LDS Rings
Most rings worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are wedding rings. However, some members of the Church wear other rings that have Latter-day Saint themes and are often symbolic. Following are just a few Latter-day Saint–theme rings along with a description of the symbolism behind them.
Easily the most well-known of all Latter-day Saint jewelry is the CTR Ring. The ring is meant to remind the wearer to always "Choose the Right" and keep the commandments. The traditional version features a shield bearing the letters CTR. The shield backgrounds come in many colors and the ring is available in other languages using the appropriate letters. Some more recent variations no longer have the shield, and the CTR is on all sorts of rings to suit just about all tastes.
Faith in Every Footstep
Faith in Every Footstep is a saying that developed from the Mormon Pioneers. When they left Nauvoo for the West they were walking into the unknown. Where they were going was very isolated, there were no nearby settlements, and life would be hard. However they faithfully followed their prophet, and demonstrated their faith with every footstep they took. The ring is intended to remind the wearer of the Church's heritage and that they can demonstrate their faith in the Church by following the prophet.
Return With Honor or RWH
This saying refers to many things in the Church. Young men who serve missions are encouraged to "return with honor," which means that they served honorably, for the amount of time the Lord required. Missionaries are often given this ring as a reminder. The saying also refers to the idea that we are all being tested in this life, and the purpose of this life is to live so that we can go back and live with Heavenly Father. So the statement "return with honor" reminds its wearer to do what is needed to return to heaven without guilt.
Endure to the End or ETTE
When "Endure to the End" is shortened to ETTE the last "e" is usually turned backward. Endure to the End is a statement made many times throughout the scriptures (see Mark 13:13, 1 Nephi 22:31, and 3 Nephi 15:9). It reminds the wearer to continue following the commandments and to be loyal to the teachings of Christ.
Young Women Values Colors
In this ring, the colors associated with the eight values of the Young Women program are embedded in the band. The ring is supposed to help remind them of the values they should be developing, which are: faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, integrity, and virtue.
Joseph Smith Ring
This ring is a reproduction of a ring that Joseph Smith had made, and wore right up until his death. Engraved on the ring is a simple circle that represents the eternal nature of man. Many people now buy the ring as a man and woman's set to wear as wedding bands. According to Deseret Book, the ring "is believed to be the ring he used in the April 1844 King Follett sermon to illustrate the eternal nature of man. Sometime after the Prophet's martyrdom in 1844, Emma Smith gave the ring to Alexander Hale Smith, one of their sons. The ring appears on Joseph's hand in several paintings done in his lifetime. Today the ring is privately owned. Joseph Smith's signature on the inside of the ring is an added designer's element."[1]
Armor of God
Based on the Ephesians 6:11 injunction to "Put on the whole armour of God," these rings are not strictly Latter-day Saint. The rings depict the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.
