We’re on a continuous journey, exploring the world of rings this month — and all unique jewelry around the globe. Rings have a wonderful way of telling stories and capturing priceless moments, don’t they? So sentimental and meaningful. From contemporary designs to pieces with deep cultural heritage, our challenge here has been to select just ten of the most beautiful, distinctive and affordable rings out of thousands of stunning offerings.
Each ring on this shortlist of men’s rings and women’s rings stands out for its exceptional handmade craftsmanship and distinctive beauty. Every one of these works of art promises to draw admiration and to spark conversations — each is so exceptional.
The Best Value Category
1. A ring to fall in love with. Named Spell of a Rose by artisan-designer Mahavir in India, this stunning beauty exemplifies why rose quartz is so popular right now — and why it’s known as “the gem of romance.” Rose quartz is believed to attract love in all forms, from romantic love to spiritual love and self-love, while also promoting emotional healing, positivity, peace and harmony. We all need more of those benefits! This breathtaking 3.5 carat rose quartz gemstone is set in sterling silver that is plated with 18k gold. The artisan-direct price at NOVICA is a remarkable $64.99 (retail value $113.95).
2. Always pretty in pink. We absolutely adore this unique ring, appropriately named Pink Ardor by Indian artisan-designer Rakesh Rana. This is another exquisite example of why rose quartz is so very hot right now. Here the gemstone is shown off in combination with sterling silver. Doesn’t this cocktail ring bring to mind your favorite romance novels? Jane Eyre, or a great Jane Austen book. Or the Outlander series. Even Fifty Shades of Grey? This ring would delight a heroine of any era — including our own. I really love how the sterling silver tendrils embrace this feminine gemstone. A spectacular ring at a great price. At NOVICA $49.99 (retail value $81.95).
3. Not a wallflower. This ring, named Spiral Enchantment, features rainbow moonstone plus 2.2 carats of amethyst and garnet. The ring band is made of carefully hammered sterling silver that gracefully swirls around the finger in a lovely spiral. Made by artisan-designer Mahavir in India. It’s beautiful. At NOVICA $69.99 (retail value $107.95).
The Extraordinary Category
4. Boldly beautiful. This art-first design really captured our attention. It is handmade by artisan-designer Mary Geluda in Brazil. She’s named it Bold Duo, featuring amethyst with an elongated Biwa pearl both set in 18k gold. Bold in its beauty and simplicity, this gold wrap cocktail ring says so much about the bold artistry of its designer — and of its wearer. Intriguingly, amethyst is believed to benefit the wearer both in business and in love by aiding in clear-headedness, while at the same time fostering a connection to our higher self. Love that! At NOVICA $1,043 (retail value $2,048.95).
5. Love and mystery. Yes, another favorite pink gemstone this year, because pink is all the rage right now, and because this unique cocktail ring is so very elegant and graceful. It is handmade in Peru by Tiberio Gonzalez who selects the highest quality Andrean sterling silver and gorgeous gemstones for his designs. Pink opal is believed by many people to help balance emotions, soothe anxiety, and serve as a good luck charm. It’s also considered the “peace and penance” stone, helping us forgive ourselves and others. Such positive attributes! The artisan-designer named this particular ring Universal Truth — for all those good reasons. At NOVICA $119.99 (retail value $195.95).
6. Turquoise sets the stage Wow, we love this clean, elegant yet bold turquoise wrap ring, named Caribbean Mosaic by artisan-designer Guillermo Arregui in Mexico. Handcrafted of a hypnotic blue-green turquoise on fine sterling silver, its minimalist style complements this large gem so well and sets it apart from what we’re accustomed to seeing in more traditional turquoise designs. At NOVICA $224.99 (retail value $474.95).
7. Must-have versatility This set of three 18k gold-plated gemstone stacking rings is named Alluring Trio. The artisan suggests arranging the individual bands in any order, switching them around, or wearing them individually. This exquisite ring set is designed by Shivani Choudhary in India and features natural rose quartz, labradorite and rainbow moonstone. At NOVICA $109.99 (retail value $161.95).
Favorite Men’s Rings
8. Truth to power Doesn’t this ring feel courageous and bold, honest and accountable? Modern and yet it could also step way, way back in time. Named Crisscrossing Grace, this timeless textured band ring features a combination finish in handcrafted sterling silver with four outer bands of brass crisscrossing the design. Designed by India’s Neetu Barathi. At NOVICA $49.99 (retail value $84.95).
9. Elegance + manliness This is the Nocturno ring handmade by Carmen Granados in Peru. A modern ring style that really attracts the eye and seems to say so much — with class and culture. Perfect for a hot date night, important business meeting, or simply wear it wrapped around a fishing pole in the great outdoors. It fits right in. Sterling silver featuring an obsidian gemstone plus two sets of deep blue sodalite gemstone stripes. We love this. At NOVICA $109.99 (retail value $200.95).
10. A protective demon Wildly popular, this ring is crafted of the finest .950 silver with a combination finish. Named Infernal Grace, this ring feels both magical and mysterious. Costa Rican artisan Paula Solano employs the lost-wax casting technique to create her intricate designs. She says she draws inspiration from ancient legends and notes that she designed this particular ring to symbolize power and protection. At NOVICA $224.99 (retail value $405.99).
More to come…
These ten rings really resonated with us because of their exceptional designs, attractive fair trade pricing, and truly fascinating artisan stories (be sure to read the artisan bio provided at each purchase link in this article).
We examined thousands of birthstone rings, custom rings, vintage rings, men’s rings, promise rings, wedding rings, engagement rings, rings with East West settings, multi-stone rings, solitaire rings, spinner rings, stackable rings, asymmetrical rings, and mixed metal rings. So many rings!
We hope you’ll share your favorite ring designs with friends and family — and please do like and comment (I’d love to know: which of these is your favorite?). Be sure to follow … our journey continues onward in search of more fair trade treasures and unique gifts handcrafted by talented artisans around the globe. See you soon!
