tolkiens legendarium - What is the significance of Saruman's Ring?

At the council of Elrond, Gandalf tells of his encounter with Saruman.

But I rode to the foot of Orthanc, and came to the stair of Saruman; and there he met me and led me up to his high chamber. He wore a ring on his finger.

Gandalf seems draw particular attention to Saruman's ring. Yet, to my knowledge, nothing more is ever said of his ring. We know that Saruman had a great deal of knowledge regarding the rings of power. Is there anything in Middle-earth lore that indicates if there was anything extraordinary about this ring? Was Saruman emulating Sauron? Or could the ring have been given to him by Sauron?

Answer

According to The One Ring.net:

In July 3018, Saruman set a trap for Gandalf, using the Brown Wizard, Radagast, to lure him to Orthanc. When Gandalf came, Saruman revealed his rebellion sporting a newly made ring of his own, and vestments of many shifting colors. When Gandalf refused to join him, Saruman made him a prisoner atop the tower. In September Gandalf was able to escape by Eagle from the tower and return to the north.

Also,

For I am Saruman the Wise, Saruman Ring-maker

So it is a magic ring that he himself made. Not one of the numerous other existing magic rings. Good catch, I totally missed that when I read it.

Comments

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