Like the vast majority of body ornaments, rings are far from being recent, on the contrary. In prehistoric times, the ring had a vital emotional significance. It was not used as a distinctive sign of wealth as in later times. Instead, it served to unify the people with whom they shared planting, hunting, a community, or life.
The motifs, shapes, and colors of these primitive alliances were closely related to the religious beliefs of this period. Likewise, these rings were made from the various rudimentary materials available to them: wood, bone, shells, and carved stone.
Around 2800 B.C., the Egyptians used a ring as an engagement ring in prenuptial ceremonies: the circle symbolized the mystery and eternity of life because it had no beginning and no end. Likewise, the gods wore rings: the golden process was a pact that no one could break.
The popular classes wore a copper ring with a sacred scarab. It was made of soapstone inscribed with the owner’s name and magic formula to attract luck. With this protective ring, they were buried at death. It was a reminder of earthly life and a way to maintain self-awareness.
There were magic rings, such as Solomon’s, on the inside of which the phrase “this too shall pass away was engraved.” Legend has it that the virtue of this jewel was to make the wearer happy when he was sad, and it was to this ring that Solomon owed his wisdom.
Around the 4th century B.C., the fashion of setting carnelian, amethyst, or bright red almandine stone in gold rings to divert the eyes of the beholders was born.
Today, there are many materials, designs, sizes, and varieties of rings that you could well purchase, so here are the most usual types of rings on the market and what they mean.
- The solitaire:
Its name comes from the fact that this type of ring is made up of only one diamond. Thus, its meaning is “one diamond, one love.” It is commonly seen in engagement rings.
- Wedding ring:
The conventional wedding ring is characterized by a smooth metal surface, usually yellow gold. It can be engraved on the inside with the wedding date or the spouses’ name; the width varies. The delivery of these is done in the church during the ceremony.
- Eternity ring:
This is a ring in the shape of a rail, with a row of small and equal gems surrounding the whole ring; as its name says, its meaning is the promise of eternal love. It is recurrently given an intimately special occasion, such as the first child’s birth or some anniversary, usually after the 10th. When choosing an eternity ring, you should keep in mind the engagement and wedding ring style they are currently wearing, as the three pieces of jewelry should complement each other.
- The cocktail ring:
We see it on many, many occasions; it represents the diversity and freedom of human beings. It is characterized by having many gems or stones of different shapes and colors.
- Knuckle ring:
They are currently used a lot; they are thinner and have a smaller diameter than conventional rings; this is carried in the first or second joint of the finger. Ideal for people who love to receive the looks of everyone, they give a hand touch of elegance and authenticity.
- Pinky rings:
Pinky rings for women symbolize personality and power, and we have to confess that we love how they look on the hands, but especially on the little finger. Wearing the ring on the pinky finger means that you are a sensitive person. If you wear pinky rings for women on your right hand, it also means that you are a person with character and a good communicator. You also get what you want, and you have a lot of leadership skills. On the other hand, if you wear the ring on the little finger of your left hand, it means that you are a good listener and have a lot of patience.
