Historic Rings presents a world-class collection of almost eight hundred rings spanning four continents and four millennia. Perhaps the most intimate form of jewelry, these miniature art objects not only encapsulate traditions and customs throughout the ages but also evoke the most personal feelings of the owners for whom they were made. Introduced here for the first time in English, the Hashimoto Collection is extraordinary in its richness and breadth. The earliest pieces, including superb artifacts from ancient Egypt, Etruria, Greece, and Rome, are followed by European rings from the medieval period through the Renaissance and up to the nineteenth century. In the twentieth century, all of the major trends, artist jewelers, and designers are also fully represented. Historic Rings features many rare and valuable pieces, such as an amethyst scarab set in a gold wire hoop with beads at the shoulders dating from the second century b.c., which is the only extant example of its kind in the world.

Ring with symbols, portraits seditieux, and locks of royal hair evoke the political struggles in France from the revolution of 1789 up to the establishment of the Third Republic in 1870. Some rings represent political affiliations, religious beliefs, or personal sentiments, and many are set with exquisitely carved cameos or intaglios, or with precious stones. The dazzling creations of such master jewelers as Harry Winston, Van Cleef and Arpels, Cartier, and many more demonstrate the fascinating artistic trends of the twentieth century. With one thousand four hundred photographs, all the rings in the Hashimoto Collection are illustrated in black and white, with the majority also shown in color, and supplementary illustrations evoke their historical contexts. Styles and conventions of ring design are described, with explanations and anecdotes given for many individual examples. Furthermore, details of provenance, as well as where each ring was purchased and the price paid for it, are provided. Lavishly presented, Historic Rings will appeal to all admirers of jewelry, and its scope and wealth of information will make it an invaluable resource for scholars, experts, collectors, and dealers.