[Nufaciel]

All of the Rings of Power, except for the One Ring, were made by the Elves in the Second Age. All of these Elven Rings, except for the Three held by the Elves, were made with the help of Sauron, who befriended the Elves. All of the Rings (the 19) were used by the Elves originally. When his deception was revealed, the Elves took off the Rings, and would not use them. In short, Sauron got mad, took all but the Three, and gave them to the Dwarves and Men. The Dwarves could not be corrupted, except by greed, and the men of course, became wraiths. Because Sauron did not touch the Three, they were not subject to him, though in the Third Age, he would have known where they were (if he acquired the One) because they were in use.