The wedding ring Portia gives Bassanio seal their love in marriage and symbolizes power. The ring seems to represent Portia's submission to Bassanio. By giving him the ring not only does she submit herself, all of her worldly possessions and property, she also puts herself in a position of power; because she's giving her soon-to-be husband more than he can possibly give her in return. This comes a huge relief to Bassonia as he owes Antonia a great debt and is pretty much penniless without Portia's wealth. When Antonio is unable to pay Shylock back his debt, Portia tricks everyone by dressing up like a male lawyer. She craftily uses the law to keep Shylock from cutting off a pound of Antonio's flesh and steals Shylock's wealth, claiming he's an illegal immigrant. In payment for her services, the disguised Portia asks Bassanio for a ring she had given him in Belmont on the condition that he would never part with it. In payment for her services, the disguised Portia asks Bassanio for a ring she had given him in Belmont on the condition that he would never part with it. He refuses, and she storms off in pretended anger. Antonio, however, prevails upon his friend to send the ring after the doctor for “his” services to them; Bassanio sends Gratiano, who also gives up the ring Nerissa gave him, with the same stipulation, to the clerk. Later, she happily reveals to her husband her devious and successful plan. The ring symbolizes Portia's power and control, not only in civil matters but also in her marriage relationship.
