Over 21,000 years old is the oldest ring found. Made by Paleolithic hunters from mammoth ivory. Rings represented at that time primarily objects of value, which served as means of exchange and payment. The so-called ring money is one of the pre-coinage means of payment.
Only in the Bronze Age came to the rings of bone, stone and probably wood, jewelry made of materials such as bronze, iron, precious metals and glass in addition.

Rings have been given the most diverse meanings throughout cultural history. In the European Middle Ages and in antiquity, rings were among the most popular pieces of jewelry of the upper class. Signet rings were symbols of power and dignity. From the middle of the 11th century at the latest, rings were regarded as a sign of love and fidelity in marriage. In the Middle Ages, which were plagued by disease, rings with special stones were said to protect the wearer as rings of protection and healing. Rings became symbols of rulers, arranged the carrier in faith communities and also served the self-expression.
Even today, many things are read off a ringed hand. Depending on the hand and finger, a ring is given a different meaning. Size, material and type of ring underpin its message.