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.

---

Celebrity Birthstone Jewelry

It seems that birthstone jewelry isn't just for us normal... Read More

How to Look Slimmer

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

Find Your Style Of Reading Glasses To Show Off Your Sense Of Fashion

Reading glasses or readers have evolved from those old black... Read More

Menswear ? Putting Together A Business Wardrobe - Part 3

It's easier for men to build a professional wardrobe, but... Read More

Fashionable Silver Earrings for Anytime and All the Time

It's been said that silver jewelry makes a person look... Read More

10 Tips to Stretch Your Wardrobe Dollars

1. Buy what works for you! - Don't waste your... Read More

Take Advantage of Hot Weather Before It Ends ? A Swimsuit For Your Body!

Instead of sitting indoors in the air conditioning, get outside... Read More

Travel With Style

Your heading out for that vacation you've been waiting sooo... Read More

Helpful Suggestions for Purchasing Sunglasses

There are so many styles to choose from, just how... Read More

Fashion Style is Important

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

Does Your Make Up Bag Work?

Having our makeup at our fingertips is a number one... Read More

Tips to Clean Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is easy to care for if you follow... Read More

The Charming Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez was born in New Jersey in 1961 to... Read More

The Power of Color in Business

THERE IS POWER IN YOUR CLOSET and it is in... Read More

Fashion Marketing 101

In a nutshell, fashion marketing is a profession that takes... Read More

Stylin? Safety Glasses Are Hot to Look At

What do you think of when you hear the words... Read More

Why Ladies Craze for Women?s Sandals?

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

Plus Size Fashion Tips: What?s Hot this Summer

The sun is sizzling, and so will you this season!... 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

Five Mothers Day Gift Ideas

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

Mirror Tinted Contact Lenses: Wild, and Practical Too

As a contact lens wearer, if you have searched the... Read More

Eyewear Frames - Catch the Wave of Fashion

With so many eyewear choices it can be difficult to... Read More

Leather Jackets, Pants, Skirts: Bikers - The Hot Products In Leather Market

What is Fashion? Embracing style, trend, and comfort is called... Read More

Colored Contact Lenses, the Hottest Trend in Cosmetics is Spreading Like Wildfire Across the Fashion

A cross between cosmetics and vision correction, everyone from movie... Read More

Stockings ? Getting a Leg Up, Again

It hasn't been all that long since vintage stockings became... Read More

Your Wild and Crazy Side with Zombie Contact Lenses

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

Body Art

There are several forms of body art. Body art can... Read More

Gemstone Treatments

Though not common knowledge to the public, most gemstones are... Read More

Fashion Designer David Dixon The Designer Guy

Fashion designer David Dixon, is known as the "designer guy".... Read More

Diamond Stud Earrings: Elegant Unisexuality

A diamond stud earring is made up of just one... Read More

How to Choose Lingerie

In my business, I talk to a lot of gals... Read More

Shopping Tips and Tricks to Finding the Perfect Pair of Shoes

This article will provide you with some useful shopping tips... Read More

Tips in Choosing the Right Kind of Sunglasses

Today, sunglasses have become everyone's bestfriend. We never leave home... Read More