| Jewelry has a very long and diverse history going | | | | are not too expensive. The beautiful glow of the |
| back as far as history takes us. Every culture has | | | | silver sets off the sparkle of any gems that may |
| embraced the use of jewelry for adornment in | | | | be used to create the ring. The majority of |
| some form or other. The history of wearing rings | | | | peoples skin tone is more suited to silver or a |
| goes back a long time also. We think of great | | | | mixture of silver and gold than it is to plain gold. |
| rulers who used their signet rings to imprint a wax | | | | Rings are widely used as a symbol of love and |
| seal to put their authority on documents. | | | | marriage. The continuous circular band is said to |
| Today we love rings as much as they were ever | | | | be symbolic of continuous love and commitment |
| loved. In western cultures they can be worn by | | | | between the partners in the marriage. Some |
| male or female of any age, on any finger, thumb | | | | engagement rings and eternity rings feature three |
| or toe. Rings are often made out of precious | | | | main stones symbolising the past, present and |
| metals, like gold and sterling silver. Many popular | | | | future of the continuing relationship. Most eternity |
| styles of rings are made out of stainless steel or | | | | rings have a continuous line of gem stones. |
| other base metals, wood, bone or shells. Rings | | | | The claddagh ring was first crafted in 1689. |
| speak of love and friendship or are worn just for | | | | Claddagh rings have two hands clasping a heart, |
| beauty and fashion. | | | | symbolizing love, surmounted by a crown, |
| Rings are decorated by etching, using contrasting | | | | symbolizing loyalty. The ring worn on the right |
| metals, plating, adding precious and semi-precious | | | | hand with the heart turned outward indicates that |
| gems, pearls, enamel or oxidised finishes. The list | | | | your heart is yet unoccupied. Worn on the right |
| of decoration is as endless as the many shapes | | | | hand with the heart turned inward indicates that |
| and sizes of rings. | | | | love is being considered. Worn on the left hand |
| The Spinner Rings can be used to annoy | | | | the with the heart turned inward shows everyone |
| everyone around you or be used as way of | | | | that your heart is truly spoken for. |
| stress relief for the wearer. | | | | The rich and famous may measure their worth |
| The Class Ring or school graduation ring is often | | | | by the size and price of the gems in their rings |
| engraved with the year of graduation and a stone | | | | but the rest of us are content to wear rings for |
| of one of the school colors. | | | | their own beauty and style. We are fortunate |
| Stack Rings are two or more rings designed to fit | | | | these days to be able to take advantage of the |
| on the same finger at the same time. | | | | man made gems that look stunning yet are very |
| Cocktail Rings are usually large and set with | | | | cost effective. |
| oversized gems, rather showy but elegant. | | | | Rings are for wearing, giving, cherishing and |
| Rings, especially sterling silver rings, make | | | | enjoying, one can never have too many. |
| wonderful gifts because they look wonderful and | | | | |