Rings from around the world
Rings have been worn for forever, and different cultures gave unique meanings and aesthetics to them resulting in lots of designs that are inspiring. We will explore the most inspirational ones in this article.
Celtic - symbol of eternity
These rings are known for their intricate knotwork designs and the most famous one is the Claddagh, which features two hands holding a heart topped with a crown. It is the most beloved one because it combines love, friendship and loyalty in one jewelry that you can wear any time. However, a popular choice for weddings and engagements are knot rings that represent eternity and interconnectedness.
Indian - vibrant and ornate
India’s cultural heritage is reflected in jewelry, especially rings that feature elaborate designs with rubies, emeralds or sapphires. There are two popular rings - the Navaratna which has nine stones representing a different celestial body bringing benefits to the wearer, and toe rings, bichiya, symbolizing marital status.
African - meaningful and bold
African rings are very diverse and often crafted from gold, silver, beads or brass. These rings are not just ornamental but they also have deep cultural meaning. For example, Ethiopian Coptic rings have crosses and religious symbols that reflect the deep Christian heritage and Ashanti rings have bold designs and animals or symbols that represent some proverbs.
Native American - spirituality
The most known artisans are Navajo, Zupi and Hopi which make rings featuring symbols like the sun, moon, animals or geometric patterns with stones like turquoise which is believed to bring protection and health.
Middle Eastern - mystical and luxurious
These rings are not just beautiful but also filled with cultural and religious significance, featuring filigree work and lots of gemstones. We have as the most known rings the Islamic ones that include calligraphy of Quranic verses or sometimes the name Allah, and we have the Hamsa ring that has a hand believed to ward off evil.
Chinese - longevity
The themes that you find in these rings are longevity, harmony and prosperity, so the most known one is the Jade ring because the stone is believed to be a stone of heaven, bringing luck, protection and health. There are also lots of rings featuring dragons, phoenixes and different mythological creatures that symbolize strength and power.
European - innovation
Each country contributes with unique styles and symbols, so Europe has a rich history of jewelry making. In Italy they make rings with a technique used during the Renaissance, which is micro-mosaic that showcase tiny pieces of glass forming intricate images. Scandinavian ones feature minimalist designs with runic inscriptions or knotwork, and British rings are known for their romantic symbols like hearts, serpents and flowers.
Japanese - precision and artistry
In Japan they use a technique called mokume-gane which involves the art of layering different metals to create a wood-grain pattern and is often used to combine traditional and contemporary. You will also find cherry blossom motifs that symbolize the beauty of the moment and the transient nature of life.
Oceania - sea connection
Shells, coral and pearls are very popular materials for Oceania and their rings often feature motifs like turtles, fish and waves. The designs show the importance of the ocean and the respect for nature. In New Zealand you will find Maori rings that have moko carvings which represent the person’s lineage and identity.
Russian - tradition
The traditional wedding ring, the triple rolling ring, consists of three interlocking bands symbolizing the Holy Trinity and the past, present and future of the couple. The bands are usually made from three different gold colors, yellow for fidelity, white for friendship and rose for love.
