History of Ring Design Research

Here for your viewing pleasure is a compilation of different rings and their uses through out history. The next project will be to make an experimental ring using unorthodox design and application. The first step is to identify both ancient and current ring design.



Roman ring circa 1st-3rd century AD


http://www.ancientresource.com/lots/ancient_jewelry/jewelry_rings.html

Roman Rings
" Small stones with engraved designs and sometimes inscriptions were used widely in the ancient world. At times used for personal decoration, they were also used as amulets, or as seals."



http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/wsrp/educational_site/uscarc/seals.shtml


Roman pierced gold ring.










Hinged ring, 2nd–1st century B.C.; Hellenistic
Greek
Gold with garnet
http://www.metmuseum.org/TOAH/hd/hjew/ho_2005.278.htm







The Claddagh Celtic ring.
This ring has many origins and folklore stories associated with it. This site list all of them if you care to know. The Claddagh has been a traditional Irish wedding band since approximately the 17th century and also has connotations attributed to it depending on how the wearing orients the ring.



And of course everyone knows about the current trend of engagement rings and wedding bands.
Many wedding bands now are being inscribed and decorative in nature but the classic use of a set diamond in the engagement ring still stands as the most prominent design.






The Marquis diamond setting.









The fabulous trend of Mood Rings from the delightful 1970's.
(shudder)






Contemporary work from Phil Carrizzi.






Works by Salima Thakker









Organic ring design by Lori Swartz








A Rapid-prototyped ring. Rapid prototyping or laser printing now allows for models to be made for casting or conceptual work to be made in 3d.