Saruman's ring

[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'.