Right now gildings are pretty much as good. I know rings can be an added bonus on top of gilded clothes but right now as a new player I would not even bother with rings since you can only get 2x of your stats and even if you could get more you probably don't need that much to play the game.
Here is an example:

Due to this development precious metals are not as precious anymore. Rings feel like a waste of time.
My suggestion to remedy this is to either:
1. Give rings % base stat boosts that way they will always stay relevant lategame.
2. Give rings unique bonuses for example thimbles could have a increased chance to successfully gild. Merchant rings could increase inventory space. Forge rings could increase the chance of getting wrought iron. Occult rings could increase the chance to find scents and help you aim faster with ranged weapons.