When it comes to jewelry, rings are perhaps one of the most symbolic pieces you can own. A ring is a never ending circle, symbolic of eternity, completion and unity. Rings show your marital status, or social status and because they’re on your fingers, they’re easy to see. One of the nice things about rings is that you can wear them on any finger, you can choose something big and over the top, or you can opt to go with the versatility of a band.
A band ring can be anything from a simple gold circle to an opulent, show stopping jeweled affair. Bands can be worn on their own, or stacked, whatever you like. They can be collected over time and worn in new combinations as your selection grows. Bands are perfect to buy for yourself, or as a gift for any occasion. And of course, you’ll need a wedding band.
Bands With a Message
Rings have always had a special place in jewelry history and bands are a part of that. During the Georgian era, bands were set with gemstones either half way or all the way around, similar to the eternity bands worn today. Stylish women of the time wore bands singly or stacked, a lot like modern fashionistas.
The Victorians imbued some ring styles with hidden or secret messages. Devotion and Acrostic jewelry was popular with Victorians. These rings were often bands set with a row of stones that spelled out “dearest” or “regards” using the first letter of the stone — diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire and topaz, spelled out dearest.
Buckle and Knot Rings
Buckle and knot motifs in band rings were also favored during the 1800s and were sometimes given as engagement rings. The buckle symbolizes interconnectedness between people, whether it’s a love connection or friendship. A buckle ring was also gifted between siblings, especially among the nobility, as a show of loyalty and family allegiance. Knot rings have similar meanings of strength, stability and love. The ancient Greeks allegedly exchanged knotted cord rings during their wedding ceremony as a symbol of commitment.
With all of that symbolism, buckle rings make a great engagement ring for those who want something really different, it can also be a lovely wedding ring, for those who like to wear something unique that’s not flashy. The same can be said of knot rings. There are a number of different knot styles to choose that are beautiful and understated for everyday wear. Buckle and knot bands can be worn on any finger by themselves or stacked with other rings.
Stacking Bands
One of the most popular types of rings, is a band that has gems part way or all the way around. It is known as an eternity band. You’ll find many diamond versions, some use round diamonds, others use square shapes and still other use fancy shapes such as a marquise. Bands may also be a ring of colored gemstones, or a mix of diamonds and colored stones. These bands tend to be slim and easy to stack. You can easily create your own look with these bands. You can wear them alone, or two together or for some more serious bling, add a third band.
Personalizing Your Stacking Rings
The most interesting stacks are the ones that are mix and match. It’s easy to create your own stack. Start with the ring that you want to wear in the middle, then add another band on each side and now you have a stack. Switch out one ring for something different and it’s like having a whole new ring. To make a really interesting stack, select rings that each have different gemstones, different shapes of diamonds, or different settings. You may have a domed sapphire or ruby ring as the center band, then add a band with round diamonds on one side and add a second band with square diamonds on the other side, or keep it symmetrical and wear two of the same band one on each side of the middle ring. If you choose bands in the same color of metal, gold or platinum, it will give your stack a more cohesive feeling.
Bands are Forever
Bands are an integral part of any wedding ceremony and a beautiful vintage band, paired with an engagement ring, will make your love story even more personal. If you’re looking for an anniversary gift, the anniversary band is a great way to say “I love you”. and with a yearly wedding anniversary, it’s an easy gift, a new band for each anniversary will grow a stack that is filled with sentiment and love.
Top of Page: (top to bottom) – Round diamond and platinum band; Yellow diamond and 18-karat gold band; Baguette diamond and platinum band; Antique 18-karat gold band inscribed 1881; Art Deco diamond and platinum band; Sapphire and platinum band; Diamond and platinum band.
Diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald and 18-karat gold wide band ring, signed Cartier, from the Nigeria collection, circa 1990; Antique English 18-karat gold knotted “Keeper” ring, circa 1917; Antique English 18-karat gold buckle ring with floral and foliate engraving, circa 1889-1890; Pair of Art Deco diamond and platinum eternity bands; Burma ruby and platinum eternity band, signed Tiffany & Co., circa 1970s; Baguette diamond and 18-karat white gold eternity band.
Authored by Amber Michelle