FortuneHexed ring in 18k yellow gold with 1.79 ct. citrine; $3,250; Harwell GodfreyMesa pinky ring in 18k yellow gold with jade, $3,600; Jade RuzzoAnniversary signet ring in 18k yellow gold with 0.8 ct. emerald and 0.32 ct. t.w. diamonds, $9,975; Jemma Wynne Otto pinky ring in 14k rose gold with rainbow tourmaline baguettes, $1,700; Jolly BijouxThe Unicorn ring in 18k yellow gold with 0.24 ct. t.w. diamonds, $4,200; Katherine JetterOval signet knife edge pinky ring in 18k yellow gold with 0.39 ct. diamond, $5,210; Lizzie MandlerSugar and Spice ring in 14k gold with tourmaline, turquoise, and diamonds, $4,750; Mason and BooksSecret Diamond initial ring in 14k yellow gold with crystal quartz and 0.72 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,325; MateoSignet pinky ring in 18k yellow gold with 0.6 ct. bezel-set emerald, $4,250; Muzo Emerald ColombiaPetit Garden ring in 18k white gold with diamonds, $3,000; Pasquale BruniSmall Heart Tricon signet ring in 14k yellow gold with diamonds, $2,355; Sydney EvanOera ring in Fairmined 18k yellow gold with diamond, $2,300; TabayerCocktail ring in 14k yellow gold with enamel and blue topaz, $3,000; Tara Hirshberg
Top: Cobblestone small signet ring in 18k yellow gold with 0.35 ct. t.w. multishape diamonds, $2,550; Kwiat
