Saruman's ring

[Inziladun]

If we look at the reason behind making a Ring of Power in the first place, I'd now be inclined to think Saruman's (assuming he did fashion it) just an ornament.

Sauron made the One and put his power into in order to control the wearers of the other Rings. In doing so, he also took the risk that if the One were ever destroyed, that part of his power would likewise be dissipated forever.

What motive would Saruman have had in trying do the same thing? He could not have exercised control in any special way. A ring created by him should not have led to any increase in his power, or in any of his native abilities. He was already an "inferior" of Sauron's in will and spiritual power, which is why he knew in order to challenge Sauron he must gain Sauron's Ring.

Really, making his own ring wouldn't seem to lead to any specific benefit for Saruman.

[Ardent]

Originally Posted by Inziladun

...What motive would Saruman have had in trying do the same thing? ...He was already an "inferior" of Sauron's in will and spiritual power, which is why he knew in order to challenge Sauron he must gain Sauron's Ring.

Really, making his own ring wouldn't seem to lead to any specific benefit for Saruman.

I think Saruman's ring probably fits Gandalf's description of the lesser rings; an essay in the craft. But his inequality to Sauron would not be an obstacle to such essays, after all, Sauron was not the equal of his predecessor but came to the fore when Melkor/Morgoth was defeated. Perhaps Saruman was preparing for a similar opportunity, whether that meant obtaining the One or becoming a new Power in the event of its destruction.

I can think of no reason to believe his ring would have been bound up with the fate of the One, as were those forged in Eregion. Sauron's influence over him seems to have been restricted to the Palantir of Orthanc. Also he was unlike the Nine, who once were 'mortal men doomed to die'.