Rings have adorned our fingers since the earliest times. They have a long and rich history that has created an array of traditions, myths, legends and personal meaning. They can be lustrous, fashionable, chic or downright eye-catching. From a promise of eternal love to an affirmation of faith or even a symbol of a career achievement, rings are far more than just a piece of jewellery. But what exactly are the different parts of a ring? And how does this affect the way we wear and style them? In this article we’ll explore everything you need to know about rings: from basic terminology to fun facts about their design and the symbolic significance of each element.
Rings are circular bands, usually made from metal and worn as ornamental jewellery on the finger. They can be worn on other parts of the body as well, such as on the hand, arm or toe, but the term is usually reserved for rings that fit snugly around the specific body part they ornament (bands worn loosely, such as bracelets, are not referred to as rings).
The band of a ring can be adorned with gemstones, pearls and other precious stones or it can be completely plain. A ring can also contain other elements, such as filigree work or detailed shapes. Some rings, especially engagement rings and wedding bands, feature a bridge that extends across the top of the mount, which can be a beautiful place to include a personalised detail or a coloured stone.
A ring is often considered a symbol of everlasting love or commitment and is frequently exchanged between partners as a sign of affection. It can also be a mark of loyalty and trust and is therefore worn as a badge of honour by police, firefighters, military personnel and other public service workers. A ring is sometimes given by parents to their children as an indication that they are loved and cared for and by friends or family members to show that they are valued. It is also common to see professional American sports leagues award runners-up of the championship game/series with a ring to celebrate their achievements.
There are a number of theories on the origin of planetary rings. One theory is that they are the remnants of an accretion disk formed with the parent planet, while others suggest that rings are made of debris from the break-up and dispersal of captured comets. A third theory suggests that ring particles, which can range from micron-sized dust to objects as large as houses, are pulled by the gravity of the parent planet into rings by nongravitational forces.
How to measure your ring size
If you are buying a ring for a loved one and don’t want to ruin the surprise, try measuring her finger in the evening when her fingers tend to swell. You can also use ribbon, twine or paper to make a simple, accurate ring measurement. Wrap the material around her finger just above the knuckle, mark the point where it overlaps with a pencil or tape and take this measurement to your jeweler to ensure the perfect fit.