11 Old Money Rings for Men That Look Inherited, Not Bought

A ring can make a plain outfit look finished, or make it look like you tried too hard. The difference is usually the shape, the metal and how many you wear at once.

These 11 old money rings for men show what works. Each look lists the rings and the clothes around them, and says where it fits. Then there's a short guide on metal, size and which finger to pick.

1. Silver Signet and a Plain Band With a Cream Blazer

Start here if you want the classic pair. A round silver signet sits on one finger and a wide, plain band on the next. The two rings are different shapes but the same metal, which is why they look like they belong together. The cream blazer and floral tie keep the whole thing soft.

Wear it to: a wedding, a dinner, any day you wear a blazer.

Swap: wear the plain band alone and save the signet for evenings.

2. Two Silver Rings, a Curb Bracelet and a Wide Hat

This one is for the guy who likes more. Two silver rings on the index and middle fingers, a silver chain and a chunky curb bracelet all share one metal, so it reads as a set and not a pile. The loose white shirt and grey blazer keep it relaxed.

Wear it to: a night out, a gallery, a photo shoot.

Swap: drop the bracelet and keep the rings and chain if it feels like a lot.

3. Three Rings on One Hand With a Grey Knit

Several rings on one hand look best when they have some wear. The bronze skull ring, the twisted gold band and the dark band are all different, but the warm tones match. A plain grey knit lets them stand out.

Wear it to: a weekend, a bookshop, a casual dinner.

Swap: if three is too many, start with just the gold band.

4. Round Glasses, a Grey Knit and a Skull Ring

A bold ring works best when everything near it is calm. The knit is grey, the collar is black and the glasses are thin, so the skull ring and the gold wrapped ring do the talking. It's a quieter look than it sounds.

Wear it to: a library, a museum, a coffee date.

Swap: a plain gold band gives you the same warmth without the skull.

5. Gold Signet With a Houndstooth Blazer and Fedora

This is the closest thing on the list to a real old money look. A flat-top gold signet ring, a thin gold chain bracelet and a watch on a silver bracelet are all small and all warm in tone. The houndstooth blazer, burgundy pocket square and fedora do the rest.

Wear it to: a lunch, a church service, a walk downtown.

Swap: wear the signet alone and skip the bracelet.

6. Dark Signet Ring With a Tweed Vest

Dark rings are easy to miss, and that's the point. The dark signet ring on the hand holding the hat matches the dark jacket and the vest. You see it when he moves, not from across the room.

Wear it to: an evening out, a dinner, a winter wedding.

Swap: a black onyx signet is an easy way to get the same look.

7. Stacked Silver Bands With a Plaid Blazer

Several flat and thin silver bands on one hand look casual and a bit bold. All of them are plain, so they don't fight each other. A grey plaid blazer over it keeps the look smart.

Wear it to: a party, a casual office day, a night out.

Swap: for an everyday look, keep two bands and take the rest off.

8. Silver Band and Gold Chains, Mixed on Purpose

Mixing metals can work when one is clearly the main one. Here the chains are gold and the ring is a plain silver band. Keep the silver ring simple and let the gold be the bigger piece.

Wear it to: a weekend out, a casual date.

Swap: if you'd rather match, switch to a gold band.

9. Two Silver Signet Rings With a Pale Pinstripe Suit

A pale blue pinstripe suit with silver rings that carry small stones is a calm combination. One ring sits on the index finger and one on the little finger. The cool silver matches the cool suit, which makes it look planned.

Wear it to: a wedding, a summer party, a formal dinner.

Swap: on a navy suit, try a silver signet with a dark blue stone.

10. Thin Gold Band With a White Shirt and Printed Tie

Some of the best rings are the ones you barely notice. A thin gold band is part of the picture, like the shirt and the tie. The paisley tie is what you look at first.

Wear it to: the office, a business lunch, a date.

Swap: a thin silver band is just as good with a white shirt.

11. Rings on Both Hands With a Silver Bracelet and Watch

Rings on both hands, a bracelet and a watch is a lot. It works here because the metal is all silver and the suit is pale blue. The darker tie gives the light pieces something to sit against.

Wear it to: a formal event, a night out.

Swap: pick one hand for rings and the other for the watch.

How to Pick Rings That Look Like They Were Handed Down

Choose one metal. Silver or gold, not both, at least while you're starting out. If you wear a watch, match the ring to the watch case. The same goes for a bracelet or chain, as in the chain necklaces guide.

Start with one ring. A plain band or a flat-top signet is enough. Add a second ring only when the first feels normal. Two or three rings on one hand works when they are the same tone, like the silver pair in look 1.

Pick the finger.

Finger	What it says
Little finger	The traditional place for a signet
Ring finger	A band, or a thin gold ring
Index finger	A bolder statement ring
Middle finger	Good for a second, plain ring

Get the fit right. A ring should slide over the knuckle with a little resistance and stay put when you shake your hand. Measure your finger at the end of the day, when it's at its biggest. Wide bands feel tighter than thin ones, so go up half a size for those.

Keep the face flat. A flat-top or lightly engraved face looks old and calm. Big stones and shiny finishes look new. Some wear on the metal is fine, since a worn signet is the whole idea.

Let the clothes stay quiet. Rings stand out most against plain fabric. Grey knits, white shirts and tweed all work, and so do the muted shades in our old money color combos. Take a look at the old money vest outfits if you want something to wear them with.

FAQ

What is an old money ring? A plain, good-quality ring that doesn't show a logo: a flat-top signet, a simple band or a thin gold ring. It looks like it's been worn for years.

Which finger does a signet ring go on? The little finger on your non-dominant hand is the traditional spot. Many men also wear one on the ring finger. Pick the one that sits comfortably.

Should I wear gold or silver? Pick the one that suits your skin and the rest of your jewelry. Gold looks warm and classic. Silver looks cooler and plainer. Stick to one metal per outfit.

How many rings are too many? Most looks here use one to three rings, and the plain silver stack in look 7 is the exception. They all match in tone. For daily wear, one or two is easier.