By Columnist Suzanne aka Nurses Naturally

Since ancient days rings and jewelry in general have represented wealth, power and status.The Greeks and Romans broadened the scope including cultural icons as more detailed designing evolved.

For as long as precious metal and gemstones have been used to create jewelry it has existed as a sign of wealth. Jewelry has also played an important part of religion denoting membership and status within the religion as well as various social groups

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.

Here is an interesting example in lovely leather by Dragonskins.

Leather Ring

Mary of Burgundy became the first known recipient of a diamond engagement ring from the Archduke Maximilian of Austria. The history and tradition of the engagement ring began with this gift in 1477. Depending on the culture and country, engagement and wedding rings may be worn on different fingers.

One of the best known designs 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 goldsmithing. 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, 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.”

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-Rings&id=51128

This example is from the shop of clodaghmjewellery.

She says of her experience and this set “I am an Irish, Dublin based Jeweller. I have a degree in Craft Design and Metal work from the National College of Art and Design and my work has been purchased by the National Gallery of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin. I have always had a love of Irish History and Culture. I first thought of using reference to the historical design of the Claddagh, when I was asked to design jewellery for a Jewellery manufacturer here in Ireland. While looking through their range of traditional Claddagh Jewellery. I thought I could make a modern version without losing the essential elements of the Claddagh. Love, Loyalty and Friendship. What I produce is a ring that can be instantly recognized as a Claddagh ring but can be worn by the modern and discerning jewellery lover.”

From Rickson Jewellery we find another version of this timeless ring. Rickson is an independent jewellery artist and designer who creates high quality, unique creations in precious metals and gemstones. She works exclusively with the lost wax casting technique which means she carves her ideas in wax and then casts them in the desired metal.

She says of this ring,”…the classic design has the hands holding the heart in what I consider a very detached manner. When I was commissioned to create a ‘funky, modern’ claddagh ring I was so excited, I wanted to find the ‘essence’ of the Claddagh ring. Since it’s about love, closeness, loyalty and faith, I finally settled on the position of the hands cupping the heart in a more intimate manner. I love my Claddagh ring design because it melds the traditional elements of the hands, heart, and crown, into a modern, heartfelt, artistic ring. ”

Puzzle rings, are also sometimes called Turkish Wedding Rings or Harem Rings. The story is told that in ancient times a Turkish nobleman was so in love with his wife that he wanted to be sure she was faithful to him while he was away. He asked his jeweler to make a puzzle ring for his wife that would fall apart when removed, and he would not tell her the solution.

A traditional puzzle ring is a type of finger ring made up of four, six, eight, or twelve interconnected rings. Contemporary designs include rings of three, five or seven bands. Puzzle rings often appear to be endless knots.

From the shop of nellyvansee: I got interested in puzzle rings when I found an ancient puzzle ring in an antique shop. It’s so old the person didn`t have any of the modern tools to make it. Everything was hand made, even the wire was just hammered down. I looked at how it was made for months trying to figure it out. It took us about 2-3 months too come up with a functional puzzle ring design.”

Another category of interest includes gemstones and birth stones. It is difficult to determine with any certainty in what country precious stones were first worn as ornaments, but the consensus of opinion seems to point to India.
Around the world and throughout the ages, people have noticed and appreciated the beauty of gemstones, often assigning these gems special powers. Many, like amethysts, have interesting histories and the details may be found through various museum, geology and internet sources.
Remember next time you put on or purchase a ring…there may be some great history behind it.
Slide photo courtesy of cavaliercreations.

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Tags: artisan jewelry, cultural rings, etsy, handmade, history, history of rings, indiesmiles, Jewelry, Nurses Naturally, online business, rings

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