Perkun,
Working metals repeatedly with tools gradually hardens them, hence armorers occasionally have to anneal (heat to re-soften) plates as they form them. The depressions on these rings were probably produced cold, with a blunt chisel or something similar. This would serve to harden them to some extent, but may have been done as a decorative measure as well. Based on the photos I am inclined to suggest that this mail is not especially old, though certainly caringly made; perhaps in the last century.
Ham
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