Rings

The ring, a piece of jewelry that has been around since the beginning of time

From the simple ring to the imposing cocktail ring, the ring is one of the must-have jewelry pieces. What woman doesn't wear at least one ring, when the trend has been extending to men for several decades now? Style statement, sentimental ring, transmission jewelry, there are 1001 reasons to adorn yourself with a luxury ring. If we go back in history, the ring has been around, so to speak, since the dawn of time: the oldest rings discovered so far date back... 21,000 years! The Egyptians created the ornamental ring as we know it today, with its decorations and symbols, since jewelry was also intended to protect its owner from evil. Greek and Roman civilizations returned to often less imposing rings, mainly in silver and bronze, when the Middle Ages erected the ring as a sign of power, wealth and might. This is evidenced by the development, during this period, of knights. This (very) long history of the ring also allows, from the contemporary period, to follow the artistic currents that have crossed our time. Thus, jewelers were inspired by the Renaissance, Art Deco, Orientalism and others to create models that meet the desires of their time. In fact, the oldest Jewelry Houses have retained some of these inspirations. One thinks, for example, of Chaumet's connection with Empress Josephine and with nature, and current collections named Josephine or Bee My Love, or Boucheron's Serpent Bohême or Animaux Fabuleux.

Iconic rings that mark the history of jewelry

The ring actually became a worthy ambassador of Elegance à la française as early as the 17th century, when trade brought precious gems and the art of jewelry was imposed at court. The following century saw the advent of precious and semi-precious stones, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other amethysts that came to adorn the bezels of gold rings. Floral and animal inspirations mark the 19th century, Art Deco takes its full place in the early 20th ... Above all, the place Vendôme becomes the world's heart of jewelry and still is today. Over time, the rings described as iconic - even legendary - are indeed revealed to be rings imagined in the French capital. What are these iconic rings that mark the history of jewelry and that many women dream of wearing? The list would be long to establish, but there are still some must-haves: Juste un Clou by Cartier, the Quatre ring by Boucheron, the Menottes by Dinh Van, Chance Infinie by Fred... Diamonds shine with a thousand sparkles on iconic rings such as Josephine Aigrette by Chaumet, Chance of Love by Mauboussin or Possession by Piaget. The shapes are multiplying, the patterns often define a jeweler's House (let's mention the Alhambra clover at Van Cleef & Arpels), the size of the stones sometimes too. The benchmark in this regard is undoubtedly the Poiray cut, a unique jeweler's know-how in a House that boasts "unparalleled knowledge of stones." Paris and France, however, do not have exclusive rights to legendary rings. Let's not be too chauvinistic and recognize that De Beers (admittedly a member of the LVMH group) is a reference in terms of diamond rings, and particularly colored diamonds, that the Happy Hearts or Happy Diamonds rings from the Swiss House of Chopard have entered the history of jewelry. What can we say about the Iconica rings from the Italian House of Pomellato or the creations of Elsa Peretti for the New York brand Tiffany & Co? Except that they are, again, iconic rings.

Jewelers set the modern ring free

Choosing a luxury ring is primarily a matter of style and taste, fetish brand too sometimes. Preferring rose gold to white gold, titanium to silver or yellow gold cannot be ordered. There is no fashion, so to speak, except for one trend: the ring in freedom. Today, rings are often worn in accumulation, according to one's desires. They are increasingly aimed at men - apart from the traditional signet ring - and iconic models like Bulgari's B.Zero1 are the main ambassadors. Even diamonds are no longer reserved for women, and a House like Messika is making a strong statement with its Move Titanium collection. The combination of titanium and diamond, as well as the use of materials such as ceramics, bring this wind of freedom to modern jewelry. It must be said that the professionals in the sector compete, in general, with creativity and a sense of innovation. Goldsmiths, setters, gemologists put their invaluable know-how at the service of the modern ring, the one that is worn on several fingers or even Between the fingers at Van Cleef & Arpels. Models like Boucheron's Frivole, Fred's Success or the snake in Gucci's brass knuckle ring are among the best examples.