All's Well That Ends Well

There are two rings in the text, and they each play a specific role in representing the concepts of honor and reputation. Bertram’s ring is the Count’s ring, which is an heirloom passed down through the Count’s family. This would be a signet or seal ring and, worn by each Count, it signifies his identity and authority. As an emblem of the family’s nobility, it is also a symbol of the Count’s honor. By contrast, Helen’s ring is a gift from the King, and it represents her personal reputation and honor, as it is an emblem of the King’s appreciation for her medical assistance and personal value. Unlike Bertram’s ring, Helen acquired the ring through her own action and qualities, whereas Bertram inherited his ring from his father.

The Count’s ring is one of Bertram’s family’s prized possessions, and Bertram comments to Diana on how losing the ring would be “the greatest obloquy” (4.2.53), meaning public disgrace. His words are correct but in a way he does not intend. He will part with both the ring and his honor through his own choice and this will result in his “obloquy” in the final scene. Bertram is willing to give Diana his ring as part of the promises he makes to her.