Our personality and characters are shown by the type of accessories that we choose to wear. This can be seen in rings. Rings are a common accessory for women, whether it be for the sake of fashion or for expressing one’s individuality. For some men, they usually wear wedding bands. Although millennial men are also into fashion that some wear statements or fashion rings. There are several types of rings accessible in the market to cater to all gender and style. Let’s dive into the
Types of rings according to their meanings.
Let’s go straight to the different types of rings currently offered in the market.
Band
This can be considered to be the simplest type of ring having a uniform width and thickness of the shank. The top can be flat or in a dome shape. Beveled edges and can sometimes be decorated with engravings or lined with some stones. A popular choice for men for its simplicity and sophistication.
Antique Ring
Does your family have a ring that is passed on through different generations? You may have an antique ring there. The rule is anything that has existed for a hundred years and up is considered an antique. With jewelry, some consider a fifty-year-old ring as an antique ring. Antique rings can also refer to the style itself and not the era it started existing. For engagement or wedding bands, some would choose the Antique styled ring set like that from the Victorian Era. Elegant that features a row of mine cut diamonds. Tiffany setting is also considered a vintage type of setting.
Cluster Ring
Like a bouquet of stones formed in a cluster. This design is composed of varied sized stones with the largest one place in the middle surrounded by petite stones with the same shape. This design is specifically made for a small-sized central gemstone to emphasize and make it seem larger and extravagant at the same time.
Eternity Ring / Band
A version of an engagement band or an anniversary ring. These are gifted or worn for a particular reason, such as a vow to stay by each other’s side for eternity. The design ranges from the traditional stone-paved band to the contemporary tension setting. Some would have designs like a symbol of eternity with a set of crystals, while some are decorated with a gemstone for a specific year of their anniversary. An example is the emerald crystal that denotes the twentieth anniversary of marriage.
Promise Ring
A version of an engagement ring for romantic relationships. This can also be worn by friends and loved ones, who have vowed to commit to whatever purpose it may be. It usually comes in pairs, some with personal engravings like that of a poesy ring.
Claddagh Ring
Friendship and love are expressed with a Claddagh ring. This features a Celtic design of two hands holding a crowned heart. A design that is a symbol of loyalty and deep affection, it can be seen in friendships and romantic relationships. Have in mind that with regards to romantic relations, there is a correct way of wearing a Claddagh ring. For unmarried women, wear the ring with the heart facing outward that denotes your single status, whereas wearing the ring on your left hand facing your heart means that you have found your mate.
Fashion Ring
Style and design are the first to consider in fashion rings. The quality of the materials takes second place in choosing these types of rings. Mostly made of non-precious and manmade materials designed to enhance or complete a chosen outfit. Metals bases are usually made of brass, copper and bronze metal plated with gold or silver. Accents like beads, crystals, and leather are also incorporated to make for aesthetics. Due to the variety of materials used, it can be offered at a much affordable price.
Contemporary Ring
Current or trendy rings are usually a combination of different styles. A Tension set ring is an example of a contemporary type of ring that is a combination of traditional and current at the same time. The floating illusion makes it trendy, especially when made with titanium and a stainless base metal with a simpler and minimal gemstone setting.
Flexible Ring
Bendable and pliant rings made from chains of metal pieces, beaded rings with a flexible base. A type of ring that features a delicate and chic look. There is a current trend of bendable silicone rings that best suits people who use their hands daily, like construction workers, cooks and people in the health care industry.
Nugget Ring
Big and chunky looking ring with a flat head traditionally made for men. This imitates a nugget of raw gold, therefore, the name nugget. A current version is adorned with stones and made thinner to cater to women and as an anniversary or an engagement ring.
Puzzle Ring
Complexly designed with three or more linked hoops made to be solved to a single piece of ring. A design that dates back in the seventeenth century from Italy and other European countries. The interconnected hoop is made of smooth and polished metals or alloys. Hard materials are preferred nowadays to prevent it from bending, for it would break into loose hoops every time it leaves your finger.
Solitaire Ring
A type of ring that features a piece of a diamond held by four to six prongs of thin metals. A popular setting now called the tiffany setting to showcase the stone, enabling the light to freely pass through the chosen crystal/stone that results in a dazzling and glittering centerpiece.
Spinner Ring
Anxiety and stress sometimes come in unexpected times, this type of ring features as a steady flat band with movable thin rings connected to the side or over the main band. The spinning rings are said to help people with anxiety and stress disorder to help them overcome their condition. Usually made of plain metals plated in different metal colors.
Statement ring
Also known as the cocktail ring. These are elaborately designed brimming with personality. It speaks volumes with the mere sight of it. The catchphrase that says the bigger, the better applies to this type of ring, where it features a dramatic display to emphasize and add glam to an outfit. Vibrant colors and enormous sizes that come with elaborate designs make a statement ring stand out of many gatherings. The materials used can be of precious metals and stones to manmade replicas that still gives off the same vibe and aura of extravagance and superfluity.
Vintage Ring
Commonly perceived as an antique. A ring is considered vintage when it hasn’t reached its one-hundredth birthday. Like the antique rings, sometimes when a ring is described as a vintage, it gives focus on the design rather than the real age of the band. Due to the advancement in technology, vintage design and a vintage look can be accomplished without the aid of time. A timeless and classic design that people sought after for its unique and homey feel.
Types of rings according to occasions
Birthstone Ring
These are rings that feature a crystal stone specifically for the month of your birthday. Each stone has its own meaning for luck and to promote spiritual well-being. This type features the different vibrant colored gemstones that can also be used as an alternative to a diamond.
Cocktail Ring
Famous during the ’30s and made to be worn on occasions to highlight your outfit as well as your fashion sense. Also considered as a cluster ring that is characterized by a large, often in a dome shape that rises on top of the finger, featuring a lavish set of paving stones that is dramatic and extravagant.
Costume Ring
Themed parties and events are the in-thing whether it’s a birthday celebration, reunion, and especially during the Halloween season. An example of a fashion ring having the main purpose of achieving the desired look. An example would be a Goth inspired rings decorated with skulls and the timeless steampunk rings that have a clockwork themed design. Materials used in this type of ring range from precious metals to acrylic.
Signet ring
Also known as college or class ring that represents the batch or the year you have graduated. A commemoration ring of the time you have spent in school, all the fun, ups, and downs that you have experienced that you would surely want to reminisce in the future.
Engagement Ring
Promise rings, eternity bands, and other types of rings that denote a pledge of upcoming nuptials to tie the knot and wed in front of the law or for the religious, in front of the all mighty. Choosing an engagement ring is as crucial as that of the wedding ring because women would wear both and the two must have a unified theme or look.
- Gimmal Ring
A type of engagement ring was a fashion in the 16th century in European countries. The ring has two to three hoops linked together to form a ring. An example of this type of engagement ring is featured in a museum in England wherein two linked rings are fashioned from a single ring decorated with ruby and two pieces of emerald.
- Poesy Ring
A unique feature of having a personalized inscription on the inner surface of the ring-like initials or the wedding date. A ring that dates back to the fifteenth century in France where couples exchange rings with a spiritual and inspirational message. Poesi is translated as a poem in English for engravings and has a sentimental tone in them, just like a ring that can be seen in a London museum having an inscription that says “loyalty not fear.”
- Three Stone Ring
A symbolic ring that denotes the past, present, and future of a couple’s relationship. The stone comes in two sizes, one larger than the two. The largest one is placed in the middle of the smaller stones that each denotes the past and the future. The largest gem signifies the present where you have decided to commit to one another a lifetime that promises a life full of love, loyalty, and friendship.
Wedding Band
Forever, like the promise you have made with each other. That is what wedding rings represent, that is why it takes time and effort to choose the best ring that both couples would appreciate and wear daily. Men would usually go for a classic plain wedding band while women would choose something special, unique and stylish. It’s acceptable for she would be wearing it with different styles and outfits. As a rule, since a wedding band is worn every day, it must be easy to clean and comfortable to wear. Commonly worn with the engagement ring which is highly extravagant and grandiose that it serves as the focal point when worn with the wedding band. The wedding band is customarily worn on the left ring finger before the engagement ring to have it closer to the heart.
Anniversary band
As the years of matrimony go by, it is symbolized by a crystal or a gemstone. As the elders would say, marriage is hard work, and it should be commemorated by something that represents the experiences and the duration of your life together. I have broken it down every 5 years to make it simple. So let’s take a look, shall we?
1st year – Gold, Peridot or Pearl
5th year – Sapphire or Pink Tourmaline
10th year – diamond
15th year – Ruby
20th year – Emerald
25th year - Silver
30th year – Pearl, Diamond or Jade
35th year – Emerald, Jade
40th year – Ruby
45th year – Sapphire
50the year – Gold Jubilee
I shall stop in the 50th year, and if you know couples who have reached up to 50years of marriage and up? Congratulate them both fro it is a huge achievement to last this long and it’s a testament that true and everlasting love exists, even in this day and age.
Engagement Ring Setting
Tiffany Style or Prong setting
A setting designed to show off the crustal or the gem used in the ring. The gem is held by slim metals designed to show off the central piece as well as let the light pass through the translucent material, making it twinkle and enhance its gleam.
Pave Setting
A more extravagant ring setting that features a series of gems paved or set in carved holes of the shank as a level for a cohesive and highly secured stone setting. The microcrystals enhance the focal part of the ring making the gem size larger than it seems.
Halo Setting
Like the word implies, it’s like a halo that surrounds the main gem with micro crystals paved on the outer or border of the featured stone. The purpose of this setting is to make the central stone seem huge and more sparkling. This is considered an antique-styled engagement ring and also used on cocktail rings.
Bezel Setting
A more secure setting than that of the paved setting. This is due to the metal rim that surrounds the boundary of the stone. It also protects the stone from chippings. The downside of the secured fit is that it is fully covered and light cannot pass through the gemstone, limiting its sparkles and glow.
Channel Setting
If there is a Tiffany, then there is also a Channel. This type of gem setting is characterized by two to three metal band with a series of round micro crystals without any metal in between. This is also considered to be a more secure setting that paved the setting with an even and non-obtrusive surface.
Bar Setting
A somewhat traditional type of ring setting that sets the stones apart with a slim bar divider. A type of setting that holds each piece of stone securely in its place, although due to the uneven edges, may feel uncomfortable on the finger. A setting perfect for couples with high fashion sense and style.
Tension Setting
A setting made for hard stones like diamonds and rubies. The stone is held between two metal ends of the shank that is secured through compression. This has an elegant finished product creating a floating illusion for the lack of base material under the gemstone. The downside is about the repair and resizing of the ring and the stone is without any protection making it susceptible to chipping. It is highly advised to wear only on special occasions.
Gypsy Setting
A setting characterized by pushing or flushing the stone on to the middle of a hollow metal ring base just enough that it does not bulge on the top part. The metal base is compressed and pounded to secure the stone. A setting famous for men for the metal base fully protects the gem, and it offers a level surface making it fit comfortably in the finger.
Different Stone Shapes and Cuts:
Cuts and shapes make the gems and stones look more extravagant and beautiful. Some add more shine and sparkles while some enhance the color and the size of the stone. Here is a list of cuts for diamonds.
Round Cut
The most common and popular cut that has existed since the seventeenth century, a total of fifty-eight facets that follows the natural crystal emitting an exceptional shine and brilliance. It’s a classic and ageless type of cut that would continue to stay on trend in the fashion industry.
Triangle Cut
Considered to be a side stone meant to emphasize another larger stones. A distinctive and versatile cut, having facets form thirty-one to fifty in total. It also emits exceptional brilliance and hides imperfections well.
Princess-Cut
Simply put, it is a square-shaped cut with a curved top. On the other hand, it’s quite different with regards to diamonds, a princess cut would have facets that range from fifty-seven to seventy, enabling it to be extremely shiny and brilliant. It is one of the most preferred cut for engagement rings for it appears bigger than its round cut counterpart.
Marquise-Cut
Like a little boat, a shape that also bears a resemblance to football, a shape that is almost similar to the oval cut which can also elongate the finger and look bigger than other cuts with the same weight. It features fifty-eight facets with a French tip. A cut that is somewhat connected to the Former king of France, King Louis the fifteenth and his mistress.
Cushion-Cut
Rounded edges with a square or rectangular-shaped stone resembling a pillow. A standard cut, having fifty-eight larger facets than those having a square and rectangle-shaped cuts, making it gleam more radiantly.
Emerald-Cut
Table cut once was the name of this specific cut that originated in the fifteenth century. One of the oldest cut having a rectangular shape with a flat top and curtailed corners. It has fifty-seven facets, it does not have the brilliance of other cuts because of the simplicity of the cut, but its clarity s enhanced by the wide flat top.
Radiant Cut
A unique rectangular-shaped cut with a hybrid design of a step cut commonly seen on triangular faceted stones. It consists of about seventy facets making it sine radiantly as the name implies. A type of cut the hides imperfections or inclusions more than any other cut. A design from the radiant cut diamond company.
Pear-Cut
A hybrid of round and marquise cut stones. Created in the fourteenth century having a total of fifty-eight facets that also features a French tip design. Like its predecessor, it also creates an elegant and delicate flair as it elongates the finger and its brilliant shine.
Oval-Cut
Deliberated to be one of the most impressive cuts that are both elegant and sophisticated. It has an average of fifty-eight facets. The shape tends to elongate the length of the finger creating a delicate flair. It also looks larger having the same brilliance and luster like that of the round cut stones.
Asscher Cut
The name originated from the brothers from Holland. This cut has two versions one is the standard cut having facets that range from fifty to fifty-eight while the royal version has a total of seventy-four facets. This cut is often mistaken with the emerald cut. The main difference lies in the top part of the stone. The emerald cut has a rectangular top while the Asscher cut features a square on.
Heart Cut
Romance with a breath of elegance is what this specific cut emit. It has fifty-six facets that also features a French tip. The curve of the heart is vital to the sparkling effect of the stone. It takes a talented jeweler to cut a charming and beautiful heart-shaped cut stones.
Gemstones and Crystal accents for Rings
Let’s face it, we can’t all afford huge diamonds, and there are these beautiful crystals and gemstones that look beautiful and lavish like that of a diamond. Here are some gemstones to consider to adorn on your rings.
Lapis Lazuli
A celestial blue soft stone with some speck of gold that denotes wisdom, royalty, and integrity. It also inspires clarity and confidence to the wearer. Known as the third eye that promotes self-awareness and in-depth perception of the world. It is affordable and would go well with a gold band.
Moissanite
The affordable version of a diamond. A manmade stone made of silicon carbide that is a replica of a diamond. They differ in electrical conductivity and birefringent. Moissanite changes color when heated up to 65 degrees Celsius. If you want the look of a diamond on your finger at a lesser cost, then moissanite is your best choice.
Morganite
A romantic stone that has a soft pinkish hue that is due to its manganese content, it is considered to be the next in-thing after the traditional diamond stone. A gemstone found in the Madagascar region having a unique magenta color, a stone that supports the heart chakra, which carries heavenly love and kindness.
Sunstone
Also known as aventurine feldspar found in the mines of Oregon, a gemstone that promotes positivity in your life. Good fortune with the energizing energy of the sun. It comes with a lovely color of peach with some glittering features.
Tsavorite
Originated in Africa, this vibrant emerald green gemstone is rare and a unique find. Due to its exceptional color, it belongs to the expensive gemstones for its brilliance and clarity, much like that of a diamond stone. It is considered to promote physical and mental well-being. It supports kidney functions and self-confidence.
Birthstones
- Garnet
A crystal dedicated to individuals who celebrate their birthday in January. It can naturally occur in different colors like black, shades of red and green, and sometimes a translucent colorless crystal. The raw naturally occurring garnet comes in twelve pentagonal faces also known as dodecahedron and in six harmonious faces also known as a trapezohedron. As for the birthstone, it’s commonly the red shades that are popularly used. These are the Almandine, Pyrope, and to some extent, Spessartine which color ranges from red to orange.
A stone that promotes strengths the body for its detoxifying effect on blood and organs such as the heart and lungs. It supports the four chakras from the heart to the root creating a unifying force on one’s self.
- Amethyst
The birthstone for February. It has a purple color that stimulates tranquility and contentment. Considered as a semi-precious stone and formerly believed to protect its bearer from intoxication. A gem that promotes balance and supports the crown Chakra.
Mysterious and innovative are the top characteristics of people born in February, a stone that augments creativity and healing.
- Aquamarine
Water, the color of the deep sea. This is what we picture in our imagination when we hear the birthstone for March. The color ranges from blue-green or greenish-blue, a stone that embodies fidelity and everlasting life making it also a favorite gemstone for couple’s anniversary rings and in promise rings.
A stone perfect in times of moving past turmoil from physical and emotional origins. It promotes balance and serenity. It’s a purifying stone-like how water flows continuously over rough and smooth surfaces, overcoming any obstacles in front.
- Diamond
Considered to be the hardest natural stone than can only be cut by another diamond. Every woman would dream of possessing a diamond ring. It takes one billion and up to form natural diamonds. A symbol of pure innocence, love, and loyalty, making it the great stone for an engagement and wedding rings.
- Emeralds
The green of growing things, the featured birthstone for May. A gemstone believed by the Romans to bring good fortune. One of Cleopatra’s favorite gem. The gemstone is associated with the goddess Venus that represents true love and loyalty. It also has a healing effect that supports the skeletal system. It cleanses not just the body but also the spirit from all the negativity.
- Pearl
A symbol of wisdom and has a calming effect that brings inner balance from emotional and mental conflict. It was believed that eves tears transform into white pearls while Adam tears turned into black. Scientifically, a pearl is produced from the soft tissue of a mollusk. Wild pearls are considered valuable compared to pearls that come from farmed pearls from an oyster.
- Ruby
Red for July. Know to change color when there is an upcoming danger that is about to happen. Related to the sun that can support the mental and physical well-being of the wearer. A symbol of courage and passion. Legends told that a person that possesses a ruby can journey through life without fearing the evil.
- Peridot
Some say that people born in August are free-spirited have a vibrant character. It goes the same with the peridot gemstone. The birthstone for August with a light green color. It’s rare and expensive. There are myths about the magical powers of peridot. It was believed to have the power to repel terror brought at night. A protection stone from the effects of the evil eye. A gemstone that also aids in mental illnesses such as depression and other negative emotions. It cleanses the heart, therefore, releasing all the negativity and regains balance.
- Sapphire
Vibrant blue gemstone previously believed by Persians to reflect the blue color of the sky. A protection gemstone against harm and envy. The most famous engagement ring with a sapphire stone would be that of Prince Charles and the deceased Lady Diana. It has the same chemical composition as the ruby, having the only difference of color. They were believed to have cooling powers and to sharpen one's eyesight. Spiritually as a tool to increase the connection to the angels and the spirit realm.
- Opal
A Soft stone for October and a stone that represents the fourteenth anniversary of marriage. Found mainly in Australia having two colors of black and white. Previously known to bring bad luck, much like the black act. Then it changed when Queen Victoria gave her them to her daughter as a gift. From then it became a symbol of hope, a transformation stone that magnifies one’s traits. It helps to purify the kidneys and the blood.
- Citrine
The birthstone for November, a beautiful stone that can be used in engagement rings. It naturally occurs in a yellow or orange color that is believed to carry the power of sunbeams. It gives a warm and energizing vibe that promotes the clearing of the mind and soul.
- Turquoise
A protection stone is also known as the birthstone for December. A unique hue of light blue to bluish green that promotes a therapeutic and tranquil influence. Known to be a sacred stone for the Native Americans for it was believed to bring good luck and a symbol of authority, a stone that inspires romantic love. It is also identified to promote understanding and insight the leads to peace, love, and kindness. It teaches the value of totality and sees the positive in all life experiences whether it be good or bad.
All Others
Metals used in rings
Gold
Gold is measured in Karats having a maximum K of twenty-four. The rule is, the higher the K, the softer the metal, and the higher the price. A twenty-four karat ring is not advisable for it too soft. In jewelry-making, the karat would usually range from fourteen to eighteen karats to have a durable and sturdy base metal. Different golden hues are depending on the metals they are combined with.
- Yellow gold – Pure gold mixed with silver, zinc, and copper metals.
- White gold – Pure gold mixed with metals like palladium, nickel, and zinc. An 18K white gold would have 75%, 10%, 10%and 5% of each material consecutively.
- Rose gold – Pure gold mixed with copper. Depending on the Karat would be the ratio of the copper. For example, an 18K gold would have seventy –five percent of pure gold mixed with twenty-five percent of copper alloy. The ratio changes with the decrease or increase of the karat.
- Green gold – pure gold with silver and zinc alloys.
Silver
Sterling silver is used in pieces of jewelry having a ninety-two and a half percent of silver. It’s durable and tough resistant. Though softer than gold and platinum, it would still last a lifetime with care and cleaning.
Platinum
One of the rarest metal and probably the most expensive. This is due to its durability and guaranteed long-lasting shine. Previously known as white gold, it’s a silver white-colored metal that is a member of the transition metals that can bond with other elements. Dense and has a wide variety of uses from medical implants, anti-cancer medicines, machine parts, and accessories like rings.
Titanium
Known as the hardest metal known to man. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, hypoallergenic, and durables. Discovered in 1971, and also belongs to the group of transition metals in the periodic table. Ring made from this material cannot be resized due to its inherent hardness. Mostly available in rings that feature engravings and sometimes anodized to have different colored hues.
Stainless steel
Corrosion-resistant, hypoallergenic, and has a pleasant weight. It’s also scratch-resistant and easy to polish. Non-reactive making it a popular material used in the restaurant businesses and medical instruments. Stainless steel being an alloy is composed of Chromium which makes the alloy resistant to corrosion. The ration of other metals like copper and nickel differs depending on the quality and use of the stainless alloy. Jewelry grade alloys would have twenty-six percent of chromium and thirty-five percent of nickel.
Tungsten
Considered the toughest natural metal with a tensile strength of 1,510 megapascals. It is dense and brittle its original form; therefore, the use of tungsten carbide in jewelry. While having an affordable price, it is durable, scratch-resistant, and hypoallergenic with beautiful natural gunmetal color. The downside of having a sturdy and hard material would be the difficulty of resizing. It can also break instead of bending when exposed to high pressured impact.
Palladium
A white-colored lustrous material that is a by-product of platinum. It is considered expensive because of the increasing demand in the automotive, electronics, and jewelry industries. It has the characteristic of platinum such as durability, corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic and has a minimal difference in whiteness and hardness.
Now we have a better understanding of the different types of rings, ring settings, occasions and gemstones, and its meanings. You can now decide which type of ring is for you, as an engagement ring, wedding bands, statement rings, and others.