Silver Rings- the Tradition Continues

This article is about silver rings worn as jewellery. Rings as jewellery are in essence a symbol. A symbol as we all know is a way to signify or represent an abstract idea or a concrete concept. Through the ages the meanings and connotations behind rings are as varied in meaning as they are in shape design material quality or value. The purpose of this article is to glorify rings, silver rings specifically and we will be going into much detail thereof. But before we go on to describe the delights that await us visually, a bit of history has been always of interest.

Years ago rings were worn more so as shackles than as adornments and symbolized ownership and enslavement. Often a true word is spoken in jest and it was often the case that rings made for the purpose of marriage symbolized ownership rather than undying love. But let us not bring ourselves down with that thought and let us rather focus on and educate ourselves on the many forms of rings that we have available today, made out of passion for those who wish to express among other things commitment to and love for one another.

When we think of silver rings most of the time we think of finger rings, although theses days earrings, belly rings and nose rings perhaps are overtaking this common thought. Before rings were worn on the fingers they were often placed around the necks ankles and arms of tribal peoples. This was done as a sign of wealth and status.

In ancient times the signet ring was used as a way to seal documents, before signatures had become popular. The family crest was used in later times, but before then it was usually just a symbol widely recognized, this trend was thought to have started in Egypt. The actual exchanging of rings went back some 6000 years ago, although I could not find as much information as I would have liked to.

Wedding and engagement rings gained immense popularity between the 1920's to the 1940's with a seventy per cent rise in numbers seen during this time especially by rings worn by men.

Today ring is mainly worn for pure decoration and has become a very personal item of sterling silver jewelry not just for women. At some stages through history rings were worn more by men than by women. Then this changed. These days, though it is once again, both men and women that like to adorn their fingers with rings often designed uniquely for themselves. Gold seems to have fallen out of favour as white gold, Titanium, Tungsten Rhodium and sterling silver have become very popular. Besides being inlaid with stones ranging from diamonds and tanzinite to amethyst, turquoise and rubies, men are also enjoying wearing silver rings with strong masculine Celtic designs. Tattoos and Gothic fashion had also seen a huge increase in commercially available rings featuring skulls and crossbones.

Rings that are cast in mass production from anything from dragons to fairies to roses to bull dogs etc. From the sublime to the ridiculous. Silver rings have no longer become items only available to the wealthy and discerning customer, but are now available fashion items across the board. One thing that has remained the same since time immemorial. It is still worn as a symbol and seen as a form of self expression and decoration, whether religious, frivolous, obligatory or sentimental.

The writer of this article, Sandeep malik, loves to write about jewelry and fashion. She explores different places and sites in search of fine jewelries.