Rings are by and large, one of the most popular Denver Jewelry gift items for women, and often for men too. They are given or bought to mark the most important milestones in a person’s life, especially:

These rings are worn because they have a special meaning for the wearer, and are kept for a lifetime as a memento of the occasion.

Most people also wear rings that are purely worn as fashion rings or accessories. There is an endless section of rings for people to choose from. And that’s not to mention all the rings that are worn as toe rings, nose rings and belly rings!

 

People have worn rings since the days of ancient Egypt, where it was common for people to wear rings that featured carved beetles, or engraved hieroglyphs. Their jewelry often featured religious symbols that were incorporated into signet rings, with popular motifs like serpents, falcons and the Egyptian eye. The Egyptians were skilled craftsmen, who inlaid their gold and silver jewelry with precious stones and other items, such as:

 

The Greeks also wore gold bands, decorated with a cameo or engraving in the shape of spirals or patterns taken from nature, such as starfish and butterflies.

In ancient Rome, it was the law for all Romans who were born free to wear a ring to show their identity. People of high rank wore gold rings. Eventually, the custom became that free Roman citizens wore gold rings, freed slaves wore silver rings, and slaves were given iron rings. As wedding rings, Roman women would wear wedding bands with a small dangling key to indicate their position in the household.  In the later Hellenistic period, popular patterns were doves and cupids, with rings often being worn on all ten fingers.

Wedding and engagement rings have been exchanged for hundreds of years.  Diamond wedding rings became popular in the 1400’s, and gold wedding bands were commonly worn by couples in the next century.  By the mid 1800’s in France, lavish rings and jewelry were the fashion, often featuring opulent diamonds and pearls.

What are the latest jewelry and ring trends?

Exotic metal alloys. Rings have evolved to include hundreds, if not thousands of highly specialized types of craftsmanship.  Handmade jewelry is still the most appreciated, whether it is rustic, sterling silver jewelry, or the most ornate, diamond pave engagement ring. Newer materials have also been developed to be used in ring making such as:

These materials are often used in men’s wedding bands, as they offer different ranges of durability and scratch resistance and can add unique texture or color to the ring.

 

Gorgeous gemstone rings. In women’s jewelry, rare and exotic gemstones are the latest trend as engagement rings or right hand rings. Celebrities often borrow colored gemstone jewelry to compliment their red carpet gowns for the Oscar’s and other Hollywood award shows, especially Nicole Kidman, Kathryn Heigl and Keira Knightley, to name a few. Their rings are often trendsetters in jewelry design and are soon available as well made knock offs. The most popular gemstone rings include:

 

Sterling Silver rings and Costume rings. Precious rings and gemstones aside, rings can be worn as fun, trendy, pieces of art. Sterling silver rings are beautifully decorated in filigree work or inset with turquoise, mother of pearl or semi-precious stones. They are versatile and affordable so people can buy them on impulse, without worrying about investing hundreds or thousands of dollars in a classic piece of jewelry.

 

Retro cocktail rings, some costume and others including genuine stones have seen a recent comeback. They are a fun alternative to dainty evening rings and are sold in every color imaginable. A cocktail ring can be worn to all sorts of special occasions, from a night on the town to holiday parties.