The Ring – Step Back in History

Martin Smith

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.

Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for
consumers on purchasing a variety of products! His articles
provide a resource of interesting and relevant information.

http://www.1st-4-jewelry.com