More people are choosing a ring tattoo to commemorate the important events and relationships that shape their lives.
While many people think of knuckle letters that spell out words like “LOVE” or “HATE” when they hear “finger tattoo” this old school tradition is just one approach that can be applied to the digits.
A growing trend in the tattoo community sees people choosing to get tattoos inspired by rings in lieu of a traditional wedding ring.
Best friends may choose to get matching tattoos, while others may simply enjoy the look of having a permanent ring they never have to take off. Whatever the motivation, the ring tattoos in this gallery demonstrate just how appealing this tattoo design can be.
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1. Colored Tattoos
For many people the only way to accurately capture their sense of style in a ring tattoo is through the use of vibrant colors.
The excellent ring tattoos in this collection demonstrate a variety of approaches that can be applied to this tattoo placement: some recreate actual ring designs while others utilize more abstract patterns, some are placed on the ring finger and others are on different fingers.
Whether it’s a matching tattoo to commemorate love and a wedding or a ring tattoo design that holds different significance for the wearer, color is a great way to help these small tattoos stand out.
2. Floral and Patterned Tattoo Art
Floral patterns have been popular themes at tattoo shops for decades: for many people images of roses are some of the first things that come to mind when they think of tattoos. Because of their universal appeal and different symbolism, flowers are a great choice for ring tattoos and these are great examples of this approach.
It is no surprise, then, that so many people choose to use floral patterns for their wedding ring tattoo designs commemorating their eternal bond. Whether they are produced in black and gray or utilize the vibrant colors associated with these lovely blossoms floral ring tattoos are sure to turn heads well after the big day.
3. Forests and Mountains
The level of detail that a skilled tattoo artist is able to achieve is sometimes surprising and these ring tattoos are a cool idea inspired by the natural world. There is no doubt about the profound love and respect that many people have with nature and what better way to commemorate this relationship than with a wedding ring tattoo?
Utilizing a monochromatic approach, these excellent ring tattoos create silhouettes of tree tops and mountain ranges that ensure everyone that sees the tattoo design will understand the importance of the outdoors in the wearer’s life.
4. Linework Art
Source: @ryanjenkinstattoo via Instagram
Precise and consistent linework is essential to any successful tattoo and given the limited size of the ring finger canvas it is unsurprising that many artists choose to skip color and shading for a more simplified approach.
However, just because a ring tattoo design uses this approach doesn’t mean that it’s boring. As these excellent ring tattoos demonstrate, through the use of lines any number of designs can be created: from a popular clothing brand, to the silhouette of the Buddha a talented tattoo artist can create compelling ring tattoos using precise line work.
5. Minimalist Tattoo Inspiration
Once again we see a number of interesting wedding ring tattoo designs that take a minimalist approach to commemorate this profound love.
Some people choose to get each other’s initials inked on their ring fingers, while others use a fine line approach to create simple designs that undoubtedly hold deep significance to the wearer. One thing is for sure, these minimalist ring tattoos prove that sometimes less is more.
6. Replica Ring Finger Tattoo Designs
Source: @3rosestattoo(artist) via Instagram
Many of the ring tattoos that we have seen so far take a more creative approach to their design, however some people prefer their ring tattoo to look like a real ring. These ring tattoos take a more direct approach that uses clean line work and consistent shading to recreate the look of actual rings in a variety of styles.
One wedding ring tattoo uses Celtic knot work, while another ring tattoo uses color ink to recreate an ornate band, complete with shimmering jewel. These tattoos are great examples of what is possible when a tattoo artist takes a more straightforward approach to ring tattoo design.
7. Script and Lettering Tattoo Ideas
Script work remains popular across almost every tattoo style, and for good reason. Many people like the ability to cut through vague interpretations that script work provides and this directness can be successfully applied to a wedding ring tattoo as well.
For some people the permanent wedding ring tattoo will use each other’s initials to commemorate their love, while for others Roman numerals can be utilized to memorialize the wedding date with their ring tattoo. Script also provides plenty of opportunity to incorporate other elements like Celtic knot work, flourishes and other patterns into commemorating their big day.
8. Simple Tattoo Inspiration
As the ring tattoos in the previous collections demonstrate, a talented tattoo artist is not limited by the small size of the finger when it comes to creating interesting tattoos. However, for some people a simple tattoo design is more in line with their tastes and sensibilities.
Lucky for these folks, simple ring tattoos can be some of the most successful designs. Whether a tattoo is just a series of alternating lines, or the famous Claddagh ring symbolizing lifelong friendship, loyalty and love, a simple tattoo design is a great choice for ring tattoos.
9. Tribal Tattoo Design and Traditional Wedding Band
Source: @d.rachmann (artist) via Instagram
Tribal tattoo design can go back thousands of years. They remain popular, both among the traditional cultures that developed them as well as within the tattoo community at large. While most people think of tribal designs as large sleeves and shoulder pieces these excellent tribal ring tattoos prove that this approach is just as compelling for a small tattoo.
Celtic knot work, Polynesian designs and lotus flowers are all on display in this collection and each of wedding tradition finger tattoo idea demonstrates just how successful tribal designs can be for a permanent wedding ring tattoo or marker for your eternal bond.
10. Unique Tattoo Art
Source: @celebrity_tattoos /Nick Caverly(artist) via Instagram
One of the best parts about tattoos is the opportunity they provide for self-expression. The ability to wear a one of a kind ring tattoo allows someone to put their unique sense of style on display for the whole world to see and these ring tattoos are great examples of what is possible with a talented artist and a blank canvas. Abstract designs that use smooth shading to create texture, a realistic belt buckle applied in black and gray ink and a spectrogram of a meaningful snippet of sound are all great ways to commemorate love and create a unique wedding ring tattoo.
FAQs
How much do ring tattoos cost?
While it should never be the determining factor for whether or not someone gets a tattoo, to act like money isn’t a consideration would be unrealistic.
Most tattoo artists charge an hourly rate and many have a minimum price for small tattoos. A ring tattoo design on the low end of the price spectrum may cost as little as $50, with more intricate designs adding to the bill. While some artists charge upwards of $200 an hour there is little chance that a ring tattoo will cost more than a few hundred dollars even from an experienced and well-known tattoo artist.
What are some problems or issues associated with ring tattoos?
There is no doubt about it, ring tattoos look good and if done correctly reflect a cool idea; however there are some issues associated with this tattoo placement that must be considered.
First and foremost, a ring tattoo is permanently visible and those working in professional settings with a zero tolerance rule about ink should think long and hard about the decision to get a ring tattoo. While attitudes and acceptance regarding ink have changed a lot in recent years, for those bosses and employers who aren’t as enlightened to the beauty of tattoo design, a ring tattoo may be as unacceptable as any other hand tattoo.
Beyond the issue of appropriate work place dress codes, ring tattoos face another issue that must considered before that trip to any tattoo shops. Ring tattoos have a tendency to deteriorate faster than tattoo designs in other locations for a couple of reasons.
The skin on the inside of the hand—and fingers—is notoriously difficult to tattoo and ink placed on the inside of the finger often “falls out” leaving a faded remnant of the original design. A tattoo artist may respond to this problem by trying to pack ink deeper, which can lead to blowout and a blotchy ring tattoo on the inside of the finger.
Another reason that ring tattoos can be difficult to maintain is the level of activity and contact that the fingers go through on a daily basis. When a tattoo is fresh it’s important to protect the skin from contact and this is especially difficult given the constant need to use our fingers. While proper maintenance during this initial phase is key, the constant rubbing and contact means that ring tattoos will undoubtedly fade faster than tattoo designs in other locations.
Did you enjoy these ring tattoo ideas? Click on the links below for more awesome galleries of tatttoo inspiration: