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Oct 30, 2024
Accessories are a great way to add a little spice to any look, but within the sapphic community, they can carry deeper meaning. Certain pieces, like thumb rings, have evolved into subtle yet powerful signals of identity, style, and rebellion.
But how did this happen? How do rings connect to broader trends, such as queer accessories for women and androgynous styles that blend masculine and feminine energy?
In this article, let’s explore queer fashion history and the growing symbolism of thumb rings in the lesbian community. We’ll also highlight queer jewelry brands and designs that can inspire you to express your identity with pride!
On our blog, we’ve written at length about lesbian symbols and why they matter, but where do accessories, particularly rings, fit into this conversation?
While lesbian symbols have long been a topic of discussion, accessories, such as rings, often tell a different kind of story. After all, accessories have existed since the beginning of humanity. Whether for rituals or cultural occasions, they were meant for function as well as adornment. Thumb rings are no exception, having been worn by many cultures for various reasons dating back to antiquity.
Throughout history, accessories have been reclaimed by marginalized groups, often turning everyday items into subtle symbols of resistance. As sapphic identity and fashion intersect, thumb rings have evolved to challenge traditional gender norms.
TikTok user @RainbowHistoryClass explains that thumb rings were most often associated with archers, who used them to protect their thumbs and ensure a smooth release of arrows.
But it wasn’t until much later that these rings became a subtle marker of sapphic identity. In their video, they further explain the meaning behind lesbian thumb rings:
“In the Western world … [w]omen were often told to aspire to have a ring on their wedding finger. Bucking this trend by wearing a ring on their thumb became an act of rebellion and a way to blend masculinity and femininity. They’re subtle, so like short nails, thumb rings became a way to figure out if someone you were into was queer.” — TikTok: Rainbow History Class
Let’s zoom out a little bit and explore how different accessories have been used as subtle sapphic signals throughout history.
Interestingly, before thumb rings became popular, pinky rings were more commonly associated with lesbians. A recent Vogue article by Samantha Mann explains why she started wearing a pinky ring as a queer woman.
She explains that pinky rings, particularly signet rings, have historically been used by queer individuals as quiet signals of their identity
Source: Ellen Rifkin Hill, Swiss Social Archives
In her Vogue article, Mann explains how wearing a pinky ring is a nod to a shared queer past and a form of connection with others who recognize its significance. And we love the engraving she chose for her ring, “dyke,” which really emphasizes her desire to reclaim queer language and history while expressing pride in her identity.
Now, anything can have a sapphic connotation to it. From tattoos to enamel pins, it’s what we as a sapphic community make of it. Sometimes, it’s on the nose, explicitly so, and other times it’s still quite subtle. At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong way to signal your queerness!
Source: Bianca Designs
Let’s take a look at some celebrities who have mastered the art of rings and accessories, starting with Dylan Meyer and Kristen Stewart. These two are known for rocking various accessories, from rings to necklaces and baseball caps, proving that subtle sapphic style can be effortlessly cool.
Next up, we have Chappell Roan, who might just be the queen of everything right now—especially when it comes to bold, daring styles. After all, who else could make head-to-toe chainmail look so freaking cool? Could chainmail be the next big lesbian style accessory? What do you think?
And let’s not forget the bicon themselves, Halsey, who always brings their A-game when it comes to accessorizing.
There are plenty of incredible queer-owned brands and designers to explore. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect sapphic ring designs or lesbian pride accessories, these brands have you covered:
Looking ahead to 2025, trends like lesbian engagement ring styles and popular lesbian rings are sure to continue influencing queer fashion, offering even more ways to personalize and signal identity through accessories. Whatever your style, there’s no shortage of brands that celebrate queer expression in all its forms.
So whether you’re shopping for lesbian wedding rings or everyday pride pieces, these stores will help you build a collection of accessories that both resonate with your identity and elevate your style.
Happy sapphic styling!
Robyn is the CEO & Founder of HER. Find her on Twitter.
