Jewels are one of the oldest forms of body adornment known to the mankind. Jewelries differ from other items of personal adornment in that they have no other purpose than to look appealing. They are sometimes regarded as a way of showing wealth and might. They possess minimal functionality, such as holding a garment together or keeping hair in place etc. Jewelries have also been appreciated because of their material properties, their patterns or for their meaningful symbols.
One of the major reasons for the attraction of the people towards the jewels has been the personalization factor. These elements and metals used to form the jewels can be molded to any forms very easily. Owing to this ease of personalization ample number of modification in terms of the form, type of elements and gems used, deigns etc have been made. Some of the classic examples of such modified forms can be the crest rings or the monogrammed rings and the signet rings.
Factors affecting the choice of materials for making these jewelries include cultural differences, availability of the materials, cost, ease of modification and the right combination. Various astrological and religious significances have also been associated with different kind of stones, metals and rings.