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The History
of Gemstone Rings
Author: Martin Smith
During the
Medieval period is when rings became popular. All classes of people
wore rings from the poorest to the richest. Rings were typically made
of iron, copper, silver, and gold. The material of the ring worn
usually indicated the class of the wearer. It wasn't until around the
14th century that faceted jewels appeared in rings.
Some cultures
have rings typically associated with them. Cultures such as Native
Americans use silver and turquoise in their jewelry. Early Christians
used the Greek symbol, the Icthus, which resembles a fish. One of the
best known is the Irish Claddagh that also has an intriguing story
attached to it. Richard Joyce was among the crew of a fishing boat
from the village of Claddagh, Ireland that was captured, he was to
have been married that very same week. During slavery Richard Joyce
was put to the trade of Goldsmith-ing. Through the years of capture
neither married. Richard Joyce created a ring for his love with a
heart for love, a crown for loyalty, and two hands.
After Joyce
escaped capture, he returned to the village of Claddagh and was
overjoyed to see his love again and to know she had never married.
She always knew he would return to her. He gave her the ring that has
become known as the Claddagh ring. If the Claddagh is worn on the
right hand with the crown inward (toward the wrist) the heart is not
yet committed. If it is worn on the right hand with the crown turned
outward the wearer is committed to someone. Finally if it is worn on
the left hand with the crown outward it means "Let our love and
friendship reign forever, never to be separated."
Rings are worn
for a variety of reasons including adornment. There are rings given
as a reward for a job well done such as the Super Bowl victory. They
are given to represent commitment as in engagements and marriages.
Women religious to signify their commitment to God also wear rings.
Rings can be
made of almost any material now. They can be made from plastic,
silver, gold, or copper, even wood. They can be made of ceramic
materials as well. They can be of simple design or something as
intricate as filigree.
They can be
plain and simple or they can be adorned with jewels or gemstones, as
in the case of birthstone rings. There is a birthstone for each month
of the year and each has its own meaning. See the listing below.
January - Garnet
The gem of
faith and truth; protects from poisons, thought to stop bleeding,
cure sickness of the blood and infections.
February - Amethyst
Aids soldiers
in battle, control evil thoughts, helps hunters to catch animals, and
helps the owner be good in business.
March - Aquamarine
Sailors used
aquamarine to gemstones to keep them safe and to prevent seasickness.
It gives the wearer courage, foresight and courage
April - Diamond
Symbol of
strength, courage, and invincibility. It is the ultimate gift of
love. In 1477 Archduke Maxmillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a
diamond ring, thus starting the tradition of diamonds being given as
engagement rings.
May - Emerald
Sharpened the
wearer's eyesight and mind. Travelers used them as protection against
the hazards of long trips. The green color is said to give the owner
power to predict the future.
June - Pearl
Freshwater
pearls give the power of love, money, protection, and luck. It is
said they give provide wisdom through experience and protect children
from harm.
July - Ruby
Its red color
is related to sex, passion, strength, health, physical energy,
courage, and protection. It is associated with blood, birth, and death
August - Peridot
It is thought
to bring the wearer good luck, peace, and success. Its powers include
health, protection, and sleep. It attracts love, calms anger, eases
anxiety and negative emotions
September - Sapphire
Its powers
include spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. It is said to aid in
the healing of rheumatism, colic and mental illness
October - Opal
It has healing
powers that aid inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight. It also
aids in remembering past lives.
November -
Yellow Topaz (Sanskrit for fire)
In the Middle
Ages was thought to heal both physical and mental illnesses and
prevent death. Citrine - also for November - Aids the kidneys, heart,
digestive tract liver, and muscles. It promotes creativity, personal
clarity and eliminates self-destructive tendencies.
December -
Blue Topaz (Sanskrit for fire)
In the Middle
Ages was thought to heal both physical and mental illnesses and
prevent death. Turquoise - also for December - It attracts money,
success, and love. It gives protection, healing, courage, friendship,
and luck. It eases the mind and mental tension.
There are
school rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, friendship rings and
mothers rings (usually the birthstones of her children set on a band.
The price range of rings can be anywhere from fifty cents (usually
found in the toy machines you see in stores) to thousands of dollars
and more or even higher. |
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