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Fashion Jewelry Ring
Fashion Jewelry Ring, circular band used to decorate ears, toes,
noses, or, most often, fingers. The finger ring has traditionally been
worn for a number of reasons. It may have a symbolic meaning, as
does a wedding ring; it may identify the wearer or indicate rank or
authority, as does a signet ring; it may be thought to have magic
powers, as is a talismanic ring; or it may be worn purely as an
ornament. In ancient Egypt signet rings bearing carved scarabs
(beetles) or engraved hieroglyphs developed from seals carried on
cords. The Greeks wore gold bands, often with a cameo or other
engraving. The ancient Romans regulated the wearing of rings by
law. In early Rome, iron rings were worn by all who were freeborn.
Under the early empire, high-ranking citizens were permitted to wear
gold rings; later on, freeborn citizens wore gold, freed slaves wore
silver, and slaves wore iron. Roman matrons wore wedding rings,
sometimes with a small key attached, to signify their authority in the
household.
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The early Christians adopted the use of rings, and during the Middle Ages it became customary for a bishop to receive a ring as part of the
ceremony of consecration. Popes traditionally receive the so-called Fisherman's Ring, a signet ring with the name of the pope encircling a
representation of St Peter in a fishing boat. The pope uses the ring as a seal on papal briefs, and it is destroyed when he dies. Since medieval
times rings have also been presented to kings at their coronation. During the 16th century the popularity of rings reached its height, and one or
more rings, usually set with jewels, were often worn on every finger. Signet rings were also worn.

Engagement rings have been given since ancient times; one type set with a diamond became popular in the 15th century. The wearing of
wedding rings is also an ancient tradition, and the gold band has been popular since the 16th century. In Western society today, a married
woman often wears both an engagement ring and a wedding band, and a married man often wears a wedding band.