Rings are symbolic of a wide variety of things including marriage, wealth, association and more. The specific finger on which a ring is worn also portrays meaning that is unique to each individual.
The word “ring” is used to describe any type of adornment, but in general usage, the term refers to rings that are shaped to fit around a person’s finger. They can be made from any hard material, and they may be decorated with gemstones or other types of ornamentation. Rings that are not worn on the hand but around another part of the body are called bracelets or neck rings. The band of a ring is often referred to as the shank, and the portion that sits on either side of the gemstone is sometimes called the gallery.
A ring is a set of elements with the properties that addition and multiplication are both associative (that is, + is the additive identity) and commutative (that is, a+b=b+a). When the set has a topology such that the multiplication map R x R and the addition map +: R times R=Rtimes R is continuous, the ring is called a field. Fields are fundamental objects in number theory, algebraic geometry and many other areas of mathematics.
In the Solar System, the discovery of the rings of Saturn and other planets has revolutionized astronomy. But there are still many open questions, such as how the planetary moons form the rings; what causes them to change shape over time; and how they interact with the planet and its magnetosphere. Future ring-oriented missions will provide critical measurements to help address these and other mysteries.
In modern society, a ring is usually worn to signify the commitment of a couple to each other. This may include an engagement ring or wedding ring, which are typically made from precious metals such as gold and silver. They may also be set with precious stones such as diamonds. In some cultures, the ring is also worn as a symbol of eternal love and devotion between friends or family members.
A ring can be a powerful statement, but it can also be uncomfortable or even dangerous for someone who has an allergy. Some people develop an allergy to nickel in the alloys used to make rings, causing redness and irritation of the skin. If this is the case, it is important to find an alternative ring that does not contain nickel.
In the United States, a ring is given to players who win a championship in professional sports leagues, such as the Super Bowl or World Series. A ring is also sometimes presented to students who have graduated from a university or college. Rings are often engraved with the name of the wearer, or of their loved ones, in order to commemorate special occasions or memories. Some are even engraved with inspirational or motivational words or phrases. A ring can also be worn to mark a milestone such as a birthday, anniversary or graduation.