Throughout history, people have aspired to have beautiful jewelry, not only to wear them on special occasions but also in everyday life. Rings, in particular, have always been popular with men and women from all walks of life, and the wearer often never takes them off.
Since humans first learned how to use metal, we have produced a variety of styles of rings, and many classic designs from the past are still valued today as much as they were when they were first conceived.
Let’s review some of the ancient ring types from different historical periods.
Ancient Greece
Although the tools available to ancient Greek jewelers were rudimentary by modern standards, they succeeded in creating beautiful rings with stunning intaglio carvings and intricate wire workmanship. Popular themes of the time, including Greek gods and mythical beasts, were depicted in intricate detail on rings made of materials such as gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Worn as an amulet or as a symbol of unity on wedding rings, the Hercules knot was a classic design of this period.
Ancient Rome
Roman jewelers also produced a number of intaglio rings with images of Roman gods and goddesses as well as military figures and symbols of the time. Engagement rings and wedding bands made of bronze, silver, and other metals engraved with the heads of the happy couple were also very popular at the time.
Byzantine
Due to the vastness of this ancient empire, there are many styles of rings from the Byzantine era. At its peak, it spanned Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa, stretching from present-day southern Spain and Portugal in the west to Egypt and Mesopotamia (present-day Turkey) in the east. Delicate enamel work, with its engraved patterns, graining, and lace-like filigree finery, were all popular techniques used by jewelers during this period to create stunning rings.
Saxons & Vikings
Saxon jewelers use single-strand metal to create intricate designs such as spirals, twisted chevres, braids, and knots. The Vikings, on the other hand, favored animal and geometric designs, as well as delicate filigree and guipure work.
Medieval
The rarity of precious metals and gemstones in the Middle Ages meant that gold rings with gemstones were reserved for nobles and royalty or extremely wealthy. For those who can afford to acquire this type of jewelry, the contrast between bright gemstones and rich golden tones is a popular trend today. Due to the prevalence of illiteracy at the time, signet rings were used in place of signatures, more commonly, and were often made of silver or bronze.
Tudor
Tudor rings were often heavily decorated, not only on the surface of the ring, but also on the sides and sometimes even on the reverse side. Table-top cut diamonds are favored by the wealthy, complemented by rich enamel or delicate engravings.
Stuart
The rings of this historical period, like many jewels produced at the time, were designed to reflect the religious turmoil and internal strife that prevailed in England during the reign of the Stuart monarchs. Exceptions include crystal love knots and rings with delicate gold thread patterns depicting the initials of engaged couples.
Rings produced over the past 3,000 years contain a wide variety of designs and personal stories.