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 includesWedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.





Latest News:



Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for news
NBC News announces layoffs; Correspondents let go (AP via Yahoo! News)
Several correspondents and other staff were laid off at NBC News this week as part of $500 million in planned cuts at General Electric Co.'s NBC Universal, according to a person familiar with the situation. Scripps puts Rocky Mountain News up for sale (AP via Yahoo! News)
The Rocky Mountain News, Colorado's oldest newspaper, was put up for sale Thursday after its owner, E.W. Scripps Co., said it lost about $11 million on the business in the first nine months of the year. Scripps putting Rocky Mountain News up for sale (AP via Yahoo! News)
E.W. Scripps Co. says it's putting the Rocky Mountain News up for sale after losing $11 million on the Denver operation in the first nine months of the year. Oil hits near 4-year low on weak economic news (AP via Yahoo! News)
Oil prices sank Thursday to lows last seen nearly four years ago as more bleak news from the world's largest economy boosted views that crude could tumble below $40 by the end of the year. Online Money: Fidelity expands online news focus (AP via Yahoo! News)
Fidelity Investments is joining the rush to satisfy investors' growing appetite for news about financial market turmoil. Pound slumps after grim British economic news (AP via Yahoo! News)
The pound slumped Thursday to a historic low against the euro and to its lowest level against the dollar in over six and a half years after further grim economic news fueled expectations that the Bank of England will slash interest rates later. Weekly world news quiz (BBC News)
At the end of another week, test your knowledge with our world news quiz. UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News (UPI)
Mark Ruffalo's brother shot in the head ... Coldplay, Adele earn top Grammy nods ... Oprah taking show to D.C. for inauguration ... Anne Heche expecting 2nd child ... News from United Press International. Scripps puts Rocky Mountain News up for sale (Detroit Free Press)
DENVER ? The Rocky Mountain News, Colorado's oldest newspaper, was offered for sale today after owner E.W. Scripps Co. said it lost about $11 million on the operation in the first nine months of the year. 57% - TV Still King of News (Pew via Yahoo! News)
On any given day, more Americans turn to TV for their news (57%) than any other source of media, a rate that has remained largely stable over the past 10 years (59% in 1998). In contrast, the percentage of Americans reading a newspaper on any given day has fallen to 34%, down from 40% just two years ago and down from 48% (a 14-point drop) a decade ago.

Site: news - Google News
New Voices in Congress Will Change the Tone of the Democratic Majority - New York Times

guardian.co.uk

New Voices in Congress Will Change the Tone of the Democratic Majority
New York Times, United States - 12 hours ago
The latest on the presidential transition and other political news from Washington and around the nation. Join the discussion. ...
Video: Burris Reflects on His Trip to Washington AssociatedPress
Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House ... ABC News
New Congress hears call to 'get something done' USA Today
The Associated Press - Los Angeles Times
all 9,822 news articles
Ballmer touts Windows 7 beta, new deals - CNET News

PC World

Ballmer touts Windows 7 beta, new deals
CNET News, CA - 1 hour ago
Microsoft will also announce new deals for Windows Live that will see Microsoft's search engine become the default on PCs from Dell as well as touting a ...
Microsoft's Ballmer touts new Windows, search deal MarketWatch
A Smaller CES, But Big Tech News Still Expected CNBC
Five Reasons Microsoft Plans Free Windows 7 Upgrades CRN
all 456 news articles
Phil Schiller bringing the news at Macworld - San Francisco Chronicle

CNN

Phil Schiller bringing the news at Macworld
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 4 hours ago
We get going at 9 am and we'll be delivering the news as it happens. 8:53 am Just a few minutes away. Listened to some Killers music on the way in. ...
Video: Steve Jobs Weight Loss Due to Hormone Imbalance AssociatedPress
O'Brien: Apple's final appearance at Macworld signals new era San Jose Mercury News
News from the Mac world New Zealand Herald
Contra Costa Times - Ars Technica
all 3,104 news articles
US Senate Democratic Leaders Outline New Agenda - Voice of America

ABC News

US Senate Democratic Leaders Outline New Agenda
Voice of America - 3 hours ago
By Deborah Tate A day after a new Democratic-led US Congress was sworn in, lawmakers are focusing on an ambitious agenda. ...
Video: Obama to Bring Accountability to Spending Plan AssociatedPress
New Congress arrives with eye on Obama's stimulus package MarketWatch
House Democrats Pass New Rules to Curb Republican Influence CNSNews.com
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - New York Times
all 6,139 news articles
Sony Ericsson's new W508 Walkman phone - CNET News

CNET News

Sony Ericsson's new W508 Walkman phone
CNET News, CA - 3 hours ago
Sony Ericsson expanded its Walkman phone line at CES with the announcement of its new W508 music phone. Sporting a flip phone design that reminds us of the ...
New Sony Hard-Drive HD Camcorders - PC World

PC World

New Sony Hard-Drive HD Camcorders
PC World - 3 hours ago
The SR line will live on, however, with three new standard-definition units. Pictured above is the Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V ($1500, available in March). ...
Sony Announces Four New High-Definition and Three Standard ... CameraTown.Com (press release)
New Sony Camcorders Do GPS, Too PC World
Sony Announces Two New DVD Camcorders: DCR-DV850 and DCR-DVD650 CameraTown.Com (press release)
PC World - PC World
all 37 news articles
CNET News Daily Podcast: When businesses strike back at Yelpers - CNET News

CNET News Daily Podcast: When businesses strike back at Yelpers
CNET News, CA - 4 hours ago
Also in this podcast: Yahoo takeover talk returns in the new year; Intel revenue drops by $2 billion; and Facebook reaches a new milestone. ...
Pequot Said to Face New SEC Insider-Trading Inquiry - Bloomberg

Pequot Said to Face New SEC Insider-Trading Inquiry
Bloomberg - 6 hours ago
7 (Bloomberg) -- The US Securities and Exchange Commission opened a new investigation into whether Pequot Capital Management Inc., the hedge fund run by ...
Hedge fund Pequot faces new SEC probe - Bloomberg Reuters
all 8 news articles
Israel Mulls New Gaza Cease-Fire Proposal - CBS News

ABC News

Israel Mulls New Gaza Cease-Fire Proposal
CBS News, NY - 17 hours ago
Israel entered the current conflict saying it wanted to change the situation in Gaza, not necessarily change the regime, reported CBS News correspondent ...
Video: Gaza Gets a Brief Break AssociatedPress
News Analysis: How far to Gaza ceasefire? Xinhua
AP Top News at 10:08 am EST The Associated Press
Global Voices Online - The Associated Press
all 29,536 news articles
A roundup of news, schedules, and key stories from CBS News ... - CBS News

BBC News

A roundup of news, schedules, and key stories from CBS News ...
CBS News, NY - 13 hours ago
President-elect Obama holds a news conference today in Washington, DC at 10:15am ET where, per the Wall Street Journal?s Jonathan Weisman, ...
Video: Analyst Weighs in on Obama's CIA Pick AssociatedPress
New administration defends Panetta pick SmartBrief
News roundup: Israel presses on in Gaza; Obama tries to reassure GOP USA Today
Chicago Sun-Times - Huffington Post
all 2,435 news articles

MORE RESOURCES:
Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for fashion style
Fashion: Style Network host has a passion for fashion (Post-Bulletin)

Finola Hughes, host of Style Network's "How Do I Look?," has always been a fan of fashion. "I grew up in London. It's such a fashion capital. There's so much street theater. You go out on the street and just wal Stacy solves your winter style issues (MSNBC)

Have a clothing crisis this season? Wondering how to belt your sweaters or tuck  jeans into your boots? Have no fear. TODAY style contributor Stacy London tackles some of your burning fashion dilemmas. Fashion Experts to Students: Stay Focused, Take Risks (Fashion Wire Daily via Yahoo! News)

For students of fashion wondering what it takes in the current economic climate to survive, whether they're considering a career as a designer or in retail, the consensus amongst a handful of the fashion industry's competitive players at a fashion roundtable event hosted by the YMA Scholarship Fund and sponsored by DOW XLA on Tuesday, Dec. 2, is that it requires focus, creativity and ... Life & Style: Funky Islamic Fashion Struts Conservative Catwalk (Sin Chew Jit Poh)

Breast cancer survivors as models showcase creations by Rozi of Kraftangan Malaysia during the Islamic Fashion Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo courtesy: AP Photo/ Lai Seng Sin, File) In Fashion Photo brings style to Art Basel (Miami Herald)

Fashion lovers may want to head to the second annual In Fashion Photo, an exhibit featuring some 250 works by more than 35 top fashion photographers, including Slim Aarons, Miles Aldridge and Bettina Rheims. Islamic Fashion: Creatively Conservative (CBS News)

After years of turning heads with her riotously colorful frocks in Malaysia, fashion designer Tom Abang Saufi can't decide whether to shed a few shades on her batik dresses for the Middle East. HTC buys design house to accent smartphone style (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

HTC, maker of the new Google Android G1 smartphone, has bought design consultancy One & Co to tap its fashion expertise in everything from furniture to snowboard boots. Camilla puts another feather in her fashion cap at medal ceremony (hellomagazine.com via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)

The Duchess of Cornwall cut a striking figure this week as she joined her husband Prince Charles at a ceremony honouring soldiers who have served in Afghanistan. The 61-year-old royal, who continues to impress fashion pundits with her elegant sartorial style, made a bold statement by topping off her outfit with a beret-style cap, adorned with an emerald green feather. Katy Perry: "I'm Definitely Going to Be on Worst-Dressed Lists" (US Weekly)

Katy Perry to Us Weekly's fashion police: bring it on! "I'm definitely going to be on the worst-dressed lists," she says in the newest issue of Page Six magazine, which hits stands Dec. 7 in the Sunday New York Post. See the worst dressed stars of 2008! "I just want to have fun," she says of her style. "I don't take my life too seriously." But, "as much as I am cheeky and full of opinions,... ... Men's Style: Wardrobe mistakes and essentials (Westerly Sun)

Beauty and fashion expert Rita Guido of Westerly offers great ideas for a man's wardrobe - just in time for holiday gift giving. Site: fashion style - Google News
US Fashion?s One-Woman Bailout? - New York Times

US Fashion?s One-Woman Bailout?
New York Times, United States - 1 hour ago
Hamish Bowles, the Vogue editor who was curator of ?Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years,? a 2001 show of Kennedy?s style at the Metropolitan Museum of ...
Target does spring on the cheap - Los Angeles Times

Shiny Style

Target does spring on the cheap
Los Angeles Times, CA - 7 hours ago
Melissa Magsaysay is the Fashion Market editor and assistant style editor for Image. She covers trends in fashion and accessories and produces and styles ...
Lots of Target news - a new collection and new designer collabo Shiny Style
all 3 news articles
Red Carpet Wrap: Hathaway, Hudson Fashion Battle At ?Bride Wars ... - MTV.com

Washington Post

Red Carpet Wrap: Hathaway, Hudson Fashion Battle At ?Bride Wars ...
MTV.com - Jan 6, 2009
Hudson ? on the other hand ? always keeps us guessing when it comes to fashion. In February at the Elle Style Awards, she wore a tux-inspired jacket over a ...
The Fashion War Begins! LOOK.co.uk
Bride Wars Fashion FemaleFirst.co.uk
'Kate darling, you didn't tell me you were dressing up?!' Miss ... Daily Mail
all 375 news articles
Rihanna and Fashion Designer JGerard Rock the "B96 Jingle Bash ... - MSNBC

Rihanna and Fashion Designer JGerard Rock the "B96 Jingle Bash ...
MSNBC - 8 hours ago
JULIA "LADY J" GERARD: a true fashion maven, rock 'n' roller, and rebel with a cause. "LADY J" is an original in every sense of the word. Creating style ...
Fashion Flash: Dan Kilbane has an easygoing, theatrical style - The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com

Fashion Flash: Dan Kilbane has an easygoing, theatrical style
The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com, OH - 14 hours ago
Well, there can be that element, but most are very hard-working and realistic about everything they have to do to get a show going. ...
Working Toward Veronica Lake - New York Times

Working Toward Veronica Lake
New York Times, United States - 4 hours ago
More Articles in Fashion & Style » A version of this article appeared in print on January 8, 2009, on page E3 of the New York edition.
Biggie's Iconic Fashion Sense Lives On W/ Brooklyn Mint - SOHH

SOHH

Biggie's Iconic Fashion Sense Lives On W/ Brooklyn Mint
SOHH, Jersey City - 5 hours ago
Often remembered for his frequent references to "Coogi sweaters" and "Jesus pieces," the Brooklyn, New York-bred emcee upped his style in the 90s when he ...
myShape(R) Reveals Its Fashion Preview for 2009 and New Style ... - MSNBC

myShape(R) Reveals Its Fashion Preview for 2009 and New Style ...
MSNBC - Jan 5, 2009
Before making any fashion decisions, Patty Fox suggests that you ask yourself "Who are you today?" to discover outfits that fit your style personality. ...
Stepping out in style - Malaysia Star

Malaysia Star

Stepping out in style
Malaysia Star, Malaysia - 5 hours ago
Over the years I visited Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice, and fell in love with their natural flair for style and fashion. I also want a more universal ...
Style on Trial Night; ER; Brothers & Sisters; Agatha Christie?s Poirot - Times Online

Style on Trial Night; ER; Brothers & Sisters; Agatha Christie?s Poirot
Times Online, UK - 4 hours ago
Style on Trial is When Were We Funniest? for fashion. Stuart Maconie, Lauren Laverne and assorted enthusiasts assess the sartorial health of each decade, ...
Home | Site Map | Resource Links