Since antiquity, people have worn rings to symbolize love and marriage. In ancient Rome, the fede (an image of two hands clasping, similar to shaking hands) was often used to represent a contract; and for Romans, these clasped hands were also used to signify a marriage agreement.

Throughout history, wedding rings have taken on different looks – from engraved gold to ornate openwork inscriptions to simple metal bands. Cultural standards and customs have dictated their styles.

Likewise, the engagement ring, which evolved from a betrothal ring – representing a promise of future marriage – has taken on the styles of its era. Did you know that these special rings are worn around the finger that, according to tradition, is believed to have a blood vein that runs directly to the heart? In some countries, such as in the USA, it is thought that this special finger is on the left hand; and in others, such as in Germany, that vein is believed to be in the right hand.

A traditional puzzle ring can be made from four to twelve interconnected bands, and they appear as one wide band woven like a basket when assembled correctly. When not on the hand, they can look like random scattered hoops that are linked loosely together; and to re-weave those hoops into a single ring is like putting together the pieces of a puzzle. Sometimes it’s the finger that is the final piece needed to complete the puzzle.

It is thought that puzzle rings were developed out of gimmel rings: a gimmel ring was made from two or three distinctly separate bands that could be worn together on the same finger, or combined, to form one final ring.

- Photo by Orasa Weldon/GIA, gift of YAYO

Signet rings have been used since ancient times. They are engraved with identification marks such as initials, family crests, coats of arms, and sacred images that are unmistakable. The ancient Egyptians inscribed hieroglyphs and animal images into theirs.

Signet rings were traditionally used as formal stamps which were clear and easy ways to identify people. This was done by pressing the ring into a soft, wet material, such as hot wax, that would then harden with the ring’s image molded into it. In the Middle Ages, nobles and aristocrats wore them to show their allegiance to a specific king or royal family. Even popes have had special signet rings that have been used to create their indelible and official signatures.

- Ring belonging to Ramesses IV (1153-1147 BC) New Kingdom (silver), Egyptian 20th Dynasty (1200-1085 BC) / Brooklyn Museum of Art, New York, USA / Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund / The Bridgeman Art Library

The class ring is an American tradition that began in 1835. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point was the first school to offer its graduates a gold keepsake piece of jewelry; and in the past two centuries, this tradition has spread from colleges to high schools as well. Graduating students want to show their school pride, and they choose a formal piece of jewelry to do so.

Much like a signet ring was used in the Middle Ages to show the wearer’s loyalty, class rings today are engraved with school names and other special images. The earliest class rings had simple designs; but over time, they have become customized and can include student names or initials, insignias of activities, and birthstones.