The history of rings: The Claddagh Ring
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Article: The Ring - Step Back in History Author: Martin Smith The popularity of rings increased during the medieval period.People wore rings no matter if they were rich or poor. The mostused materials in the making of rings are copper, iron, gold andsilver. The class of the person was usually identified by thematerial 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 turquoisejewelry. The Greek symbol of the fish, called the Icthus wasused by Early Christians. The Irish Claddagh has an interestingstory attached to it. Richard Joyce along with the crew on a fishing boat from thevillage of Claddagh, Ireland, was captured the same week he wassupposed to be married. Goldsmithing was Richard Joyce's tradewhile he was enslaved. While he was captured, neither married.Richard Joyce made a ring for his beloved that had two handsholding a heart for love and a crown for loyalty. Joyce escaped from his captors and returned to Claddagh where hewas excited to see his love again and know she had nevermarried. She never gave up hope of his return to her. He gaveher the ring that is known as the Claddagh ring. Wearing theCladdagh on your right hand, crown inward means that you areletting people know that you are single. The person who wears the Claddagh on the right hand with thecrown outward is in a committed relationship. Wearing theCladdagh with the crown outward on your left hand says Let ourlove and friendship reign forever, never to be separated. Thereare many reasons for wearing rings, one is adornment. Rewardsfor a job well done include rings such as the one given afterthe Super Bowl victory. Rings such as engagement rings and wedding rings symbolizecommitment. Women Religious wear rings to show their commitmentto God. You can use almost any material to make rings now.Plastic, silver, copper, gold or even wood can be use to makethem. Ceramic materials can be used as well. Rings can be very simple or of something as intricate asfiligree. Rings can be plain and simple or be adorned withjewels 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 isbelieved to stop bleeding, to cure sickness of the blood andinfections and it is said to protect from poisons. It isbelieved that February's birthstone the Amethyst helps soldiersin battle, hunters to catch prey, control evil thoughts and helpthe owner have success in business. In order to preventseasickness, 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 oflove. In 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond toMary of Burgundy which started the tradition of engagementrings. The Emerald is the birthstone for May and believed tosharpen the eyesight and mind of the wearer. As protection against the hazards of long trips travelers usedEmeralds. The owner of the Emerald is said to be given the powerto predict the future because of its green color. The pearl isthe birthstone of June and fresh water pearls are said to givethe power of protection, luck, and love. They provide protection for children from harm and wisdom fromexperience. The Ruby's (July) red color is related toprotection, courage, physical energy, strength, health, sex, andpassion. Associated with it are blood, death, and birth. TheAugust birthstone, the Peridot is said to bring the wearerpeace, success, and good luck. It is believed it has the powersof health, protection, and sleep. It is believed that it attracts love, eases anxiety and negativeemotions, and calms anger. The powers of the Saphire (July)include inner peace and spiritual enlightenment. It isassociated with the power of healing rheumatism, colic andmental illness. The October birthstone is believed to havehealing powers that aid inner beauty, eyesight, andfaithfulness. It will assist the user in remembering past lives. The properties of the Yellow Topaz (Sanskrit for fire) are saidto heal both mental and physical illnesses and to prevent death.The Citrine that is also for November is believed to have powersto aid the kidneys, the heart, the digestive tract, liver andmuscles. Its powers are the elimination of self-destructivetendencies and it promotes creativity and personal clarity. December's birthstone is the Blue Topaz (Sanskrit for fire) andwas believed to heal both mental and physical illnesses, andprevent death in the Middle Ages. The powers of attractingmoney, success, and love are attributed to the Turquoise anotherstone for December. It is believed also that it offersprotection, healing, courage, friendship and luck. Mental tension is relieved and the mind is comforted. Among thevariety of rings there are mother's rings with birthstones ofher kids, friendship rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, andschool rings. At the base of the prices for rings is fifty cents(found in toy machines) and at the higher end fifty thousanddollars or more. About the Author: Martin Smith is a successfulfreelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing avariety of products which includes WeddingRing and and more! His numerous articles provide awonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevantinformation.
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