Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel Jewelry, Accessories & Apparel

Gemstone rings through history have been among the most important pieces of jewelry known to man. Dating back to Biblical times gemstone rings have held a significant place in cultures, hearts and history as well. Written about in Scriptures we have been able to trace the use of sterling silver rings back to a time that remains a mystery. In the Egyptian times they had deep meaning. Scarabs, beetles and other meaningful symbols were used to symbolize their world; signifying beauty, wealth and power. During Midlevel times the popularity of sterling silver rings skyrocketed, everyone wore them including the wealthy and poor. Gemstone rings were made in almost every available material including; sterling silver, gold and copper to simple materials such as twigs or grass. The Romans and Greeks coveted sterling silver ring ornamentation as well. People wear gemstone rings for every reason imaginable from signifying love and marriage to victory, be it in sports or to display wealth.

Wedding Band and Set Rings: The wedding band dates back to Egyptian times in Africa and were worn as a symbol of love and meaning that their marriage was there through eternity. Worn on the left “ring” finger CZ silver wedding sets and bands can be made in a simple manner such as a sterling silver wedding sets band or ornate with diamonds or CZ’s. Popular during various eras in history other gems such as emeralds, topaz and amethyst have also been used in sterling silver wedding sets. The allure of the wedding band may have waned in and out through the centuries but the meaning has never changed. The sterling silver wedding set is generally worn on the left hand finger (called the ring finger) fourth in from the thumb in many western cultures. However, in several western cultures such as; Norway, Germany, Russia and Poland it is worn on the right ring finger. It is known that the blood vessels connect to the heart in the left ring finger and the wedding ring binds a couple together for eternity. A CZ wedding band is often exchanged during the wedding ceremony.


Men’s Wedding Bands: Men as well as women wear wedding bands in metals such as stainless steel to signify the love and commitment they have for their beloved. Though men’s wedding bands don’t normally contain the large stones such as CZ’s bands or sapphires they may contain some CZ pave detailing or a few small CZ’s or diamonds set in stainless steel. The men’s wedding band is on the same finger as the females; the left ring finger.





Engagement Rings: Though the wedding ring came well before the use of engagement rings, they were first used in Greek and Roman culture a few centuries ago; coming into creation more out of business dealing than for matters of the heart. It was two popes that began using materials such as sterling silver and gold used to showcase the fact that the groom to be could care for his soon to be wife and future children. The use of gemstone engagement rings came later on as an adornment to this type of ring. Historically engagement rings are made of sterling silver, gold or platinum are. Today CZ engagement rings can be found almost anyplace jewelry is sold. Engagement rings are often given before the wedding takes place. It can be several months or years before the ceremony takes place that a CZ engagement ring is given to the intended spouse in sterling silver. As is common with the wedding band the engagement ring is worn on the ring finger. However some cultures and people prefer it to be worn on the right ring finger in sterling silver before the actual wedding ceremony. It is the choice of the engaged couple to decide which finger the ring will be worn on.


Anniversary Rings: The anniversary ring is typically given to a woman during milestone anniversaries. It is becoming more common for a woman to receive this token of love at ten, fifteen or twenty years. Usually the anniversary ring is sterling silver and has a variety of smaller cut colored CZ. The colored CZ’s are typically encrusted around the entire ring and have various gemstone cuts. An anniversary ring is often worn on the left ring finger and is stacked with the wedding and engagement rings. When wearing these three rings together the sterling silver engagement ring or wedding band may be the first on the finger with the colored CZ anniversary ring normally being the last ring put on the finger. However, there is no right or wrong order; it actually depends on the wearers comport with the stacking of the sterling silver rings.
 

Promise Rings: The promise ring can be traced back to the village of Claddagh, where a man gave a woman he never married a promise ring that signified their everlasting bond made in love. Today the CZ promise ring is popular with young couples because of their show of commitment but not a promise to marry. Found in sterling silver encrusted often with CZ’s the gesture of showing love is thought of as sweet. With so many types of sterling silver promise rings such as a promise to marry; to a promise to be best friends forever the finger a CZ promise ring is worn on varies widely and often have CZ’s in it. It may be worn on the left or right finger to promise the wear a wedding proposal at a later time. Two best friends may decide to wear the same sterling silver rings on their thumbs. When it comes to CZ promise rings, it is up to the wearer to decide which finger is appropriate.
 

Cocktail Rings: Cocktail rings are a fun way of projecting ones personality and one way to express who you are is by wearing a fanciful ring. Made popular during Americas prohibition in the 1920’s cocktail rings became all the rage. Our ancestors were curtailed and upset by the bans being forced on them. To cheer themselves up they would purchase elaborate pearl rings to wear on almost any finger. The cocktail rings would be oversized with any number of gemstones within the design. These colorful little rays of sunshine were set in sterling silver rings, gold and other materials popular to that day. Once the prohibition was over the cocktail ring became a staple in the 1930’s and beyond. Today brilliant pearl rings are seen everywhere from the fingers of celebrities at red carpet events to the teenager going to school. They always look wonderful in sterling silver rings or gold plating and may contain pearls and many other gemstones. Find these whimsical sterling silver rings in any shape, design, size and cut stone varieties. These three rings in the past had been worn on the right index finger (next to the thumb). With so many choices people wearing several pearl rings at one time, it is acceptable to find cocktail, knuckle and designer inspired rings on any hand the wearer wishes to; they are often found on the left wedding ring finger in single people as well.

Knuckle Rings: Found in vertical or horizontal styles knuckle rings are an exciting and popular way to wear a ring. Knuckle rings made with sterling silver are normally very large and when horizontal cover part of the knuckle or when worn vertically go on several fingers and make a statement about the wearer. Right now one can’t pick up a magazine, turn on the TV, go to the store or see online without seeing the often flamboyant knuckle rings. To ensure a trendy look designer inspired, sterling silver and encrusted knuckle rings are a cool way to make a statement about who the ring wearer is without saying a word. Wearing a knuckle rings in sterling silver and other materials can be worn on any finger or multiple fingers; there simply are no steadfast rules as to where a knuckle ring is worn on.


Pinky Rings: Pinky rings generally have no specific meaning; they are worn as fashion jewelry pieces. Popular with men and women the pinky ring can be made of any metal including a stainless steel ring. They may be ornate with CZ’s, colored gemstones or etched designs the pinky ring is meant to show the sense of style and flare the stainless steel ring wearer has. 

Ring Sizing: Unlike most sterling silver jewelry where sizing can be a preference, silver rings must fit the wearer. Many people don’t realize that a silver ring must fit over a person’s knuckles as well as fitting their finger. Below, there is a chart and a simple sterling silver ring size chart you can cut out to find out the size you should purchase.

Below is a chart for US, UK and Australian ring sizing.


Wearing rings has been tradition throughout history be it a magnificent engagement ring, promise ring or even whimsical cocktail ring. Though there are typical ring fingers for the various rules are made to be broken and new trends to be started; the joy of presenting someone with an engagement ring or promise ring is surely as exciting today as it was in past era’s and is always a gesture of love or caring for another. When someone purchases a ring for themselves it may be to congratulate them on a job well done or to simply buy the outrageous cocktail ring they saw on a celebrity’s finger. The possibilities are endless; you may choose an engagement ring, promise ring or even a great cocktail ring. The decision is always the gift giver or wearer’s. Though much in this world is uncertain, rings are fun and sentimental.