Different Types of Rings
Rings are an important piece of jewelry to complete a pulled-together look. From stackable gold and diamond bands to rings for different knuckles, there are options to fit every style.
To find the best ring for you, consider which hand you usually wear your rings with and what styles you prefer. Also, keep in mind that comfort is key.
Diamonds
Diamonds are incredibly durable, which makes them perfect for jewellery like rings that are exposed to more wear and tear than other jewellery. Their durability is also one of the reasons why it’s Jewelry Set common to see diamonds used as engagement and wedding rings.
While the chemical composition of diamonds is essentially carbon, it’s the close-knit structure that gives them their unique properties. This is because carbon atoms bond in a special formation, with each atom linking to four equidistant neighbours, creating crystal structures that differ dramatically from those of graphite (native carbon).
When light passes through a diamond, it is refracted (bent) at different speeds by the gem’s many facets. The spread of colours of the light is called dispersion and it’s what makes diamonds sparkle.
The diamond formation process is complex and can take millions of years. It starts with the emergence of kimberlite pipes, which are cracks in the Earth’s mantle that deliver magma with diamonds to the surface. This magma is then eroded into alluvial gravels or glacial tills.
From there, the diamonds can be extracted. The diamonds found in alluvial gravel or in glacial tills are often much younger, but those originating in kimberlite pipes are usually between one and three billion years old. This is because these rocks formed when the planet was hotter and more favourable for diamond formation.
Gemstones
Gemstones are mineral crystals that, when cut and polished, are used to make jewellery or other adornments. They may be precious (as in diamonds and emeralds) or semi-precious (as in rubies and sapphires), but other materials, including rocks, can also be considered gems if they have a high enough luster to be worn.
A ring made of gemstones can add a splash of color to any outfit. Some of the most popular are opals and amethysts, both with their beautiful iridescence that shimmers in all colors of the rainbow. Other stones that are often seen in rings include pearls, morganite, citrine and amber.
Besides their beauty, many gemstones have healing properties. They can be used to improve a person’s focus, clarity and concentration, as well as help with anxiety, depression and even heart attacks. The oldest known gems are Enamel Earrings pearls, which are associated with wisdom and tranquillity and have been worn as bridal jewellery for centuries.
Some gemstones, like emeralds and tanzanite, are found only in nature. Others, such as aquamarine and topaz, are synthesized in laboratories. Natural gemstones are mined from the Earth and can contain traces of other minerals, which are called inclusions. Inclusions are visible under a microscope or loupe and can be useful in identifying the stone. Synthetic or lab-created gems are free of these imperfections.
Gold
Gold is a precious metal that has long been considered a symbol of wealth and power. It is a very malleable metal and can be crafted into various shapes and sizes. Gold is naturally yellow in color and complements olive and darker skin tones. It is also hypoallergenic. 14 karat and 18 karat are common gold alloys, the latter having a higher percentage of gold content.
The Egyptians were the first to popularize rings, exchanging them as symbols of devotion and love. Later the Greeks and Romans added a betrothal significance to the rings they gave each other, usually with the design of Eros or cherubs. The Romans also began to link the ring with marriage, often with a fede ring featuring clasped hands (agreement/dextrarum iunctio).
A rare and valuable alternative to gold is platinum. Platinum is a dense and naturally white metal that looks similar to white gold but has cooler undertones and a richer color. Platinum is also more expensive, as it is a lot denser and requires more to create a ring. It is also more resistant to corrosion and oxidation than silver or gold. In addition to jewelry, platinum is also used in crucibles and jet alloys, as well as in aerospace and medical applications. American Elements produces high purity uniform shaped Gold in rod, ingot, powder, pieces, disc, granules, and wire forms for a wide range of applications.
Silver
Silver is a soft metal that’s often used in jewelry. It’s more affordable than gold or gemstones and can be formed into different shapes for a wide range of styles. Jewelry made of silver should be marked.925 to indicate that it contains 925 percent pure silver. It’s also possible to find jewelry that’s made from fine silver, which is much higher quality and should be stamped.999 FS (Fine Silver) or Hill Tribe silver.
Rings have historically been adorned and worn as symbols of fidelity, status, social rank and power. In video games, rings are typically used as a unique form of health system; possessing even a single Ring prevents players from losing lives upon taking damage in most cases, although this does not protect them from certain dangers such as being crushed or falling into bottomless pits. In some games, collecting Rings grants various bonuses such as extra lives and Continues.
Some people wear silver rings to alleviate symptoms of arthritis in their fingers, which can cause pain and stiffness. Research has shown that wearing these rings can help reduce the inflammation associated with these conditions. Other benefits include the ability to calm anxiety and to aid in sleep regulation. This is believed to be due to the metal’s calming and soothing qualities. Silver is also said to stimulate the circulatory system and encourage a healthy metabolism.