HWMNBN:


Here are some things we know about the (One) Ring:

It's pure evil.
It wants to be found.
It has gobs of seductive power, particularly when the race of men is involved.
It poisoned Gollum's mind slowly over time, forcing him to dedicate every
thought to it.
It ultimately betrays those who dedicate themselves to it.

Basically, the ring is a woman.