The abacus is a symbol of wealth and prosperity, due to it being a common instrument used by all businessmen in the past. Now to some it's just that tool that people used to use, to others it's "that bead thing which infants play with", both are correct answers. An abacus ring, first invented in the 17th century, over 300 years ago. No it wasn't this ring.. This is the modern version, that's why it looks so wicked. We slapped the Chinese character for fortune on it, and made it functional too! T