The Chronicle of Birthstone Rings

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 usually used ring indicated the class of user. It was not until around the 14th century that faceted jewels appeared in rings.

Some cultures have rings typically associated with them. Cultures such as the use of Native American silver and turquoise in their jewelry. The 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 history attached to it. Richard Joyce was among the crew of a fishing boat from the village of Claddagh, Ireland, who was captured, he should have been married that week even. During slavery Richard Joyce was at the trade of Goldsmith-ing. Through the years of capture or married. Richard Joyce created a ring for your love with a heart for love, a crown for loyalty, and both hands.

After Joyce escaped capture, he returned to the village of Claddagh, and was very happy to see his love again and I know she never married. She always knew he would return to it. He gave her the ring that became known as the Claddagh ring. If the Claddagh is used in the right hand with the crown inward (toward the wrist) the heart is not yet confirmed. If it is used in the right hand with the crown turned outward the wearer is committed to someone. Finally, if it is used in the left hand with the crown out means "Let our love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated."

The rings are used for a variety of reasons including adornment. There are rings given as a reward for a job well done, like winning the Super Bowl.
They are given to represent commitment as in engagements and weddings. Religious to signify their commitment to God also wear rings.

Rings can be made from almost any material now. They can be made of 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 outright or can be decorated with jewels and gems, as in the case of birthstone rings. There is a birthstone for each month of the year and each one has its own meaning. See the list below.

January - Garnet - the gem of faith and truth protects from poisons, thought to stop bleeding, cure blood diseases 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 to Aquamarine gems to keep them safe and to prevent sickness. It gives the wearer courage, foresight and courage

April - Diamond - symbol of strength, courage and invincibility. It is the supreme gift of love. In 1477 the Archduke of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy Maxmillian, a diamond ring, thus beginning the tradition of diamonds being given as engagement rings.

May - Emerald - Sharpened the wearer sight and mind. Travelers used them as protection against the hazards of long trips. The color green is said to give the owner the power to predict the future.

June - Pearl - Pearls of giving 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 is thought to bring the wearer good luck, peace and success. Its powers include health, protection and sleep. Attracts love, calms anger, eases anxiety and negative emotions

September - Saphire - Its powers include spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. It is said to help cure rheumatism, colic and mental illness

October-Opal - It has healing powers that aid inner beauty, loyalty and vision. It also helps to remember past lives.

November - Yellow Topaz (Sanskrit for fire) - In the Middle Ages was thought to heal physical and mental illnesses and prevent death. Citrine - also for November - Aids the kidneys, heart, liver, digestive tract, 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 physical and mental illnesses and prevent death. Turquoise - also for December - It attracts money, success and love. It gives protection, healing, courage, friendship and good luck. Eases the mind and mental tension.

There are school rings, engagement rings, wedding rings, friendship rings and mothers (usually the birthstones of her children, set in a band. The price range of rings can be anywhere from fifty cents (usually found in toy machines you see in stores) to thousands of dollars and more and more.