Men's Rings

From pinky to pointer, men’s rings are as symbolic as they are stately. They can resonate with a variety of significances, but all rings trace back to the same ancient history. Since the dawn of jeweled adornment, men have worn various iterations of rings as reflection of their wealth and authority.

From rudimentary materials to precious gems, men’s rings resonated with masculine design and, over the centuries, evolved to manifest unique styles. The signet, or pinky, ring, for example, became an essential type. Finding its earliest ancestor in the designs of Mesopotamia, the signet ring evolved as an elaborate means of personal identity. It also became an expression of luxury, as precious metals and gems were often used with intaglio relief carving to convey a seal or crest.

Signet rings are only one of the many varieties of men’s rings available when selecting from antique and vintage collections, but they offer a brief glimpse into the wide variety of compelling styles of men’s rings that can be attained today.

Quick Facts

• A ring is central to famed author J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic “The Lord of the Rings,” originally published in the 1950s
• An oil on canvas composition by Roy Lichtenstein, entitled, “The Ring (Engagement),” sold in early 2015 for a whopping $41,690,000
• England’s Prince Charles often sports the official signet ring of the Prince of Wales originally worn by King Edward VIII over 175 years ago