What famous violinist/composer was known for the ring he wore on his left hand which he used to cut the strings of his violin as he played especially difficult pieces?

The Genoan virtuoso violinist, Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840) used to snap one or more of his strings whilst playing. They say that there was no discernable difference to the sound of his playing, even when only the lowest (G) string was left intact; but I did not realise that he used his ring to do the snapping; Cheers!
PS If you wish to know more about this genius, and his influence on Chopin & Liszt, post me in the Classical Music section.

I didn't know that he used his ring; I knew that he seemed to "break" a lot of strings, and liked to show off, continuing the piece, playing on the remaining strings.

Doriangreyed, that's the way I heard the story, and I'm sticking to it. I want to know if he ever cut his face when the string snapped back!

I wasn't questioning the ring thing. It actually fits in with what little I've read about him;
apparently, he had an ego the size of Montana.