Types of Rings - Ring Styles From The Beginning Until Today

Most of the rings we see today are perfectly machine-made, but they weren’t always so sophisticated. Some of the earliest rings were simple bands of grass, wood, or bone that were worn on the finger. However, over time, rings began to feature more intricate designs and materials. Some of the most popular styles of early rings include:

1.      Celtic Rings

In ancient times, rings were more than just pieces of jewelry—they held great power and meaning. Among the most fascinating and enigmatic rings from this period are Celtic rings. These rings, which were worn by the Celtic people of Europe, are characterized by their intricate designs and unusual shapes.

Some believe that the distinctive spiral pattern of Celtic rings represents the cycle of life, while others interpret it as a symbol of eternal love. Whatever their original significance, Celtic rings have long been treasured for their beauty and mystery. 

2.      Signet Rings

For 3500 years, signet rings have been used as a mark of identity. The earliest examples date back to the Bronze Age when they were used to stamp seals on documents and clay tablets.

In medieval Europe, signet rings were used by royalty and nobility to seal letters and legal documents. During the Renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries, signet rings became more ornate, with intricate designs that incorporated family crests and other symbolism.

Today, signet rings are still seen as a symbol of status and power. They are often passed down through generations and continue to be worn with pride by those who bear them. Though their function has changed over time, signet rings remain a timeless symbol of all that is regal and refined.

3.      Claddagh Rings

The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring that is often used as a wedding or engagement ring. The ring consists of two hands holding a heart, with a crown above the heart.

The meaning of the Claddagh ring is often said to be "let love and friendship reign forever." According to legend, the Claddagh ring was first created by a man named Richard Joyce who was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery.

While in captivity, Joyce began making Claddagh rings in 1689 as a way to express his love for his home and family. After many years, Joyce was finally able to return to Ireland and he gave the first Claddagh ring to the woman he loved. Today, the Claddagh ring is still a popular symbol of love and friendship.

4.      Garnet Rings

Few gemstones are as dramatic as garnets. With their deep red hue, they have been associated with passion and power throughout history. Garnet rings have been worn by royalty and commoners alike, and they continue to be a popular choice today.

The history of garnet rings dates back to ancient times. Egyptians wore them as far back as 3100 BC, and the stones were also popular in Ancient Greece and Rome. In the Middle Ages, garnets were thought to ward off evil spirits, and they were often given as gifts to protect loved ones. during wartime.

Garnets continued to be popular throughout the Renaissance and into the Victorian era. Queen Victoria wore a garnet engagement ring, and the stone became increasingly associated with love and romance. Today, garnet rings are still a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings. Thanks to their unique color and historic associations, they continue to capture the imagination and dazzle those who wear them.

Rings have been worn for centuries and will continue to be popular choices for jewelry. Whether they are made of gold, silver, or some other precious metal, rings are sure to add a touch of elegance and beauty to any outfit.

5.       Wedding Rings

Again dating back to ancient Egyptians, wedding rings are worn as an outward symbol of the commitment and affection of a married couple. Until recently, wedding rings were almost entirely worn by women but during WWI and WWII, men started adopting the trend as a wearable connection to their beloved at home and a reminder of what they were fighting for. Wooden wedding rings are a new trend that are coming in hot to the scene, especially for more outdoorsy and eco-conscious couples who have a taste for things that aren’t mainstream.

6.       Engagement Rings

Engagement rings now symbolize love but it has certainly not always been so romantic. Throughout history, marriage hasn’t always been about two people’s feelings for another, rather it was often about dominion. Engagement rings are thought to have arisen around the time of Ancient Rome, when a ring showed betrothal, commitment, or ownership. This was a time when arranged marriages were much more common and marriage was a tool to bring together families and form powerful alliances, or acquire land. 

Luckily, most of the world decided that marriage should be for love and not a business transaction and we arrived close to where we are today. However that doesn’t mean that engagement rings were always common, in the 1930s, De Beers undertook a massive marketing campaign to increase sales of their diamonds, equating the strength of a couple’s love to the size of the diamond engagement ring. In the next 50 years the sales of their company grew 100x and the diamond engagement ring became a staple of the Western marriage industry. Engagement rings and the materials that make them have caused massive controversies and have grown more opulent by the day. But recently, many have joined the trend back to more natural materials and the popularity of wooden engagement rings has been growing quickly.

7.       Achievement Rings

Rings don’t always have to be about love or power, sometimes they just show that you did something special. Achievement rings have become incredibly common, especially for school graduations from high school and college. Graduation rings are typically modest rings that show the school and year of graduation and are made from a precious metal like gold, white gold, or silver, and may or may not feature a fairly common gemstone like cubic zirconia.

Championship rings can run the gamut, from modest college championship rings to Superbowl rings, which have become some of the most opulent rings in the world. These rings are worn by athletes and coaches at the highest level of sports like the NFL, NHL, NBA, etc. who win their annual national championship. Championship rings are typically enormous and studded with diamonds, precious stones, and intricate detailing. This is most common in the US.

8. Wood Rings

Though they’re making a strong comeback, wooden rings were actually one of the first rings ever made. Since wood isn’t as hard as precious metals, they didn’t require the refining and machining that we expect today. Wooden rings for men are becoming a great option for a men’s wedding band or just as fashion rings. Wooden wedding rings are also increasingly popular for women and sometimes even as an engagement ring. 

While wooden rings don’t symbolize your claim to a throne and aren’t used to wax seal important documents, there’s a beautiful simplicity to them. Their rich tones, natural textures and light weight are a welcomed change from an increasingly metal world and the means taken to create them are much more sustainable. What’s better, they float.

There are many more types of rings out there, too many to list. One thing’s for certain, they’re going to be around for a while..

Also in Dose Of Wisdom