Finger-ring Lore is William Jones’s antiquarian survey of the history, customs, and superstitions surrounding rings worn on the finger. Jones traces rings through the ancient, medieval, and modern worlds, exploring signet rings, wedding rings, magical and memorial rings, and the many beliefs attached to them.
Rich in historical and folkloric detail, the book gathers anecdotes, legends, and curiosities about one of humankind’s most enduring ornaments. It sits comfortably within the Victorian tradition of learned popular antiquarianism, blending archaeology, social history, and folklore. For readers interested in the cultural life of objects, the history of jewelry, or the customs of the past, Jones’s compendium offers an entertaining and well-stocked treasury of ring-related lore.