Why Seventh-day Adventists Don’t Wear Rings or Adornments

God Looks at the Heart but He Also Guides the Outside

God looks at the heart, yes... but that doesn’t mean He’s indifferent to how we present ourselves. The way we dress and adorn ourselves reflects what’s happening on the inside.

“For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” —1 Samuel 16:7

Yet in the same breath, the Bible also gives instructions about modesty, adornment, and outward simplicity not because God is focused on fashion, but because He desiresclarity of witness, humility of spirit, and freedom from vanity.

“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” —1 Peter 3:3–4

“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds…” —1 Timothy 2:9–10

These are not cultural suggestions. They are God-breathed principles for His people, especially those preparing for Christ’s return.

Adorning the Heart, Not the Body

Jewelry has long been associated in Scripture with pride, idolatry, and self-glorification, especially when God’s people drifted from Him.

When the Israelites left Egypt, God told them to remove their ornaments before approaching Him:

“For the Lord had said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, "You are a stiff-necked people... take off your ornaments that I may know what to do with you."’ So the Israelites stripped themselves of their ornaments from Mount Horeb onward.” —Exodus 33:5–6

Why? Because those ornaments were remnants of Egyptian idolatry and pride. They were spiritually connected to a lifestyle of rebellion

Similarly, in the story of Jacob’s household, when returning to God, he asked his family to bury their idols and their earrings with them.

“Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments... So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods... and the earrings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak tree.” —Genesis 35:2–4

This repeated association in Scripture makes it clear: jewelry often symbolized spiritual compromise.

The Spirit of Prophecy Affirms This Calling

Ellen G. White, a prophetic voice for our times, gave clear counsel on the subject not to create restrictions, but to encourage holiness and purpose in the remnant church.

“Self-denial in dress is a part of our Christian duty. To dress plainly, and abstain from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind, is in keeping with our faith.” —Messages to Young People, p. 420

“Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress of good material, durable, modest, appropriate for this age, and let not the dress question fill the mind.” —Manuscript Releases, Vol. 4, p. 642

“The wearing of ornaments of jewelry is a snare... and the sooner and more thoroughly it is broken from, the better.” —Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 630

To Ellen White, the issue was not the item itself. It was the spirit behind it: self-exaltation, pride, worldliness. Her writings repeatedly point Adventists to modest, simple, Christ-honoring living.

What If I Have Pure Intentions?

This is a common and sincere question. “What if I’m not wearing jewelry for pride? What if I just like how it looks, or it has sentimental value?”

It’s true: motives matter. God sees the heart. But here’s a deeper truth: we’re not called to live based on what we can do, but on what best reflects Jesus.

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” —1 Corinthians 6:12

When we choose to remove adornments, we’re not saying, “This is evil.” We’re saying, “I want to live for a higher purpose.”

Even if your motives are pure, that jewelry may confuse others, lower the spiritual tone, or weaken your witness.

What About Wedding Rings?

In most parts of the world, Adventists avoid all rings, including wedding bands. However, in some regions (particularly in North America and Europe), a plain wedding band is sometimes allowed to avoid misunderstandings.

Ellen White, though initially opposed, gave this counsel under pressure of context:

“In countries where the custom is imperative, we have no burden to condemn those who have worn a simple wedding ring... Let the church follow its own judgment. But let our ministers set a right example.” —Testimonies to Ministers, p. 180

Even then, she was reluctant, and her emphasis remained: simplicity, self-denial, and no display.

Modesty Isn’t Just About Jewelry

This principle applies broadly:

• Flashy clothing


• Excessive makeup


• Branded items worn for status


• Designer accessories

These, too, fall under the same biblical call to modesty and humility.

Jesus Gave Up Heaven’s Riches for You

Ultimately, this lifestyle of simplicity reflectsChrist’s humility..

“Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” —2 Corinthians 8:9

If Jesus could set aside His heavenly glory to save us, how much more should we be willing to let go of the things that draw attention to self?