Metal rings 

Metal rings, a journey through time

Metal rings have always accompanied the evolution of humanity, serving as adornments with a rich history. Over millennia, they have reflected the social, cultural, and technological changes of various civilizations, evolving in meaning, design, and use.
The first evidence of metal rings dates back to the Stone Age, during the Upper Paleolithic, around 30.000 years ago, when our ancestors crafted rudimentary loops from wood, bone, or carved stone.
These early rings were used in ceremonies and rituals, carrying profound symbolic significance beyond mere aesthetics. Their circular shape represented infinite unity and eternity but also wealth, power, and status. Moreover, it was firmly believed that these ornaments had magical properties, protecting their wearers from illnesses and evil spirits.
With the advent of the Metal Age, around 4.000 BC, gold, copper, and bronze became the preferred materials for crafting rings.

The first metal rings in Antiquity

The earliest metal rings appeared in Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations around 3.000 BC. These rings were primarily made of gold and copper, materials prized for their special luster and malleability.
In Mesopotamia, metal rings were used to seal documents, functioning as personal stamps with exclusive designs and inscriptions that represented their owners.
In Ancient Egypt, these ornaments held more religious and spiritual significance, symbolizing love, eternity, and unity.
Queens, pharaohs, and nobles displayed elaborate gold rings with precious stones to signify their divinity and social status, while common citizens wore simpler metal rings. Decorated with hieroglyphs and symbols, these metal rings were thought to bring good fortune and offer protection. Hieroglyphic inscriptions invoked the gods, narrated stories, or sealed important documents.

The Middle Ages, reflections of faith and devotion

During the Middle Ages, metal rings acquired new meanings and a strong religious character. Metal rings bearing family crests and Christian symbols became highly popular, reflecting the growing influence of the Church. Motifs such as saints, crosses, and fish were commonly featured.
These type of rings were often used as spiritual talismans and as wedding bands, representing marital union and eternal love between two souls. Rings with religious or romantic inscriptions engraved inside became popular among lovers.
Signet rings remained significant, particularly among monarchs and nobles, who used them to seal private documents and assert their authority.
Crusaders and knights wore metal rings bearing symbols of their military orders, showcasing their commitment to their cause and loyalty.
Guilds and brotherhoods also adopted rings as symbols of membership, engraving their trade symbols and emblems on them.

Gold, a precious metal full of shine

Throughout history, metal rings have evolved both in design and in the materials used for their creation.
Today, jewelry incorporates a wide variety of metals, each with its own properties, characteristics, and benefits.
Gold is, without a doubt, the most popular precious material for making rings. Thanks to its unmatched golden shine, durability, and resistance to corrosion, gold has always been considered the most valuable and noble metal, making it a symbol of sophistication and luxury.
Its classic and timeless beauty has made it a very popular choice for many when selecting wedding rings, engagement rings, or jewelry for any special occasion.
Depending on its color, we can classify the different types of gold used to make metal rings:
White gold is created by mixing gold with other white metals such as nickel or palladium. Its modern and radiant appearance has made it a widely used alternative in recent years.
Yellow gold is the most well-known and traditional. Its warm tone makes it easy to pair with almost any style.
Rose gold, also known as red gold, is made by adding copper to gold. Its romantic feel makes it ideal for feminine and delicate designs.
Gold can also be classified by its purity into the following groups:
24-karat gold: This is pure gold. It is very soft and malleable, which is why it’s often used in jewelry making.
18-karat gold: An alloy made of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals such as copper, silver, or palladium. It is durable and resistant, making it ideal for crafting metal rings.
14-karat gold: Contains 58.5% pure gold. It is harder than 18-karat gold but slightly less shiny.
10-karat gold: Contains 41.7% pure gold. It is the least expensive type of gold, the least shiny, but the most resistant and durable.
The advantages of gold are its lasting value (a long-term investment), its beauty and shine, and its durability.

Silver, a modern classic in metal rings

Silver has a bright white color that is highly attractive. It is also very malleable and easy to work with, making it a widely used metal in jewelry, especially in metal rings, allowing for the creation of intricate, detailed, and highly creative designs.
It is more affordable than gold, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an elegant metal ring without having to spend a fortune.
Silver’s versatility allows for the creation of metal ring designs in all styles, featuring smooth or hammered textures, square, oval, or round shapes, adjustable bands, thin or thicker rings, and more.
Silver metal rings naturally oxidize over time, giving them a flattering vintage look that suits any skin tone.
However, silver is softer than gold or platinum, so it requires special care.
Depending on its composition, there are two main types of silver:
Sterling silver: This is the most common silver alloy. It is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, such as copper, which provide added strength and durability.
Oxidized silver: Through a chemical process, it achieves an aged, darkened finish. This type of silver is very popular in boho and vintage-style jewelry.