This diverse, colorful collection of jewels features fine designs and exceptional materials from prices ranging from $1,200 to $1 million<\/b>
\nThere is arguably no jewel throughout history that has the significance of rings. Once a symbol of status, power and wealth from ancient empires to the late 19th Century, these jewels have a history that dates back to Mesopotamia, circa 2500 BC. In modern Western societies, rings are packed with emotional attachment. They are common as family heirlooms bonding generations, and of course as engagement rings and wedding bands serve as symbols of love and commitment.
Below is a list of some outstanding rings from a diverse group of designers and jewelry brands, who specialize in everything from classic elegance to contemporary versatility.
Ana Katarina Lady is a Tramp Flip Ring Ana Katarina
Ana Katarina Lady is a Tramp Flip Ring, $9,770
Ana Katarina is a one-time war correspondent whose personal convictions and her experiences as a woman and single-parent are expressed in her jewelry designs. Sustainability is just one of the things she feels strongly about and this ring is made with recycled 18k gold, hand-carved Brazilian Red Agate, U. S.-mined turquoise and enamel. It’s available on the Ana Katarina website.
Ara Vartanian Brown, Black and White Diamond Ring Ara Vartanian
Ara Vartanian Brown, Black and White Diamond Ring, $7,200
This 18k white gold split band ring uses an inverted black diamond center stone, four inverted brown diamonds and four trillion-cut white diamonds. This ring is available at Broken English stores in New York and Los Angeles and on the retailer’s website.
Cartier Coloratura Ring Cartier
Cartier Coloratura Ring, price upon request
The venerable French jewelry brand, Cartier, created quite a stir earlier this year when it released its Coloratura High Jewelry collection. Among the items is this 18k white gold ring featuring a 17.12-carat cushion-shaped morganite, two cabochon-cut opals totaling 1.72 carats, pink sapphires totaling 1.26 carats, brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 3.37 carats. Available by appointment only at select Cartier boutiques nationwide. For more information contact 1-800-CARTIER.
Jeffrey Bilgore Ruby Ring Jeffrey Bilgore
Jeffrey Bilgore Ruby Ring, $1 million
Bilgore is known as a dealer in exceptional gemstones and creator of bespoke jewels. This ring features a 13.05-carat oval Mozambique ruby flanked by two shield diamonds and further enhanced with 56 round diamonds. To learn how to purchase this exceptional jewel, visit www.jeffreybilgore.com.
Omi Priv\u00e9
Omi Priv\u00e9 Padparadscha Sapphire and Diamond Ring, price upon request
This company is known for its exceptional gemstones placed in classically designed jewels. This platinum and 18k rose gold ring features a 5.01 carat cushion cut padparadscha sapphire accented by pear shape diamonds and round brilliant diamonds. The padparadscha\u2014which originate mainly from Sri Lanka, though also found in Madagascar and Tanzania\u2014is the world\u2019s rarest sapphire with a salmon color that ranges from pinkish to orange. Visit the Omi Priv\u00e9 website to learn how to purchase it.
Jessica McCormack Fan Party Jacket Ring Jessica McCormack
Jessica McCormack Fan Party Jacket Ring, $162,300
From the Party Jacket collection, this fan ring is made with a central diamond ring with a 0.78 carat brilliant cut diamond in 18k white gold, complete with 10.51 carats of step cut diamonds in 18k white gold and 18k yellow gold. The total diamond weight 11.29 carats. The only place to buy Jessica McCormack jewels is at her antique-filled townhouse boutique in London’s Mayfair section.
Assael Tahitian Pearl and Garnet Ring Assael
Assael Tahitian Pearl and Garnet Ring, $24,800
This is a company that collects exceptional pearls and coral and places them in outstanding jewels. This ring is centered with a single Tahitian natural colored cultured pearl button (13.2 x 12.5mm) set in 18k yellow gold with two barion-cut triangular mint garnets (5.73 carats). It is available at select Neiman Marcus locations. To find retail locations visit the Assael website.
Marco Bicego Leg\u00e0mi Ring Marco Bicego
Marco Bicego Leg\u00e0mi Ring $2,380
The Italian gold jewelry designer has an international following. This hand-engraved in 18K yellow gold has a rounded, textured form with a contemporary aesthetic. It\u2019s available at Saks Fifth Avenue stores.
Buddha Mama Moonstone Ring Buddha Mama
Buddha Mama Moonstone Ring, $14,050
The Miami-based firm produces hand-made jewels influenced by Buddhism and eastern traditions. This elaborate white, blue and gray enamel ring is centered with a 20-carat rainbow moonstone and further enhanced with diamonds. It\u2019s available at Neiman Marcus store in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Andy Lif Midnight Blue Ring Andy Lif
The Andy Lif Midnight Blue Ring, $9,000
This ring from the Brooklyn-based jewelry designer features a 2.7-carat celestial shaped African sapphire cut and patented by award winning lapidary artist, Larry Woods. It\u2019s set in 18k Italian yellow gold with 0.25 blue Ceylon sapphire accents. It’s available on Andy Lif\u2019s website.
Sofia Zakia Medusa Ring Sofia Zakia
Sofia Zakia Medusa Ring, $1,220
The brand was founded in 2015 by Montreal-based Sofia Ajram with the intent that each jewel created is rich with symbolism, borrowed from the art, history, and science. The 14k gold Medusa Ring is taken from Greek mythology, with the meaning of guardian and protector. It’s available on the Sofia Zakia website.
Daniella Kronfle Urban Diva Ring Daniella Kronfle
Daniella Kronfle Urban Diva Ring, $10,500
Her Italian, Lebanese and Syrian ancestry, her upbringing in Latin America, and a lifetime of global travels, provide the inspiration for Kronfle\u2019s designs. Educated in Florence and Paris, each of her pieces is constructed with combinations of colors, shapes, cuts, textures, and movement. This particular ring is made of 18k gold, black rhodium, blue topaz and white diamonds. It’s available on the Daniella Kronfle website.
Nam Cho Spike Ring Nam Cho
Nam Cho Spike Ring, $7,690
The 18k white gold ring features reverse-set blue sapphires further enhanced with diamonds. Available at Mitchell Stores.
Santo Shield Ring Santo
Santo Shield Ring by Zani, $2,650
The brand created by Zani Gugelmann is inspired by historic jewelry workmanship combined with CAD design and other modern technologies. The 18k gold and enamel shield ring features a triangle-shaped citrine, which opens to reveal a hidden diamond. It’s available on the Santo website.
In a previous life I was an award-winning daily newspaper reporter who moved to business and trade magazines and who now specializes in high jewelry and watches for publications around the world. My first magazine job was with a design and architecture trade publication wher…
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