Actually, rings were often used to symbolize many a pledge or agreement, whether marriage or otherwise.

Marriage rings have been made up of a variety of materials over time, often depending on what people could afford, such as horse hair, leather, wood, iron and silver. But ultimately the gold wedding band has been the best preference, mainly because of its value, purity, rarity and durability

The ring is a perfect circle and this symbolizes eternal love, a love without end, the perfect lasting love of the love that is to be united. Circles have long been a symbol of eternity, something without end, the love that lasts forever as one would hope in a marriage. It is also a symbol of the couple’s love and commitment and a token of possession. Now, some might understand by this that it refers to the possession of a woman by a man but actually it is not. It refers instead to the fact that a woman is possessing something valuable that has been entrusted to her by her beloved. And this is why it needs to be something precious which often translates into gold or platinum, perhaps including also a precious stone, such as a diamond. The diamond in diamond wedding rings traditionally represents innocence in the bride.

As for where the ring is traditionally worn, it is usually placed on the third finger which in ancient times was believed to be connected to a vein running directly to the heart, the seat of love. The left hand is a bit closer to the heart than the right, so it became the tradition to have the wedding ring on the left. In some places, though, the ring is worn on the right hand instead, as right handedness is traditionally associated as a symbol of righteousness.

For many people today wedding rings are a way to publicly announce that they have found an intimate and loving partner that they are committed to sharing the rest of their lives with. Wedding rings symbolize commitment and eternal love

Nowadays too, how the ring looks, its attractiveness, and how much it is worth, are all important factors that go into choosing a wedding ring that fits the occasion. The inclusion of a precious stone, such as a diamond in both men’s and women’s wedding bands is also a popular choice. people are no longer settling for the usual plain band oin yellow gold, narrow for the lady and broader for the man , but are being offered much more creative and personalized choices, designed to suit an individual’s taste and preferred style, perhaps encrusted with. The marriage ring is a very important and emotional piece of jewelry that needs some thought before purchasing because it is hopefully going to be around for a very long time

Information about wedding rings and unique and personalized wedding ring designs  www.designaweddingring.net

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One of the most obvious ways in which engagement rings can differ with regards to classic or modern styles is in the cut of the diamond or diamonds on the ring itself. Cushion cut diamonds have become much more popular due to their soft, subtle appearance and beautiful reflective properties. Other traditional and still popular classic diamond cuts include the solitaire in either round or oval as well as the princess and emerald shape and cut .

Unusually shaped diamonds in engagement rings, especially those featuring diamond flowers or hearts are in demand. These diamond shapes are not brand new but they are rare, even today. A triangle shape is also a rare shape diamond that can be an outstanding choice for a solitaire ring for the right person.

However, many people are just as interesting in returning to the more tried and true styles of engagement rings. Antique engagement rings may be literally estate type jewelry, or they can be modern recreations of old classics.  Deciding if a modern or antique style is best is really related to personal taste, but it is important to take a look.

Art deco is one of the more unique styles of engagement rings from the past. Much more free style in design, these rings were and still are on the cutting edge of jewelry design. Groupings of stones or unique individual diamond shapes figure heavily in this style of jewelry.

Additional details to the engagement rings of the past often are the main way they differ from modern styles. Filigree, detailed flower shapes or even intricate repetitive patterns are used to accentuate and focus attention in on the diamonds.  Metals used were traditionally gold, white gold, silver or platinum both for the bands as well as the details.

A new trend in rings is to combine engagement rings and wedding rings, rather than wearing two separate rings. Victorian style engagement rings are a great option for this style, but they can also be paired with a classic wedding band for a set.

Sticking with traditional engagement rings and styles and adding new touches is a great way to customize and modernize a traditional favorite. Of course there is nothing wrong with keeping engagement rings from the past exactly as they were originally designed as either way these rings are sure to be treasured.

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Many people all over the world find the symbols and meanings of Celtic jewelry designs interesting and love to have a collection of gold or silver Celtic knot jewelry

There are many lovely pieces of jewelry depicting Celtic knots and other Celtic designs and it can be fascinating collecting silver Celtic knot jewelry jewelry with either a particular type of shape, for example the triquetra, or a collection including all designs and styles. It can give more meaning to your collection if you know something about the history and tradition of the Celtic nation who used these designs in their everyday life on their jewelry and everyday items. While meanings of Celtic knot designs are, in general, vanished to us, nevertheless a great deal is acknowledged on the subject of the history of the Celtic people.

The era of the history of the Celts that dates from approximately 600 AD. in Great Britain after the Roman Era, recognized as the Insular Art period, saw an explosion of jewelry design. Craftsmen used precious metals to assemble many elaborately designed pieces adorned with the well recognised Celtic knots but also spirals and animal symbols. Besides jewelry, illustrated manuscripts were created, the most illustrious of which is the Book of Kells. Crosses made of stone were engraved with Celtic symbols and are seen throughout the British Isles, in Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Creators of Celtic Knot jewelry nowadays are motivated by the things that were created in this time, taking their ideas from the illustrated manuscripts, stone crosses and relics still seen around the country today. Irish craftsmen are skillful in producing top quality jewelry in gold and silver, bearing the complicated designs so loved by the Celts at one time. They beautify their jewelry with the elaborate knots seen in these early relics.

The original meanings of a lot of of the designs are unknown and several meanings have been fabricated by contemporary people, so discovering the original meaning of a lot of the designs is challenging and in several cases not possible. Nonetheless historians can concur on a few things regarding the Celtic knot designs. The complicated knots symbolize how all things are inter-connected and also signifies God’s endless love. The Book of Kells is splendidly illustrated in bright colours with Celtic knots. The Celtic knot is perhaps, the best known and most generally prized Celtic emblem and is a feature of a lot of pieces of top quality Celtic knot jewelry including earrings, silver Celtic crosses, pendants and wedding bands.

Trinity knots, or triquetra, are commonly seen in jewelry from the Insular Art period above all in illuminated texts, for example the Book of Kells, and in metal work. It was customarily used in combination with supplementary knots and was frequently used as a space filler instead of a stand alone design. In modern times the triquetra has developed into a symbol of the Christian church representing the Holy Trinity or as a representation of particular threefold things such as mother, daughter and granddaughter.

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Wedding jewelry is something that a lot of brides have to spend a lot of time, energy, and money on.If you are given family jewelry or can borrow some pieces you are very lucky and you should be thrilled.The jewelry will provide the "someting borrowed" and You will be saved a lot of work looking for the right jewelry.There would not be any reason to be concerned about the cost of the jewelry, or whether it matches your dress and if it has that unique special something that most brides are looking for.Instead, you can just put on the beautiful jewelry and relax as you plan for your walk down the aisle.

Wedding jewelry that your family lends you or gives to you is likely not only beautiful, but also very meaningful. It isn’t uncommon in many families for the women to hand down their jewelry from one generation to the next. Not only will you possibly have unique and very special jewelry, but they will provide jewelry that has meaning. Anyone can walk into a store and buy beautiful jewelry, but when you are wearing antique pieces or pieces those generations of your family have worn the pieces instantly become more beautiful and more meaningful.When you are walking down the ailse you will have a powerful sense of walking with women from the past.

If you have been given wedding jewelry and you aren’t all that excited about it, you don t have to feel bad.You can select the jewelry for the wedding that appeals to you and be discrete in letting the other women in the family know that the jewelry that you have chosen is all you want to wear.As you think about how to tactfully turn down offers to wear the family jewelry , don’t forget how important that the jewelry could be to the family members who own it so you can be considerate of their feelings in your rejection.

The great thing about wedding jewelry that is handed down from one generation to the next is that you have the opportunity to make it yours.Of course, it could have been bought a long time ago, it will work great when it is combined with your veil and dress and your personality will help it become like new again. Don’t dismiss the idea of wearing the jewelry that you are given, instead incorporate it into your wedding attire and make your wedding day all the more meaningful.

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Wedding rings, their designs, stones, history and meanings

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 associated meaning (though everything is ultimately from One infinite source) . There is a slight variance about which stone belongs to which month. See the listing below.

January – Garnet – the gem of faith and truth; thought to protect from poisons, thought to stop bleeding, cure sickness of the blood and infections.

February – Amethyst – said to aid soldiers in battle, control evil thoughts, helps hunters to catch animals, and help the owner be good in business.

March – Aquamarine – sailors used aquamarine to gemstones to keep them safe and to prevent seasickness. It is believed to give 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 – Said to sharpen the wearer’s eyesight and mind. Travelers used them as protection against the hazards of long trips.

June – Pearl – Freshwater pearls are associated with 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, success, health,  and sleep. It is thought to attract love, calm anger, ease anxiety and negative emotions

September – Sapphire – Is associated with spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. It is said to aid in the healing of rheumatism, colic and mental illness
October -Opal – Is thought to aid inner beauty, faithfulness, and eyesight.

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 – linked to the kidneys, heart, digestive tract liver, and muscles. Also creativity, personal clarity and the elimination of 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 – Is belived to attract money, success, and love. It is seen as a protective, healing, stone, linked with courage, friendship, ease of 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.

By: Martin Smith  Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes Wedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

Celtic Wedding Rings – Points to Ponder

Celtic wedding rings can run the gamut from traditional claddagh rings to Celtic knot-work masterpieces. 

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