Rings Directory

Rings are pieces of jewelry worn on the fingers. However, rings now also refer to bands worn on the toes and other body parts. The use of rings is not limited to any gender. Various materials may be used in the making of rings. Metals, plastics, glass, bones, woods and precious or semi-precious stones are being used in the making of rings.

Rings as symbols

The use of rings can be traced back to the prehistoric times. Rings have figured in cultures all over the world and are used as symbols of status, commitment and rank.

The most common use of rings is to symbolize engagement or marriage. These rings are being worn on the fourth finger from the thumb, and thus it was named the ring finger. The hand in which the wedding or engagement ring is worn depends on the culture being practiced. In orthodox countries, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand, while in other cultures, it is worn on the left hand.

Types of rings

There are several types of rings worn on the fingers. Rings may range from simple bands to elaborately designed rings, which can be accented with stones.

The simplest forms of rings are the wedding bands, which are just flat strips of metal whose ends are soldered together. At times, words are also engraved on these rings.

Another type of rings are the half-round rings or D-shape rings. These are quite similar to the wedding bands, except that the half-round rings are filed in a half-round manner.

Sleeve rings are those that have one solid inner ring (called a sleeve) and then outer rings are stacked over it. In order to keep the outer rings together, they can be fixed onto the sleeve, or the ends of the sleeve may be slightly bent.

Solitaire rings, one of the most common types of rings, are those that have a large stone or gem at the center. Eternity rings, on the other hand, are more elaborate versions of the solitaire rings. Eternity rings have diamonds or precious stones arranged in a row around the rings. If the row does not run throughout the whole ring or it stops halfway, the rings are called half-eternity rings.

Cluster rings are those that also have precious stones, but this time, they are arranged in a pattern or cluster that becomes the center of the rings.

The other types of rings are the ecclesiastical rings, worn by members of a religious order; Aqiq rings, worn by some Muslims; mood rings, which changes colors due to the heat- sensitive thermochromic liquid crystal; purity rings, which are symbols of chastity; rosary rings, which have the cross and ten indentations and the watch rings, which have digital or analog watches at the center.