When it comes to rings, a variety of shapes and styles can be found. They can be carved or polished into intricate designs, or they may be adorned with gemstones or other shiny materials. Many are made of metal, but they can also be crafted from wood, glass, or even paper. Some rings are worn as symbols of love, while others are simply used for decoration. Regardless of their function or material, rings are always visually interesting and often make a statement about the wearer.
The concept of rings dates back to the 1870s, but it was not until around 1920 that the ring concept was fully formalized with contributions by Dedekind domains, Hilbert spaces, Fraenkel spaces, and Noether’s algebras. These concepts proved useful in a number of other branches of mathematics, including geometry and number theory.
A ring is a set where addition and multiplication are associative, and where multiplication distributes over addition. It is a generalization of the Dedekind domains, polynomial rings, and algebraic invariant rings that occur in number theory, algebraic geometry, and invariant theory.
One of the most famous rings in history is the ring that betrayed Sauron in The Lord of the Rings, but there are also rings that were given to people as gifts, like the cameo ring (pictured) that was worn by the Romans and Renaissance Europeans to depict shell or gemstone portraits of gods and emperors. These rings exhibited a mix of powers, from the preservation and adornment of what was desired or loved to the power to control life-sustaining energies.
A tungsten ring is an example of a specialized ring that is very strong and abrasion resistant. It can also be molded to fit the finger perfectly for a comfortable and secure fit, as well as being very durable. While other types of metal are used to create rings, tungsten is often preferred because it is not as easily scratched or bent.
For many women, the ultimate goal is to receive an engagement ring from someone she loves and then marry that person. Historically, this has been a symbol of commitment and a sign that the woman has agreed to give her whole heart to one man. However, today the ring is often just an empty symbol, as most women can support themselves and do not need to rely on men for their financial well-being.
For those who enjoy a glimmer of glamour, a diamond ring is an excellent option. It can be set in a traditional prong setting, in which thin metal “claws” extend up from the band to hold the center gemstone. There are also cluster settings, where one large center gemstone is surrounded by smaller outward facing gems, and flush sets, in which the stones are sunk into holes along the band of the ring with tension alone holding them in place. For those who are more interested in a simple and elegant look, silver rings can be a good choice.