Ring of O

Its name derives from the name of the central character in the classic BDSM novel Story of O (written by Anne Desclos using the name Pauline Réage), who wore an analogous ring.

The ring's symbolic meaning in the novel differs quite a bit from the one commonly used among BDSM practitioners today.

Those wearing the ring are obliged to be obedient to any man who belongs to the secret society of Roissy (whose emblem is the triskelion), and must allow him to do absolutely everything with them that he pleases.

This alluded to the leather collar and bracelets, each with a metal ring, that had been locked onto O during her training.

The first image of this jewellery design was published in the September issue (No.4) of the German BDSM magazine Schlagzeilen in 1989.

The Ring of O in its current most common shape.
Simplified depiction of the Triskelion ring as described in the original book
Female model posed as a submissive wearing a collar in the design of the Ring of O