The Origin of Rings
Probably it was the Egyptians who made the first rings. These were large, and women wore them as bracelets, one on each wrist. For the Egyptians, the circle represented eternity and unity. In other cultures, this shape was also a powerful symbol.
When the ancient Greeks conquered the Persians, they found that the leaders of the defeated wore bracelets to show their rank. The Greeks appropriated the idea. They awarded bracelets to the most distinguished soldiers to reward their valor and made miniature bracelets for brides to wear as wedding rings.
For many centuries, the fourth finger of the left hand (the ring finger) has had special significance. The Greeks, and later the Romans, called it the “medicus” finger, as they believed that a vein from it led directly to the heart. This finger was always used for mixing potions. Since marriages were a matter of the heart, it was appropriate for the wedding ring to be worn on that finger. The wise Roman Macrobius declared that a ring placed on that finger prevented feelings from escaping.
Around 2800 B.C., the Egyptians placed a ring as a commitment in prenuptial ceremonies: the circle, for lacking a beginning and end, symbolized eternity. The gods wore rings: the golden circle represented a pact that no one could break.
For the Egyptians of five thousand years ago, the circle symbolized the mystery and eternity of life. In an old papyrus found in an archaeological excavation, one can read: “The ring, can one know where its beginning and end are?” For the Egyptians of five thousand years ago, the circle symbolized the mystery and eternity of life.
As centuries passed, the ring continued to be created as a symbol of an important event in history, in bonds, hierarchy, representations, and status. Today, the ring still holds a privileged position and inspires designs that also represent the personality or characteristics of the wearer. This is why when, where, and for what purpose you wear a ring are super important. At TORRE D PLATA-Jewelry, we design rings with meanings focusing on spirituality and highlighting characteristics of personality that invite you to choose that design that identifies with you.
