Rings come in a variety of different styles for different occasions. They can be great personal accessories for expressing oneself, or they can be gifts used to express our love for others. They can even have commemorative meanings. This post explores some of the various types of rings and the meaning behind them.
Birthstone rings
Birthstone rings contain a stone representing the month of the wearer’s birth (e.g. January is garnet, February is amethyst and March is Aquamarine – you read a full guide to birthstones here). These can make great birthday gifts for loved ones.
Cocktail rings
Cocktail rings are oversized rings worn as a statement. Traditionally, they would contain large gems – sometimes surrounded by diamonds. Nowadays, cocktail rings don’t always contain precious stones, but are always bulky and showy.
Cremation rings
Also known as ‘memorial rings’, these rings contain a small portion of a deceased loved one’s ashes and are a means of keeping them close forever. The ashes can be mixed into the metal or turned into a diamond. There are special services that can forge these cremation rings.
Engagement rings
Engagement rings are given to partners when carrying out a marriage proposal. Although in recent years they have started to take all kinds of forms, engagement rings traditionally are made from gold or silver and contain a diamond. Quite possibly the best place to buy diamond rings is Rare Carat as you can compare a huge range of styles, however there are many other places to shop for these rings.
Infinity rings
Infinity rings contain a figure of eight (i.e. an infinity symbol) and are given to people to represent everlasting love and commitment. You can give an infinity ring to a partner, a best friend or a close relative – they can be romantic or platonic.
Mood rings
Mood rings contain a thermochromic stone, which changes colour based on the wearer’s body temperature (which is believed to be an indicator of someone’s mood). They are fun conversation starter rings that can be bought as a gift to someone else or for oneself.
Promise rings
Also known as friendship rings or pre-engagement rings, promise rings are typically given to a partner as a token of love. They may be given to a partner before an engagement ring, or they may be given to a partner as a substitute if neither of you wants to get married. Promise rings can come in a variety of styles – sometimes containing a diamond, but often containing another precious stone.
Signet rings
These rings contain a flat surface with a family crest or initials engraved into them. Historically, they were used to print a crest on the wax seal of an envelope as a way of authenticating letters. Nowadays, they are usually worn as fashion accessories or as a way of honouring one’s heritage. You can buy them for yourself or as a gift to someone. Some people have them custom made, while others wear antique rings.
Stackable rings
Stackable rings are sets of multiple rings that are worn on one finger. They are carefully designed to interlock when worn. You can buy pre-made stackable rings or custom order them. They are a cool fashion accessory that can make a great gift for a loved one or a treat to oneself.
Wedding rings
In a traditional Christian wedding, each partner gives each other a wedding ring as a symbol of legitimizing the marriage. Unlike the engagement ring which is traditionally bought as a surprise, couples usually choose wedding rings together. They usually consist of a simple metal band, but can take any form you want.
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