Rings
Rings have a long history of meaningful symbolism: signet & seal rings worn and used as proof of identity; regard and posy rings bearing secret messages; engagement rings signaling a promise to wed; wedding bands to seal a vow; and fabulous, colorful, decorative rings we wear just because. The pictorial Rings glossary below provides a wealth of information for your perusal on this fascinating subject.
Vignettes
Memorial rings are rings worn to commemorate events or persons, alive or departed. Common forms of memorial rings are mourning rings, inauguration/coronation rings, posy rings, wedding rings, championship, and high school rings.
Diamonds are the gemstone most commonly associated with engagement rings, but that has not always been the case. They first made their appearance in betrothal rings circa the fifteenth century but...
A signet ring features an intaglio gem, or decorative carving that is engraved with a monogram, coat of arms or, other heraldic or personal symbol. Throughout history, signets were used as...
This little perfect figure may seem to be a trifling matter on which to found an essay; and yet we shall find it connected with history and poetry. It is...
Terms & Definitions
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Named after a small fishing village in Galway, Ireland, the Claddagh ring features a central heart surmounted by a coronet, grasped on either side by hands. This ring pledges love but takes...
A decade ring has ten bumps around the outside of the shank for use as a prayer counter. The bumps correspond to the ten Aves of the rosary and the bezel, usually having a...
A ring consisting of a continuous circle of similar-sized gemstones or diamonds. A half eternity ring has half the circle set with stones.
A gimmel ring (from the Latin gemellus meaning twin) is a ring that is made up of two or more separate hoops, sharing a split shank such that the hoops can be...
Traditionally, a glove ring was a ring that was worn over a glove. During the Renaissance Era, gloves with cut-outs designed specifically to show off rings were in fashion. In the “what’s...
A gypsy ring is a single-stone ring with a slightly raised bezel (or not raised at all). The stone is set in a flush mount.
A gypsy setting is used for rings where the stone is secured not by a collet but by recessing the stone into a hole in the ring and pressing a flange of metal around the girdle of the...