What is a Family Ring? ( We have the answer and great info)

Most individuals search for a way to commemorate and show appreciation for their loved ones. Whether it be through a family photo, a printed family tree, or a piece of jewelry. A piece of jewelry symbolizing those that are near and dear to your heart is a great way to keep loved ones close and their memory alive.

So what is a family ring?

A family ring is a ring that incorporates birthstones from various special family members. A family ring can also feature engravings of family members names or special dates pertaining to each individual. Family rings are the same as mother's ring but can be worn by anyone in the family.

A particular style of family ring is a mothers ring. A mothers ring typically only features the birthstones of her children. A family ring can include parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or even pets.

Origin of Family Rings

The origin of family and mothers rings is somewhat unclear. Some historians will argue that they have been around for centuries, while others maintain that they were invented as recently as the late 1950s.

There are three common origin stories in circulation today. The first is that a jeweler found a way to incorporate small stones set on screws into jewelry. This allowed a variety of small stones to be used in the piece. The variety of stones available naturally evolved into ladies choosing birthstone to represent their family members or children.

The second is that mothers rings were created when a woman’s child was married. The mother's ring or family ring was essentially two wedding bands fused together. Each wedding band contained the birthstone of the biological child and the child in wedlock.

The final theory is that mothers rings were created solely to increase jewelry sales on Mothers Day. After Mother’s Day was officially declared a holiday, jewelers crafted a sentimental piece specifically for the occasion.

It is quite possible that family rings and mothers rings have been around for much longer than these theories would imply. Women and other individuals have likely long searched for a way to memorialize and cherish their beloved family members.

What is a Mothers Ring?

A mothers ring is a type of jewelry given in remembrance or to cherish a woman’s children. The ring can be given to either mothers or grandmothers. The ring typically includes the birthstones of one’s grandchildren or children. The children or grandchildren may be living, have passed, or have an impending birthdate.

Due to this, the ring typically includes more than one stone, one for each of the wearer's children or grandchildren. The ring can also be engraved with names, dates, or meaningful symbols. The stones can be set in a variety of metals and designs.

A mothers ring or family ring is a way to take pride in your family. It shows the world how much you cherish them and is an enduring way to keep them close to your heart and mind.

Mothers rings and family rings are also highly versatile. They often make create fashion pieces as the complement a wide variety of outfits and styles. The birthstones add a pop of color and sparkle.

Mothers rings and family rings have long been worn by proud mothers, grandmothers, and other family members. They are unlikely to fall out of fashion anytime soon. As families are ever enduring and valued, the ring is sure to be cherished by the wearer for years to come.

Materials for Mothers Rings and Family Rings

Birthstones are the one commonality between mothers rings and family rings. Birthstones represent a wearer's children, grandchildren, or family members.

Each month has either a birthstone or a few birthstones that can be chosen from. The birthstones for each month are as follows:

January - Garnet

February - Amethyst

March - Aquamarine, and Bloodstone

April - Diamond

May - Emerald

June - Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone

July - Ruby

August - Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel

September - Sapphire

October - Opal, and Tourmaline

November - Citrine, and Topaz

December - Tanzanite, Turquoise, and Zircon

Some birthstones will lend themselves better to a family ring or mothers ring than others. Those of the stone variety and pearls may not be able to be sized to fit within a multi-stone ring. Gemstones are typically the optimal choice for memorial jewelry.

The rings can be crafted out of a variety of metals. These materials include various golds, silvers, platinum, and palladium.

Yellow gold can be very soft and is often combined with other metals to increase its strength. As a result, rings can be crafted out of 10 karat, 14 karat, or 24 karat yellow gold. These looks offer a timeless and classic look.

Rose gold is another soft metal. Rose gold combines copper with gold to obtain its reddish appearance. Rose gold provides a vintage feel to a mothers ring or family ring.

White gold is the final type of gold available. White gold combines gold and nickel or silver under a rhodium plating to give it a platinum or sterling silver appearance. This is a popular material choice for those wanting the look of platinum without the price tag.

Platinum and Palladium are an additional two types of metals available for use in a ring. These metals are very strong and are silvery white in appearance. A platinum or palladium mothers ring or family ring will certainly stand the test of time.

Sterling silver is similar in look and style to palladium or platinum but it is a great deal less expensive. Sterling silver rings are a popular choice for family rings.

Finally, tungsten or titanium, are metals occasionally used in mothers rings or family rings yet notably less so than the other metals listed. These metals are heavy and dark grey or charcoal in color. They are also difficult to alter and less workable for stone settings.

You should choose a metal that suits your lifestyle, budget, and taste. You can then customize your band with the birthstones of your loved ones.

Styles of Family Rings and Mothers Rings

There are many styles of family rings and mothers rings. Some are contemporary and modern while others are classic and vintage.

The birthstones may be inlaid directly into the band or nestled into settings. The stones may also be organized in a line, a pattern, or surrounding a centerpiece. Some mothers rings feature the birthstones encircling a large center stone representing the birthstone of a mother.

Still, other modern family rings or mothers rings contain birthstones around a central symbol. This may be a heart, a religious cross, or even the hands and heart of a traditional Claddagh ring.

Family rings and other rings can also have more than one band. The bands can be arranged in a multi-row or interlocking fashion. Each band may contain one or several birthstones. For those with many children or a large family, this may be a suitable option.

The birthstones themselves can take many different shapes. The stones may be cut into a variety of shapes and symbols including hearts, baguettes, and circles. The birthstone can be accented with small diamonds for extra pizazz.

Just as with materials, there are many options for engravings. The most common type of engraving for mothers rings is the use of the children or family members names and/or birthdates. These will typically appear on the surface of the ring next to their respective birthstone.

There are additional engraving types available as well. Some choose to put phrases, symbols, or cherished words on their rings. Rings may say such things as “My Family, My Heart” or if given as a gift, simply “We love you”.

Engravings can also be done on the inside of the ring. The inside of the ring usually provides more room in terms of space for larger or longer engravings. Though it won’t be seen when the ring is worn, it adds a special sentimental characteristic to the ring.

Whether you choose a stackable ring for a large family, a simple band with only one or two birthstones, or a complex design with numerous engravings, your band should be meaningful to you.

Where to Wear a Mothers Ring or Family Ring

There is no right or wrong place or way to wear a mothers ring or family ring. Some women choose to wear it on their ring finger of their right hand, as a compliment to their wedding band.

Other women choose to wear it on a different finger; whichever one they find comfortable and appealing. Some stackable family rings can be separated to be worn on more than one finger if desired.

Still, some women choose to wear their family ring or mothers ring on a necklace. Wearing your ring as a pendant is a wonderful option for those whose hands take a great deal of wear and tear and are concerned about the ring becoming damaged.

A Lasting Piece of Jewelry

Mothers rings and family rings are very sentimental and meaningful pieces of jewelry. They show the wearers love and devotion to their children, grandchildren, or family members. Just as families never go out of style, a family ring or mothers ring will be cherished for years to come.

More articles you will love

How much do mother's rings cost? ( A complete break down )

What Is Your Birthstone and What Does It Represent?

What is 925 Sterling Silver Actually Made Of? (we will tell you)