I've been searching for a good site with definitions of jewelry (specifically rings) styles throughout the ages and cannot seem to find one. I'm interested in seeing some timelines of ladies' ring styles. I've seen what I'm looking for described in certain instances as 'cuff, barrel, wide band' and a few others I can't remember right now.

However, I'm trying to find out when these styles were popular so I might delve deeper into the types of design available and when these were made. A 'cuff ring' doesn't describe it because the one I want goes all the way around, wide bands don't seem to denote the decoration I've seen in old paintings either and barrel rings seem too specific.

Surely someone who knows jewelry history knows a few key phrases I can look through! Thanks so much, I appreciate it!

The History of Victorian Style Rings - Associated Content (http://tinyurl.com/cq7ujy) This site might be a small help.

I think you might be referring to a cigar band style ring. I have one and have spent over two years trying to find out the maker "xxx and a sideways w" marked inside the band. It has several motifs stamped around it. I even took the ring to the Antiques Roadshow trying to find info on it. I just recently discovered:
Victorian Cigar Band Ring

Late Victorian 14 Karat Cigar Band Ring (http://tinyurl.com/cqc8ev)

14 Karat Victorian Cigar Band Ring. 14 Karat (tests) c. 1900 late Victorian rose gold cigar band wedding ring with a floral motif design on alternating panels with script initials EM KM. Marked with a W and XX, unknown maker's mark. 6 grams. Size: 6-1/2

Cigar Band Style (Circa 1850–1870)
A distinctly American style, patterned after paper cigar bands of the era (perhaps triggered by the poverty of Civil War-time). The characteristics of these pseudo paper bands are: (1) the surface is flat, not domed; (2) the band is fairly wide and is uniform in width (no tapering); and (3) there are engravings into the band, at least on the shoulder. Common patterns are geometric, as in the Eastlake style. A head can be attached to the band to create a mounting.

I hope some of this helps you.

Char