When you see a simple gold band around someone’s left ring finger, it is no mystery about what it means. That’s a wedding ring and signifies that person is in a committed relationship in the eyes of the law. A ring with a gemstone on it on a woman’s left ring finger signifies that she is engaged to be married, but what does a wedding ring on a woman’s pinky finger mean?

You might notice a ring on a woman’s pinky finger regardless of whether she is married or single. These rings also have nothing to do with inner turmoil or affiliation with the mafia, as pop culture and movies might have you suspect. In reality, these rings signify that a woman is making a promise. But this promise ring is different from the kind of ring a boyfriend might give to his girlfriend so she’ll promise not to see someone else.

Instead, it is based on something much more binding – a pinky promise. Pinky promises are childhood pledges between friends. When someone makes a “pinky promise,” they vow to follow through with their commitment no matter what. And when you see women wearing these rings in public, it is their way of pledging their undying self-love.

The self-esteem movement is needed more than ever in a world rife with depression and anxiety. Even though it may appear that this pinky-ring movement was born organically by jewelry maker Fred + Far, the truth is that Fred + Far was the driving force behind the movement because they saw an opportunity to help women express their self-love rather than relying on others to provide them with beautiful jewelry.

Fred + Far founder Melody Godfred said the idea for the ring started as a way for her to take care of herself. She neglects herself because she spends all of her time taking care of her twins. The ring served as a reminder to her to take care of herself in the midst of the commotion of raising children. The ring was created by Godfred and co-founder Samira Far as a symbol of women’s empowerment.

To quote Godfred, “I chose to create the ring for my pinky because it is a finger I’ve never worn a ring on before.” Godfred. It is as often overlooked as women themselves are. Taking the traditional symbol of commitment to someone else (big bold engagement rings) and saying, “This time, I’m choosing myself,” felt very powerful to me.” My engagement ring is still on my finger, and the two rings aren’t exclusive.

Because self-love makes you more capable of loving others.” In today’s hectic world, it’s helpful to be reminded to cherish oneself in the midst of all the other responsibilities. They want their pinky promise rings to serve as a constant reminder, even in the midst of a hectic day, to take time for oneself. Women’s jewelry is a hot topic right now, so what do you think?