The History of Rings: A Symbol of Love, Power, and Eternity
The Ring Throughout History
Few objects have traversed the centuries with as much symbolism and presence as the ring. From the most ancient civilisations to contemporary jewellery, this perfect circle of metal has represented love, power, commitment, and identity. But where does this tradition come from? And why do we, millennia later, continue to adorn our fingers with rings?
The Origins: Ancient Egypt and Rome
The first known rings date back to Ancient Egypt, over 6,000 years ago. Made from materials like reeds, leather, or bone, they were used as amulets and symbols of eternity – a circle with no beginning or end. Egyptians believed that a vein in the ring finger of the left hand, called the vena amoris (vein of love), connected directly to the heart, a tradition adopted by the Romans and one that persists to this day in engagement and wedding rings.
In Rome, gold rings were reserved for the aristocracy and the Senate, while common citizens wore iron rings. Over time, they also became seals of authority – the so-called signet rings – used to authenticate documents and letters with a wax impression.
The Middle Ages: Faith, Power, and Romance
During the Middle Ages, rings gained new layers of meaning. Bishop's rings and papal rings symbolised spiritual authority. Knights' rings sealed oaths of loyalty. And gimbal rings – composed of two or three intertwined hoops – were exchanged between lovers as a promise of fidelity.
This gesture of symbolically tying two lives together has never disappeared from jewellery. It is the same idea behind the KNÖT Ring, designed around a nautical knot in 925 silver – a symbol of connection worn on the hand, just as it was seven hundred years ago.
It was also during this period that the first rings with set precious stones appeared, valued both for their beauty and the mystical properties attributed to the gems. This tradition remains alive in pieces like the DUÄLIS Ring, with natural red jasper, or the PRÏNCIPESSA Ring, with rose quartz – each stone unique, just as medieval gems were unique.
Renaissance and Modernity: Art and Emotion
With the Renaissance, jewellery became a sophisticated art form. Rings were commissioned from renowned goldsmiths, with elaborate designs that reflected the wearer's social status and aesthetic taste. The rare and eternal diamond began to be associated with romantic love – a tradition that solidified in the 19th century with the rise of the diamond industry.
Portugal developed its own jewellery language over these centuries, now recognisable in aesthetic codes that have traversed generations. The PRÏNCIPESSA Ring is born precisely from this heritage: it reinterprets the iconic 'princess' earrings of Portuguese tradition in a contemporary way, handcrafted piece by piece.
In the 20th century, the diamond engagement ring became a global cultural icon, driven by marketing campaigns that shaped generations. But in parallel, interest also grew in unique, authorial rings with natural stones – a response to the desire for authenticity and individuality.
The Ring Today: Expression of Identity
In contemporary jewellery, the ring transcends romantic commitment. It is a style statement, a memory marker, an extension of identity. We wear rings to celebrate achievements, honour family legacies, or simply because they make us feel more ourselves.
At MÖHYA Signature, each ring is designed with this history in mind. We work silver with gold finishes and incorporate natural stones selected for their energy and beauty, creating pieces that stand the test of time – just as the ring itself always has.
Five Rings, Five Stories
Each MÖHYA ring is an authorial piece, handcrafted in Portugal from certified 925 sterling silver by the Portuguese Assay Office. If any of these stories resonate with you, it's likely that one of these pieces will too:
- KNÖT Ring — the knot as a symbol of connection and intention. Adjustable, in 925 silver.
- DUÄLIS Ring — two arms that separate and meet, inspired by Aristotle and Plato, with natural red jasper. Each stone is different from the last.
- PRÏNCIPESSA Ring — traditional Portuguese jewellery reinterpreted in 925 silver and rose quartz.
- PETÄL Ring — a cherry blossom hand-carved on a V-shaped band, adjustable, no need to choose a size.
- COQUËTTE Ring — the bow in polished 925 silver, discreet and unmistakable.
Don't know your size? Consult our ring size guide before choosing – or opt for an adjustable model, like the KNÖT or the PETÄL, which require no measurement.
View the complete ring collection →
Curious about the history of other jewellery pieces? Also read the history of earrings, from antiquity to timeless luxury.