15 Types of Rings and Their Meanings
Rings come in an array of styles, from understated and minimalist to bold and ornate. The type of ring you choose can reflect your personality, interests, and the occasion you’re celebrating.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the most popular ring types and what they symbolize. Read on to learn about the different styles of rings you’ll encounter and how to pick the perfect one for you or a loved one.
1. Solitaire Rings
Solitaire rings feature a single stone as the focal point. The most classic solitaire ring is an engagement ring with a diamond solitaire. Solitaire rings put all the emphasis on the center gem. They represent singularity, uniqueness, and eternal bonds.
Meaning: Commitment, singular love, simplicity
Occasions: Engagement, anniversary, birthday, everyday wear
2. Halo Rings
Halo rings have a central stone surrounded by a circle or “halo” of smaller stones. The halo of pave or micro-set diamonds amps up the sparkle factor. Halo rings add extra emphasis on the central gem.
Meaning: Grandeur, allure, highlight
Occasions: Engagement, anniversary, cocktail
3. Three-Stone Rings
Three-stone rings, sometimes called trinity rings, feature three gemstones in a row. The stones can be all the same or a mix of colors and shapes. The three stones symbolize the past, present and future.
Meaning: Past, present, future; trilogy
Occasions: Engagement, anniversary, wedding
4. Vintage Rings
Vintage rings have an antique-inspired look reminiscent of past eras. Design features include engraving, milgrain edges, filigree, rose or Asscher cuts, etc. Vintage rings have an heirloom aesthetic.
Meaning: Timeless, cherished, heirloom
Occasions: Engagement, wedding, gifting
5. Stackable Rings
Stackable rings are designed to layer together in coordinating sets. They’re worn stacked on one finger or spread across multiple fingers. Stackable rings allow you to mix metals, gemstones and personalize your look.
Meaning: Personal style, customization, layering
Occasions: Daily wear, gifting
6. Cocktail Rings
Cocktail rings feature elaborate, ostentatious designs with large center stones and ornate settings. They add drama and bold flair. Cocktail rings make a statement and are meant to be the focal point.
Meaning: Dramatic, lavish, statement
Occasions: Parties, nights out, right hand ring
7. Eternity Rings
Eternity rings have a band of stones all the way around the circumference with no setting. Diamond eternity bands feature a continuous line of diamonds to represent everlasting love.
Meaning: Everlasting, infinite
Occasions: Anniversary, gifting, wedding bands
8. Cluster Rings
Cluster rings consist of a center stone closely surrounded by a cluster of smaller stones around the band. The cluster setting amplifies the beauty of the center gem.
Meaning: Community, togetherness
Occasions: Engagement, anniversary, daily wear
9. Signet Rings
Signet rings feature a flat, engraved surface on the front. Historically used to press wax seals, signet rings today are engraved with initials, family crests, symbols, or designs.
Meaning: Identity, family heritage
Occasions: Daily wear, family rings
10. Spinner Rings
Spinner rings have a movable band that spins concentrically around the base ring. Spinning the outer band is used as a distraction coping mechanism for anxiety, focus, and fidgeting.
Meaning: Calming, support
Occasions: Daily wear, gifting
11. Birthstone Rings
Birthstone rings feature a stone associated with the wearer’s birth month. Examples are emerald for May and ruby for July. Birthstone rings represent the wearer’s birthday or astrological sign.
Meaning: Personalization, astrology
Occasions: Birthday, daily wear
12. Promise Rings
Promise rings symbolize commitment, especially in relationships. Couples exchange promise rings as a sign of fidelity, love, and the promise of a future engagement. Teens sometimes receive promise rings from parents.
Meaning: Promise, commitment, loyalty
Occasions: Relationship gift, parental gifting
13. Mood Rings
Mood rings change color based on body temperature to supposedly reflect the wearer’s mood. The thermochromic technology responds to emotions like stress, calmness, love, etc.
Meaning: Emotions, mood, color
Occasions: Daily wear, parties, gifting
14. Claddagh Rings
The Claddagh ring has a distinctive design with a crowned heart held by two hands. The traditional Irish rings represent love, friendship, and loyalty. Pointing the heart outward signals an open heart.
Meaning: Love, friendship, loyalty
Occasions: Engagement, wedding, gifting
15. Geometric Rings
Geometric rings have modern angular designs like triangles, trapezoids, chevrons, and pyramid shapes. The graphic shapes make geometric rings stand out. They have an edgy, architectural look.
Meaning: Contemporary, sleek, edgy
Occasions: Daily wear, modern jewelry
There are so many ring styles out there from minimalist to bold statements. Whether you prefer delicate or substantial rings, gold, silver or platinum, gemstones or engravings, there’s a perfect ring design for everyone. Use this guide to pick a ring style that matches your personality and the sentiment behind it.
15 Types of Rings and Their Meanings
Rings come in an array of styles, from understated and minimalist to bold and ornate. The type of ring you choose can reflect your personality, interests, and the occasion you’re celebrating.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the most popular ring types and what they symbolize. Read on to learn about the different styles of rings you’ll encounter and how to pick the perfect one for you or a loved one.
1. Solitaire Rings
Solitaire rings feature a single stone as the focal point. The most classic solitaire ring is an engagement ring with a diamond solitaire. Solitaire rings put all the emphasis on the center gem. They represent singularity, uniqueness, and eternal bonds.
Meaning: Commitment, singular love, simplicity
Occasions: Engagement, anniversary, birthday, everyday wear
2. Halo Rings
Halo rings have a center stone surrounded by a circle or “halo” of smaller stones. The halo of pave or micro-set diamonds amps up the sparkle factor. Halo rings add extra emphasis on the center gem.
Meaning: Grandeur, allure, highlight
Occasions: Engagement, anniversary, cocktail
3. Three-Stone Rings
Three-stone rings, sometimes called trinity rings, feature three gemstones in a row. The stones can be all the same or a mix of colors and shapes. The three stones symbolize the past, present and future.
Meaning: Past, present, future; trilogy
Occasions: Engagement, anniversary, wedding
4. Vintage Rings
Vintage rings have an antique-inspired look reminiscent of past eras. Design features include engraving, milgrain edges, filigree, rose or Asscher cuts, etc. Vintage rings have an heirloom aesthetic.
Meaning: Timeless, cherished, heirloom
Occasions: Engagement, wedding, gifting
5. Stackable Rings
Stackable rings are designed to layer together in coordinating sets. They’re worn stacked on one finger or spread across multiple fingers. Stackable rings allow you to mix metals, gemstones and personalize your look.
Meaning: Personal style, customization, layering
Occasions: Daily wear, gifting
6. Cocktail Rings
Cocktail rings feature elaborate, ostentatious designs with large center stones and ornate settings. They add drama and bold flair. Cocktail rings make a statement and are meant to be the focal point.
Meaning: Dramatic, lavish, statement
Occasions: Parties, nights out, right hand ring
7. Eternity Rings
Eternity rings have a band of stones all the way around the circumference with no setting. Diamond eternity bands feature a continuous line of diamonds to represent everlasting love.
Meaning: Everlasting, infinite
Occasions: Anniversary, gifting, wedding bands
8. Cluster Rings
Cluster rings consist of a center stone closely surrounded by a cluster of smaller stones around the band. The cluster setting amplifies the beauty of the center gem.
Meaning: Community, togetherness
Occasions: Engagement, anniversary, daily wear
9. Signet Rings
Signet rings feature a flat, engraved surface on the front. Historically used to press wax seals, signet rings today are engraved with initials, family crests, symbols, or designs.
Meaning: Identity, family heritage
Occasions: Daily wear, family rings
10. Spinner Rings
Spinner rings have a movable band that spins concentrically around the base ring. Spinning the outer band is used as a distraction coping mechanism for anxiety, focus, and fidgeting.
Meaning: Calming, support
Occasions: Daily wear, gifting
11. Birthstone Rings
Birthstone rings feature a stone associated with the wearer’s birth month. Examples are emerald for May and ruby for July. Birthstone rings represent the wearer’s birthday or astrological sign.
Meaning: Personalization, astrology
Occasions: Birthday, daily wear
12. Promise Rings
Promise rings symbolize commitment, especially in relationships. Couples exchange promise rings as a sign of fidelity, love, and the promise of a future engagement. Teens sometimes receive promise rings from parents.
Meaning: Promise, commitment, loyalty
Occasions: Relationship gift, parental gifting
13. Mood Rings
Mood rings change color based on body temperature to supposedly reflect the wearer’s mood. The thermochromic technology responds to emotions like stress, calmness, love, etc.
Meaning: Emotions, mood, color
Occasions: Daily wear, parties, gifting
14. Claddagh Rings
The Claddagh ring has a distinctive design with a crowned heart held by two hands. The traditional Irish rings represent love, friendship, and loyalty. Pointing the heart outward signals an open heart.
Meaning: Love, friendship, loyalty
Occasions: Engagement, wedding, gifting
15. Geometric Rings
Geometric rings have modern angular designs like triangles, trapezoids, chevrons, and pyramid shapes. The graphic shapes make geometric rings stand out. They have an edgy, architectural look.
Meaning: Contemporary, sleek, edgy
Occasions: Daily wear, modern jewelry
There are so many ring styles out there from minimalist to bold statements. Whether you prefer delicate or substantial rings, gold, silver or platinum, gemstones or engravings, there’s a perfect ring design for everyone. Use this guide to pick a ring style that matches your personality and the sentiment behind it.
