Ring size conversion chart
In our time, rings are one of the most common accessories. Made of gold, silver, platinum and copper, they can act as jewelry, encrusted with precious and semi-precious stones, decorated with carvings, ligatures, and patterns.
The most common type is a wedding ring, which, depending on religion, is worn on the ring finger of the right (Orthodox Christians) or left (Catholics) hand. But this is far from the only way to use this ancient jewelry, whose history goes back more than 3000 years.
The history of the rings
The oldest rings found by archaeologists date back to the 10th century BC. Like modern samples, they are metal rims, which are ideal for wearing on the finger in diameter. In ancient times, rings made of various metals and alloys were used as a universal currency, and their weight was marked with special stamps. Gold items were considered the most valuable, and iron items were considered the cheapest. Silver and copper occupied an intermediate position between them.
In different historical eras, wearing rings on the fingers symbolized the status and belonging to a particular religion, estate and caste. In the first century AD in ancient Rome, these accessories were strongly associated with mythology. So, wearing a ring on the index finger meant the patronage of the god Jupiter, on the thumb - Mars, and on the ring finger - Venus. The last tradition has survived to our time, and newlyweds still wear wedding rings on their ring fingers - in honor of the ancient Roman goddess of love.
Rings were widespread not only in Ancient Rome, but also in Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, among the Aegeans and Etruscans. Aristocrats and officials used special signet rings: with carved inscriptions and images (most often monograms and coats of arms). They were worn on the index fingers to confirm status, and were used as seals for imprints on important correspondence.
In the Middle Ages, metal seals played the role of passes and certificates. They were worn by members of religious communities and orders, including the Templars, Freemasons and Jesuits. For popes, special rings were made with coats of arms depicting a triple crown or crossed keys. Each of these products is unique, and was intended for only one pope. Catholic bishops also wore similar seals to confirm their status and power.
Interesting facts
Over the centuries-old history of rings, a lot of historical facts and unconfirmed legends have gathered around these wrist accessories. Suffice it to recall Schiller's Polycratic Ring, or John R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. If we talk about recent history, then the interesting facts include the following:
- The ring with the most precious stones is set with 7777 diamonds with a total weight of 16.42 carats. It has the shape of a flower with 36 petals and is made of rose gold. The cost of this piece of jewelry is approximately $5 million.
- The smallest ring - at the moment - was also made in the Land of the Rising Sun. It was created by the Japanese company Toshiba as a demonstration of its technological capabilities. Made of tungsten and set with a five-billion-carat diamond, this ring is only 0.02 millimeters in diameter, making it possible to wear it on a human hair. This miniature work of art can only be viewed through a microscope.
- The World's First Diamond Ring, made by the Swiss company Shawish, is the most expensive ring in the world. It is a solid diamond, which was given a ring shape with the help of laser turning. This piece of jewelry is officially listed in the Guinness World Records.
- It is customary to wear a wedding ring on the right hand finger in India, Russia, Norway, Germany and Chile, and on the left hand in the USA, Great Britain, France, Canada, Japan and Turkey. There are also specific nuances, for example, changing the right hand to the left (or vice versa) after a divorce or the death of a spouse.
If in ancient times rings were worn only by representatives of rich castes and estates, in our time they are available to everyone. It is not necessary to wear a gold or platinum ring adorned with diamonds on your finger. It can also be replaced by inexpensive jewelry, which today is produced in the widest range. The main thing is to choose the right style and size so that the ring does not squeeze the finger and does not fall off it. If in a jewelry store you can simply “try on”, then for a remote purchase there are special tables of sizes and online calculators for determining them.
