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Rings for the Finger
There is probably no item that is so common to almost all cultures and ages of man, yet so frequently overlooked, as rings. Nearly everyone wears (or has worn) rings; yet what person today could tell you anything about their origins, original uses, history, or even the customs behind modern engagement, wedding, and graduation rings? Here is a book that will answer these and many more questions about rings and is certain to expand and enhance your appreciation of them.
From the fabled ring of Prometheus — made from a link of his chain and a chunk of the rock to which he was bound — up to today, rings have had numerous functions, associations and meanings. Originally used as signets and seals, they began to be worn as jewelry, used for religious and magical purposes, and given as tokens and mementos for events stretching from birth to death. The notorious poison-bearing rings of the Borgias, the rings worn by the followers of Charles I after his execution, which had the king's portrait secretly hidden beneath a table-cut diamond, and many other famous rings of history are covered in this book along with a host of ring lore; lords and ladies scratching messages to each other on panes of glass with their diamonds, the legend of Solomon's ring, which reappeared in a fish after having been lost for forty years, and Plato's reprimand to Aristotle over his excessive use of rings. The book also covers methods of ring making, from earliest times up to today, the materials and gems used in rings, and rings from many cultures and archaeological excavations around the world. Origins for many customs concerning rings are explained, and numerous examples of verses and inscriptions found on rings are given. Also included are hundreds of photos of rings of all sorts and varieties, and a selection of historical paintings that illustrate rings as they were worn.
Tracing the origins and development of so common an ornament is fascinating and enlightening. The ring wearer will begin to feel himself a part of one of the oldest and richest customs of man. The artist and antique collector will appreciate more fully the craftsmanship involved in making rings as well as the colorful and abundant lore associated with them.
From the fabled ring of Prometheus — made from a link of his chain and a chunk of the rock to which he was bound — up to today, rings have had numerous functions, associations and meanings. Originally used as signets and seals, they began to be worn as jewelry, used for religious and magical purposes, and given as tokens and mementos for events stretching from birth to death. The notorious poison-bearing rings of the Borgias, the rings worn by the followers of Charles I after his execution, which had the king's portrait secretly hidden beneath a table-cut diamond, and many other famous rings of history are covered in this book along with a host of ring lore; lords and ladies scratching messages to each other on panes of glass with their diamonds, the legend of Solomon's ring, which reappeared in a fish after having been lost for forty years, and Plato's reprimand to Aristotle over his excessive use of rings. The book also covers methods of ring making, from earliest times up to today, the materials and gems used in rings, and rings from many cultures and archaeological excavations around the world. Origins for many customs concerning rings are explained, and numerous examples of verses and inscriptions found on rings are given. Also included are hundreds of photos of rings of all sorts and varieties, and a selection of historical paintings that illustrate rings as they were worn.
Tracing the origins and development of so common an ornament is fascinating and enlightening. The ring wearer will begin to feel himself a part of one of the oldest and richest customs of man. The artist and antique collector will appreciate more fully the craftsmanship involved in making rings as well as the colorful and abundant lore associated with them.
399 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1917
4 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
George Frederick Kunz
71 books10 followersGeorge Frederick Kunz was an American mineralogist and mineral collector. He was the founder and president of the Museums of the Peaceful Arts in 1913, special agent for the US Geological Survey (1883–1909), a research curator at the Museum of Natural History in New York City, and the leading advocate in the establishment of the international carat as a unit of measure for precious gems. He also assembled the Morgan-Tiffany collection of gems in the American Museum of Natural History. Kunz had an active life dedicated to science and public service.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 5, 2026
A super-cool extremely detailed compendium of all kinds of ring-related lore.
Legends. Myths. Historical tales and anecdotes.
All kinds of rings have gotten their (un)fair share of attention:
- Talismanic rings and magic.
- Betrothal and wedding rings
- Gimmal rings
- Signet rings
- Seal rings
- Key rings (I kid me not!)
- Puzzle rings
- Locket rings
- Watch rings
- Magic rings
- Masonic rings
- Memorial rings
- Zodiacal rings
- Bishops' rings
- Rosary rings
- Papal rings
- Spur rings
- Charioteer's rings
- Toe rings (not the tic-tac-toe kind! LOL!)
- Posies rings
- Marriage medals (for bravery, tee-hee!)
etc etc etc
National jewellery is also nicely represented:
- Roman rings
- Greek
- Jewish
- Indian
- Oriental
- Syrian
etc etc etc
Historical figures' adornments, guess what? Are also represented:
- Signed ring of Charles I
- Jane Seymour's
- Diane de Poitier's
etc etc etc
A lot of cool ideas for the jewellers, historians, lovers of all things magic and/or ancient, and the rest of us all, the generally excitable public. Highly recommended!
PS. By the way, the author is the very same one and only guy who discovered Kunzite, a very beatiful gem named after him.
Legends. Myths. Historical tales and anecdotes.
All kinds of rings have gotten their (un)fair share of attention:
- Talismanic rings and magic.
- Betrothal and wedding rings
- Gimmal rings
- Signet rings
- Seal rings
- Key rings (I kid me not!)
- Puzzle rings
- Locket rings
- Watch rings
- Magic rings
- Masonic rings
- Memorial rings
- Zodiacal rings
- Bishops' rings
- Rosary rings
- Papal rings
- Spur rings
- Charioteer's rings
- Toe rings (not the tic-tac-toe kind! LOL!)
- Posies rings
- Marriage medals (for bravery, tee-hee!)
etc etc etc
National jewellery is also nicely represented:
- Roman rings
- Greek
- Jewish
- Indian
- Oriental
- Syrian
etc etc etc
Historical figures' adornments, guess what? Are also represented:
- Signed ring of Charles I
- Jane Seymour's
- Diane de Poitier's
etc etc etc
A lot of cool ideas for the jewellers, historians, lovers of all things magic and/or ancient, and the rest of us all, the generally excitable public. Highly recommended!
PS. By the way, the author is the very same one and only guy who discovered Kunzite, a very beatiful gem named after him.
February 18, 2009
A great book to read if you love jewellery
October 3, 2015
Quite a history of rings and ring lore.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews