As a result, on 5 September 1861 the lower ranks' rings were changed:

On 16 April 1861, mates were commissioned as sub-lieutenants and lieutenants were divided into those of over eight years seniority and those under. For the first time these were consistently applied to all blue uniforms. The modern system of gold rings on the cuffs originated on 11 April 1856. Midshipmen received a white patch on the collar in 1758, the oldest badge still in use today. Sometimes there was no specific indication of rank at all. However, there was no consistent system and insignia might differ between uniforms, and were altered several times. Ranks could be indicated by embroidery on the cuffs, by arrangement of buttons or, after 1795, on epaulettes. By the 1790s, the Royal Navy's first established uniform regulations had been published. At first the cut and style of the uniform differed considerably between ranks, and specific rank insignia were only sporadically used. Uniforms for naval officers were not authorised until 1748. See also: Royal Navy ranks, rates, and uniforms of the 18th and 19th centuries Royal Navy epaulettes for senior and junior officers, 18th and 19th centuries Royal Navy epaulettes for flag officers, 18th and 19th centuries

World war 2 navy rank insignia