The Ring - Step Back in History

The popularity of rings increased during the medieval period. People wore rings no matter if they were rich or poor. The most used materials in the making of rings are copper, iron, gold and silver. The class of the person was usually identified by the material the ring was made of.

Faceted jewels began to appear in rings around the 14th century. Some cultures have rings that are usually associated with them. Native Americans are associated with silver and turquoise jewelry. The Greek symbol of the fish, called the Icthus was used by Early Christians. The Irish Claddagh has an interesting story attached to it.

Richard Joyce along with the crew on a fishing boat from the village of Claddagh, Ireland, was captured the same week he was supposed to be married. Goldsmithing was Richard Joyce's trade while he was enslaved. While he was captured, neither married. Richard Joyce made a ring for his beloved that had two hands holding a heart for love and a crown for loyalty.

Joyce escaped from his captors and returned to Claddagh where he was excited to see his love again and know she had never married. She never gave up hope of his return to her. He gave her the ring that is known as the Claddagh ring. Wearing the Claddagh on your right hand, crown inward means that you are letting people know that you are single.

The person who wears the Claddagh on the right hand with the crown outward is in a committed relationship. Wearing the Claddagh with the crown outward on your left hand says Let our love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated. There are many reasons for wearing rings, one is adornment. Rewards for a job well done include rings such as the one given after the Super Bowl victory.

Rings such as engagement rings and wedding rings symbolize commitment. Women Religious wear rings to show their commitment to God. You can use almost any material to make rings now. Plastic, silver, copper, gold or even wood can be use to make them. Ceramic materials can be used as well.

Rings can be very simple or of something as intricate as filigree. Rings can be plain and simple or be adorned with jewels and/or gemstones, as is the case of birthstone rings. There is a birthstone for each month with its own meaning.

Below you will find a list.

The Garnet is January's stone the gem of faith and truth; it is believed to stop bleeding, to cure sickness of the blood and infections and it is said to protect from poisons. It is believed that February's birthstone the Amethyst helps soldiers in battle, hunters to catch prey, control evil thoughts and help the owner have success in business. In order to prevent seasickness, keep them safe, and gain courage and foresight, sailors use the Aquamarine, the stone for March.

The Diamond is April's stone and is the symbol of strength, courage and invincibility. The diamond is the greatest gift of love. In 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond to Mary of Burgundy which started the tradition of engagement rings. The Emerald is the birthstone for May and believed to sharpen the eyesight and mind of the wearer.

As protection against the hazards of long trips travelers used Emeralds. The owner of the Emerald is said to be given the power to predict the future because of its green color. The pearl is the birthstone of June and fresh water pearls are said to give the power of protection, luck, and love.

They provide protection for children from harm and wisdom from experience. The Ruby's (July) red color is related to protection, courage, physical energy, strength, health, sex, and passion. Associated with it are blood, death, and birth. The August birthstone, the Peridot is said to bring the wearer peace, success, and good luck. It is believed it has the powers of health, protection, and sleep.

It is believed that it attracts love, eases anxiety and negative emotions, and calms anger. The powers of the Saphire (July) include inner peace and spiritual enlightenment. It is associated with the power of healing rheumatism, colic and mental illness. The October birthstone is believed to have healing powers that aid inner beauty, eyesight, and faithfulness. It will assist the user in remembering past lives.

The properties of the Yellow Topaz (Sanskrit for fire) are said to heal both mental and physical illnesses and to prevent death. The Citrine that is also for November is believed to have powers to aid the kidneys, the heart, the digestive tract, liver and muscles. Its powers are the elimination of self-destructive tendencies and it promotes creativity and personal clarity.

December's birthstone is the Blue Topaz (Sanskrit for fire) and was believed to heal both mental and physical illnesses, and prevent death in the Middle Ages. The powers of attracting money, success, and love are attributed to the Turquoise another stone for December. It is believed also that it offers protection, healing, courage, friendship and luck.

Mental tension is relieved and the mind is comforted. Among the variety of rings there are mother's rings with birthstones of her kids, friendship rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, and school rings. At the base of the prices for rings is fifty cents (found in toy machines) and at the higher end fifty thousand dollars or more.

About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes Wedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

---

Keep Your Flair of Style with Designer Reading Glasses

Reading glasses can be stylish and fashionable. There are many... Read More

How to Care For Your Designer Handbag

Whether your designer handbag is a Louis Vuitton, a Gucci,... Read More

Why Ladies Craze for Women?s Sandals?

Talking about sandals in front of women is absolutely a... Read More

Lion Jewelry: The Pride of Royalty

"I'll show you who's boss!" is what the sight of... Read More

Sunglasses! Does Fashion Compromise Your Eye Protection?

With models and movie celebrities showing off their trendy attire... Read More

A Country Boys View on Fashion

I still can't understand it. After all these years, I... Read More

Earrings Are A Fashion Statement!

Earrings are an important part of every woman's wardrobe, whether... Read More

Fashion with a Conscience

While wristbands have become a fashionable way to show our... Read More

Top 5 Most Often Carried Handbags

Handbags have become the most popular accessory on the market... Read More

Public Awareness of Conflict Diamonds Increases - What You Must Know About This Important Issue

Both Hollywood and the rap industry are promoting a diamond... Read More

Dolphin Jewelry Promotes Environmental Awareness

"And when the day comes that we can communicate intelligently... Read More

Fruity Fashion Picks & Tricks for Summer

Summer is here so it's time to freshen up that... Read More

Five Mothers Day Gift Ideas

Books1. If mom is a collector, whatever her passion -... Read More

What Shoes Should You Wear for Unforgettable Prom Night

Prom night is always something you long to have during... Read More

Gianni Versace: A Fashion Success!

Gianni Versace was born in 1946 in Reggio, Calabria, in... Read More

Your Fashion Style is Important

Fashion style is important. You clothes make your fashion statement,... Read More

Diamond Earrings: Superiority and Endurance

"A diamond is forever," as the old saying goes. The... Read More

Chandelier Earrings: Cascading Elegance

Earrings come in many forms, and the complexity of the... Read More

The Secret to having these Ten Pairs of Shoes

Whether you love shoes or not, there are ten shoes... Read More

Baby Jewelry: Infant Fashion as Keepsake

Matching jewelry for mommy and baby is always a cute... Read More

Panda Jewelry: an Eye on Our Endangered Wildlife

Thinking of an adorable motif to wear or give away... Read More

How to Look Slimmer

No matter what their size, most women want to look... Read More

Fashion After 40

With so many designers and trends targeting the svelte body... Read More

Earrings The Ultimate Fashion Statement

Earrings are an important part of every woman's wardrobe, whether... Read More

Your Wild and Crazy Side with Zombie Contact Lenses

Zombie contact lenses are a whole new concept in the... Read More

The Truth About Platinum

Is platinum a new metal? After all, in the... Read More

A Kilt is More than Just a Skirt for Men!

The Kilt has been the target of many a joke... Read More

Kate and Laura Mulleavy

If you've been following the fashion scene, by now you've... Read More

Tattoos; Not Just for Drunken Sailors

Tattoos are not new. They have been around longer then... Read More

Summer Swimsuits ? There is Still Time to Enjoy Them

Our summer season has finally made its way into July,... Read More

After the Kilt Sniggers - Comes the Tartan Question

I want a kilt - can I have it in... Read More

Tips To Expressing Yourself With T-Shirts

T shirts can provide a lasting impression on your life... Read More

The Mindful Shopper: Learning From Your Trendy Mistakes

Are you a fashion trend-watcher?Do you spend a lot of... Read More