Worn since antiquity, rings have signified love, status, loyalty and power across cultures and centuries. Valued for their symbolism and craftsmanship, rings can be produced in gold, silver and platinum, and are often set with diamonds and coloured gemstones including sapphires and rubies. Designs have continued to evolve in form and meaning with maisons such as JAR, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari crafting elegant engagement rings alongside bold, sculptural forms. In 2026, the Ocean Dream diamond ring was sold by Christie’s for CHF 13.6 million — a world record for a stone of its hue.
A CRACKLE-GLAZED SOFT-PASTE PEAR-SHAPED VASE WITH LOOSE-RING HANDLES
CHINA, 17TH-18TH CENTURY
FRANCISCO DE GOYA Y LUCIENTES (1746-1828)
Bullfight in a divided Ring, from: The Bulls of Bordeaux
First evidence of Jupiter's rings
Voyager 1
Saturn casting a shadow on its rings
Voyager 1, 3 December 1980