A ring is a metallic band that is usually worn around the fingers or toes, worn by both men and women. Rings are frequently used for ornamental purposes but often have symbolic significance too. Metal is the material most commonly used but rings are also made of plastic, stone, wood, bones and embellished with gemstones.
Rings date back to 2500BC. Evidence of their existence has been found in the Hittite civilization as well as ancient Egypt. In ancient Greece, gold was not available locally; hence materials such as silver and bronze were also used to make rings. During the early and middle imperial era (first two centuries AD), a ring consisted of a thick hoop that tapered directly into a wider bezel. Towards the third and fourth centuries AD, it was considered fashionable to wear multiple rings on fingers of both hand.Read More
People began to use gemstones in their rings after 1150 due to the belief that certain gems had powers that benefited the wearer. Engraved rings became a trend in the year 1350. By the 13th century, as language gained a greater foothold, the increasing number of contracts and documents resulted in the creation of the signet rings that were the formal seals. Some rings were dangerous as well. For instance, Hannibals and Demostenes wore poison rings that could be used on others as well as the self with the intent to inflect harm.
During the Renaissance, the greater the number of rings worn by a person, the greater the importance they commanded. Five types of rings were created during this period — ecclesiastical rings, healing rings, wedding rings, gadget rings and token rings.
Over time, it became customary to wear a ring on the fourth finger on the left hand as a symbol of marriage. The custom was established as a norm during World War II. The common belief is that a vein in left hand’s ring finger (vena amoris or vein of love) is directly connected to the heart.
Today, rings are worn regardless of class and gender. They have a fashion symbol and are made of gold, diamond, and precious materials as well as inexpensive fashion jewellery. The wedding band has become an important symbol of fidelity for married couples. Celebrities and high-profile people often make headlines for their engagement rings which cost millions of dollars. Jacqueline Kennedy’s diamond and emerald ring and Elizabeth Taylor’s giant emerald-cut diamond are some of the mot famous rings in the world.