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Ring

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 indeed, a small link, although it has bound together millions for better for worse, for richer for poorer, more securely than could the shackle wrought for a felon. An impression from it may have saved a or lost a kingdom. It is made the symbol of power; and has been the mark of slavery. Love has placed it where a vein was supposed to vibrate in the heart. Affection and friendship have wrought it into a remembrance; and it has passed into the grave upon the finger of a loved one.1

Art Nouveau Three-Stone Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Leaf Motif Engagement Ring
Art Nouveau Three-Stone Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Leaf Motif Engagement Ring.

In existence for over six thousand years, rings appear in almost every culture of the world. In addition to satisfying purely decorative needs, rings have served a multitude of purposes, both practical and symbolic. Rings have been used to pledge one heart to another, to seal correspondences and authenticate documents. They have served to memorialize a friendship, honor the dead and as talismans to provide protection against the forces of evil. Rings have also been used as symbolic expressions of faith or as tangible evidence of power and wealth. So ubiquitous an item, rings of all periods have survived providing valuable historical insight into various cultures and as a timeline of major design themes and materials in jewelry history.

Platinum, Rose, Yellow, and White Gold (Precious Metal) Rings.
Band Rings
Contemporary Diamond Engagement Ring.
Engagement Ring
Diamond and Platinum Eternity Band.
Eternity Band
Cast Gold and Enamel Gimmel Fede Ring c.1607. Victoria & Albert Museum Collection.
Fede Ring, c.1607. Victoria & Albert Museum Collection.
Memento Mori Gimmel Ring.
Gimmel Ring. Courtesy of the Schmuckmuseum in Pforzheim.
Gypsy Set Diamond Ring.
Gypsy Ring
Jade Hololith Ring. Image Courtesy of Christie's.
Hololith RIng
Lace Gallery in 18K White Gold on a Diamond Ring.
Lace Ring
Lover's Knot Ring.
Lover's Knot Ring.
Memorial Ring. Victoria & Albert Museum Collection.
Memorial Ring. Victoria & Albert Museum Collection.
Vintage English Mizpah Band, c.1937.
Mizpah Ring
Posy Ring Inscribed Neuer(sic) Look but Remember A S, c.17th-18th Century.
Posy Ring. © The Trustees of the British Museum.
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Double Serpent (Promise or Wedding) Ring.
Promise Ring
Puzzle Ring Assembled.
Puzzle Ring Assembled.
Victorian Regard Ring.
Regard Ring
Signet Ring with Coat of Arms.
Signet Ring
Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring.
Solitaire Ring
Cartier Trinity Rolling Ring.
Trinity/Rolling Ring

Sources

  • Edwards, Charles. History and Poetry of Finger Rings: New York, NY: Redfield, 1855.

Notes

  1. Edwards P 10.
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