Pinky ring demand is soaring, says jewellery expert DAN HATFIELD - do you have one tucked away worth a small fortune?

Daily Mail​

18-07-2025

There's a certain swagger to the pinky ring. Easy to spot from across the room, a glint on the smallest finger that somehow screams confidence louder than a diamond tiara at a dinner party.
Whether it's flashed by an East End geezer, a rap mogul, or a country gent sipping sherry in his club chair, the pinky ring carries centuries of history, mystery and of course, value.
But where did it come from, and why does this tiny piece of metal still hold such big sway?
Historically, the pinky ring was a mark of power. In ancient Rome, only certain classes were permitted to wear gold rings.
By the 19th century, British aristocrats had adopted the pinky ring as a gentleman's signature - literally.
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Signet rings, often engraved with family crests, were worn on the little finger and used to stamp wax seals on documents. No signature required as your ring did the talking.
Even King Charles famously wore his signet pinky ring stacked with his first wedding band.
Now, if that's not heritage and symbolism clashing on one digit, I don't know what is.
But let's not pretend the pinky ring's appeal stops at titled folk and landed estates.
Fast forward to 20th-century America, and you'll find it on the hands of gangsters, boxers and jazz musicians.
Think Frank Sinatra crooning in a smoky lounge, pinky ring flashing under the spotlight.
Or Marlon Brando's Don Corleone, silently intimidating with just a turn of the wrist. The message? 'I've arrived, and I'm not to be messed with.'
In modern pop culture, the pinky ring remains the ultimate wink to wealth and style. Rappers from Jay-Z to Drake have given it fresh swagger.
But it's not just bling for bling's sake. The little finger, being set apart from the rest, makes the perfect canvas for self-expression.
A pinky ring doesn't scream; it whispers, 'I'm confident enough not to care what you think.'
So, how much are they worth?
From my years in the pawn and jewellery world, I can tell you this: not all pinky rings are created equal.
Value depends on materials, age, craftsmanship, provenance, and, crucially, style.
A heavy 18ct gold signet ring with an intaglio (that's a carved family crest to you and me) from the Victorian era?
You're looking at anywhere between £1,000 and £5,000, sometimes more if it's linked to a known estate.
On the other hand, a modern designer pinky ring by the likes of Cartier, Bvlgari or even Tom Wood, can still fetch strong resale prices, particularly if it's in excellent condition and comes with the original box and paperwork.
In short: if it's real gold, real stones, or carries a famous name, you're onto a winner.
That said, don't overlook costume pieces.
A vintage pinky ring from the 60s or 70s, even in gold plate or silver, can hold serious retro value.
The demand for bold, funky statement rings is booming among Gen Z, and they're snapping up heritage fashion like there's no tomorrow.
You can even commission your own pinky ring these days and I often recommend it for those looking to mark a milestone.
Whether graduation, a new job, marriage or even divorce. Yes, divorce! One client of mine commissioned a ring engraved with the date his decree absolute came through.
I think it was his way of saying: 'Onwards and upwards.' And frankly, I love that.
If you're buying one today, here's my advice: choose quality over size, go for meaning over flash, and make sure it fits perfectly.
The last thing you want is a ring slipping off during a handshake or a round of applause.
If you're going to adorn your hand with a pinky ring, I'd advise to keep the rest of your jewellery to a minimum.
A pinky ring is a solo act, it doesn't want company. And whether you're donning it on the right or left hand, don't let anyone tell you what's 'proper.' This is about personal flair, not protocol.
In a world that's constantly changing, it's comforting to know some things endure. The pinky ring is one of them.
From Roman senators to Soho stylists, it remains the ultimate symbol of identity, independence, and let's be honest, a bit of attitude.
Next time you see one catching the light across a crowded room, don't underestimate it. That little ring might just tell the biggest story of all.
Modern Pinky treasure
1. Post Malone's 'Big Papa' Diamond Pinky Ring – Approximately $500,000
In November 2022, Post Malone received a custom pinky ring from Angel City Jewellers featuring a 5-carat emerald-cut centre surrounded by 23 carats of diamonds (VVS clarity).
The ring, named 'Big Papa,' was valued at roughly half a million dollars.
2. Meghan Markle's Lorraine Schwartz Emerald‑Cut Diamond Pinky Ring– Around £56k–£60k
The Duchess of Sussex has been spotted wearing a striking pinky ring by Lorraine Schwartz featuring a 3-carat emerald-cut diamond.
Estimated value lies between £56,000 and £60,000.
3. Shiffon Co. '1972 Tennis Pinky Ring' Diamond Wrap – Retail price £2,800
This commemorative diamond pinky ring—designed to celebrate Title IX's 50th anniversary was launched in 2022.
While beautifully meaningful and diamond-embellished, its retail price places it far below mega‑bling territory.
4. Kim Kardashian's Massive Pinky Ring at the 2024 Met Gala – Undisclosed value
Kim Kardashian stunned at the 2024 Met Gala wearing a massive pear-shaped pink diamond on her pinky finger, as reported in fashion coverage.
No published price exists, but given the scale and rarity, it likely ranks among the priciest pinky‑worn stones.
5. Other Celebrity Pinky Rings (Rihanna, Dua Lipa, etc.)
Stars like Rihanna (two diamond pinky rings at the 2014 CFDA Awards), Dua Lipa (Tiffany pinky at the 2024 Met Gala), and Naomi Campbell have worn high-end pieces.
While visually extravagant, none have publicly disclosed valuations, so exact ranking by price isn't possible but I estimate a jaw dropping value for each!
Send in your Modern Treasures
Dan Hatfield is This Morning's money-making expert and resident pawnbroker. He is an international specialist in antiques, jewellery, diamonds and collectibles.
Dan's first non-fiction book, Money Maker: Unlock Your Money Making Potential is available now.
This is Money's Modern Treasures column is after your items and collections for valuations.
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As with anything, if you are looking to sell items and collections, it is wise to get a second and third opinion - not just rely on Dan's suggestions.