Rings: Jewelled Art in Miniature

Rings are the most personal of all jewels and often mark the different stages in the life of an individual. Despite the limitation in size surrounding the finger they have been subject to unimaginable interpretations, themes and symbols. They were given as a sign of friendship, love and affection and ultimately as promise of marriage and eternal commitment, but also separation and mourning. Rings were worn as a display of rank and authority, or professional and political affiliation. Through the centuries, goldsmiths transformed the circular form into miniature works of art, and in the twentieth century conventions were broken.