Rings Through the Ages
“Of all means of self-ornamentation devised by the human race, none generates a more powerful atmosphere of mystery and magic than the ring. Almost every culture has its tales of rings that bring dominion over spirits or confer wealth, immortality, levitation or the fulfilment of three wishes on the fortunate possessor. One seldom hears of magic necklaces, brooches or bracelets, and not the least of the mysteries surrounding this evocative small adornment is the reason why it should have become the focus of so much occult lore. No answer can be more than a matter of speculation, but one possible explanation lies in the extreme antiquity of the ring, surely among the earliest permanent decorations adopted by primitive man. In a world without mirrors, little satisfaction can have been derived from neck or head ornaments, visible as they were only in the envious gaze of the wearer’s fellows… It seems far more likely that the earliest types of jewellery were those that could be seen and enjoyed by the owner himself when he wore them, and of these the ring is the most obvious choice--a reminder of personal status, beauty and distinction to be savoured with every movement of the hand,” - Rings Through the Ages by Anne Ward, John Cherry, Charlotte Gere, and Barbara Cartlidge