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Omani rings are not mere ornaments: they convey ancient local beliefs and tell stories of protection, status and cultural belonging.
In Oman, tradition dictates that each finger wears a ring that is a9> precise, following an ancient custom in which the position and shape of the jewel are never random. a17> jewel are never random.
In this article, we will look at the five main types of Omani rings, discovering how each one finds its ideal place on a hand, in a delicate balance between aesthetics and meaning. Each piece tells a unique story, and thanks to a selection of rings available in our e-commerce store — illustrated with detailed photographs — we will have the opportunity to admire these small works of art up close.
And that’s not all: after revealing the secrets of the rings, we will also be enchanted by ancient Omani pendants and earrings, which are also rich in symbolism and timeless beauty.
Let us now immerse ourselves in the authentic charm of traditional Omani jewellery.
First finger: thumb rings, known as Gabira, are silver bands generally 1.5 centimetres high, decorated with horizontal lines in relief. They often feature gilding on the outer surface and, in the centre of the front, a vertical silver band decorated with raised dots. Sometimes, stones or glass are set into this vertical band.
Second finger: the rings from the index finger are commonly called Shadid, an Arabic term which means “witness”, because during the prayer Shahada the faithful raise this finger upwards as a sign of testimony of their faith in one only God and in the prophetic mission of Muhammad.
Shadid rings come in two different shapes: one teardrop-shaped and another more elaborate, characterised by a circular lower part and a diamond-shaped upper part.
Third finger: rings worn on the middle finger are called Dayir when they are circular in shape, and Hèysa when they are rhomboid in shape, also known as ‘diamond-shaped’.
Fourth finger: rings worn on the ring finger are called Khatib murabba. In Arabic, arba means ‘four’, referring to the four corners of these rings, which are square in shape.
The front surface is almost always decorated with nine panels, engraved with geometric patterns or blackened using the niello technique. The shape and decoration deliberately recall the appearance of a chessboard.
In some cases, the rings may feature stylised depictions of flowers or plants, embellished with golden details.
Often, the Khatib murabba is the most voluminous ring and is worn exclusively on special occasions.
Fifth finger: pinkie rings can come in two distinctive shapes, one pyramid-shaped (or mulberry-shaped), and one band-shaped with stones or glass set into it.
The first shape, also known as “pyramid” (Shadabiyyah), resembles both a mulberry, due to its silver granulation and the arrangement of small granules, and a pyramid, due to its pointed structure.
The second is a band ring (Khatim), characterised by a central protuberance raised, on which are set glass or coral inlays.
Belonging to the same type as the Khatim rings, there are also the Khatim Bu Fus rings. Worn by both men and women, these rings feature circular glass stones set on the front, decorated with short engraved inscriptions or depictions of the crescent moon and stars.
Omanite Zar ring in antique silver, with a dome set on a square base decorated with granulation. Worn by men and women as daily protection against evil spirits, it also played a ritual role in the Zar healing ceremony, practised with singing, percussion and incense.
