Rings

A ring is a round band, usually of metal, worn as ornamental jewellery. The term "ring" by itself always denotes jewellery worn on the finger; when worn as an ornament elsewhere, the body part is specified within the term, e.g., earrings, neck rings, arm rings, and toe rings. Rings always fit snugly around or in the part of the body they ornament, so bands worn loosely, like a bracelet, are not rings. Rings may be made of almost any hard material: wood, bone, stone, metal, glass, gemstone or plastic. They may be set with precious gemstones (e.g.: diamond, ruby, sapphire or emerald), semi-precious (e.g.: labradorite, lapis, turquoise) or with other types of stone or glass.

Although some wear rings as mere ornaments or as conspicuous displays of wealth, rings have symbolic functions concerning marriage, exceptional achievement, high status or authority, membership in an organization, and the like.

In myth, fable, and fiction, rings are often endowed with spiritual or supernatural significance.