While you may associate gold rings and other jewelry with your favourite brands, or consider them modern accessories, rings have actually been around for thousands of years. Found in archeological sites across all seven continents except Antartica, pre-historic rings were once symbols of wealth, luxe, and social status – has much changed?

In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the earliest places where gold rings were discovered, and go deeper into the meaning behind this now globally popular fashion accessory. Let’s get started!

WHO WERE THE FIRST TO WEAR GOLD RINGS?

Gold rings have been found in ancient and antiquated societies all across the globe, from Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece to Mesopotamia, India, and ancient China. This makes it slightly difficult to pinpoint exactly where gold rings were first introduced, but some experts have concluded that the first gold rings are likely to have been discovered in Eastern Europe or Iraq.

WHAT DO GOLD RINGS SYMBOLISE IN INDIAN CULTURE?

In Indian culture, gold is perhaps the most highly valued soft metal, and is used most frequently when it comes to the production of ornate jewelry – including rings. But across India, gold isn’t just seen as a practical metal; it’s a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and richesse; especially if the jewelry pieces in question are made with a high percentage of pure gold.

But what do gold rings signify in India? As you may already know, Indian wedding ceremonies don’t typically involve a wedding band – at least not in the same way as a White Wedding. While Indian brides may wear toe rings and other rings to decorate themselves for their big day, the most symbolic piece of Indian bridal jewelry is actually a necklace; the traditional mangalsutra.

So, where do gold rings come into the picture? Generally speaking, gold rings in India are more outwardly symbolic than inwardly symbolic; in fact, this applies to all types of gold jewlery; gold pieces indicate wealth and prosperity, and signal social status. In Hinduism, gold is even seen to have purifying powers.

That being said, gold toe rings can be worn by Indian women to indicate their status as married women; in some traditional Indian wedding ceremonies, the groom even places the toe ring on his bride’s toe during the nuptials.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOLD RINGS

Some Indian women also wear gold rings on their toes for the supposed health benefits; in Indian culture, wearing a ring on your toe is said to help regulate your menstrual cycle and promote a healthy womb; this is achieved as the toe ring puts light pressure on one specific nerve found in the second toe, which leads directly to the uterus. This has even been backed up by science!

Gold rings are also said to help improve circulation and reduce inflammation; this is because gold itself is a natural conductor of heat, and thus helps to transfer warmth from the human body to the environment. This can help ease joint pain and swelling, as well as reduce fatigue and soreness.

HOW TO PICK A GOLD RING

When it comes to picking a gold ring, there are several factors to consider; from budget to size and design. In terms of design, the main thing to keep in mind is that gold rings come in all shapes, sizes, and styles – from statement-making cocktail rings to plainer bands.

One thing you certainly don’t want to forget about is quality; not all gold rings are created equal! One easy way to determine gold quality is by examining the karat; rings with a higher percentage of pure gold and going to be much more visually pleasing and tarnish-resistant than gold-plated imitations. For the most authentic gold color combined with durability, a 22 carat gold ring is the ideal option; made with around 91% pure gold, 22k gold is alloyed with other metals to increase its durability and resistance to damage and bending.

FAQS

WHEN WERE GOLD RINGS INVENTED?

Gold rings can be found as far back as 4000 B.C. Gold rings have also been found in now-Iraq, and are believed to have been dated from 3000 B.C.

WHO INVENTED GOLD RINGS?

Some of the earliest gold rings were found in Egyptian tombs; however, as rings have been discovered by archeologists all across the world, it’s hard to determine where exactly the first gold ring was invented.

WHAT CULTURE WORE GOLD FIRST?

The Ancient Egyptians are believed to have been the first culture to wear and appreciate gold; however, India also has a long-established tradition of incorporating gold into traditional attire.