Bands

Bands are the oldest ring design in history. Ancient Egyptians were said to have used ring bands, often braided from reed or hemp, as wedding bands. These bands were later made from precious metals, especially gold and silver. The circle shape of the band has also long represented eternal love.

Although smooth wedding bands are still used in many European countries as wedding bands, throughout history, different varieties of the wedding band existed. In the 16th and 17th centuries, gimmel rings were popular. Gimmel rings consisted of two bands with hands attached to them that could interlock.

Today, many men wear one band just as a piece of jewelry, rather than a symbol of love. These bands are often decorated with different textures and engravings.

Quick Facts

• Famous designs include Trinity de Cartier rings, which are three golden bands linked together, and Piaget Possession rings, where one or more smaller bands can move between a wider golden band
• While precious metals are still the metal of choice for many band rings, tungsten and titanium have become increasingly popular in recent years
• A type of band ring called "posy," a name that comes from the French word "poésy," is characterized by an amatory verse or rhyme engraving, and was popular from the 16th to the 18th century