Symbolic Rings
Clauddagh Ring
This design, that of the heart held between two hands, with a crown on the top is reputed to be of a tradition handed down for many generations in the Irish fishing village of Clauddagh, adjacent to the city walls of Galway.
Traditionally this ring was an heirloom of the family, handed down firstly as an engagement ring, then as a wedding ring. This unique design symbolises Love in the form of the heart, the hands of friendship cradling it, and the crown of fidelity.
Worn on the right hand with the heart turned outwards and you are demonstrating to the world that your heart is not yet taken. Worn on the left hand with heart turned inwards, it means your heart has been taken in marriage.
A form of this design (without the crown) was uncovered in a sunken Spanish galleon, divers having found it on the hand of a sailor of the unlucky ship foundered on the Irish coastline centuries ago. Enscribed on the inside was the saying in Spanish: No tengo nada, porque darte. Roughly this translates to: I have nothing, for it is given unto you. Some say that the crown was added much later to this traditional style by none other than Queen Elizabeth.
Another story has it that a young man on Crusade was captured, sold into slavery, and wound up in the Moorish lands, learning gold smithing in Morocco. He made his way to Ireland whereupon he was commissioned to make this ring for a noble family.
Spanish Wedding Band
The two hands holding the heart design, however minus the crown, was discovered in a sunken Spanish galleon. Found on the hand of a sailor it was engraved with the words: No tengo nada, porque darte - I have nothing, for it is given unto you.
Jelling Band
From the ancient celtic traditions and myths, we get the belief that the serpent is a symbol of good luck. In Denmark, called the "Jelling" Band, this design was used on the finger ring to call upon this power of good fortune, to invoke the serpent's power bringing wisdom, power, and the strength of the ancients to bless a union such as a marriage.
Denmark, indeed has no reptiles of this sort, and to some this may be seen as good luck, but look deeper into this legend and an ancient archetype emerges that is revered throughout the world, especially by ancient earth religions as a symbol of a creature that has deep roots with mother earth, seen by the Hopi as a messenger between Humankind and that of the Spirit World.
Tibetan Dancing Knot Band
The design represents individuality in a partnership. This ring fosters independence rather than dependence.The mandala is the dance of two who help each other to grow by being there to reflect as a mirror, the cords left free symbolise that individuality is not lost but enhanced by this union.
The Knot is dancing in that it is fluid, not constricting but organic, alive and in motion, in tune with the forces of life, adaptable to new circumstances.
Puzzle Ring
The puzzle ring originated in the Middle-East many centuries ago. The first puzzle rings were given as wedding bands by the chieftains, sheiks and others of high position. If their wives removed the rings, the bands would fall apart. The women were not told how to reassemble the rings.
This being the case the husbands would know that their wives were not being true to their wedding vows.
Russian Wedding Ring
Russian wedding rings or gimmals had five to eight links that were engraved with words that made up a posy, or sentimental poem. Posy rings were common between the 14th and 18th centuries in Europe and were worn by both men and women.
Mariner's Knot
Legend has it that the True Lovers Knot or Mariner's knot was the result of a Sailor's desire to retain the affection and attention of his beau by giving her this knot, which if left in its original form over the duration of his voyage, and upon his return he finds it so, he still has a chance at her heart. albeit on a probationary mode.
This knot by it's nature if fiddled with, will change it's form to look like a cross with four loops. If our sailor returned to the knot in this form, he'd better get on his knees and woo extra hard, cause she needs to be worked for if he is to ever have a chance.
Various Gemstones that can be Incorporated in an Engagement Ring
Some brides choose their birthstone or favourite gemstone in a setting enhanced with diamonds.
January: Garnet is regarded to symbolise eternal friendship. The garnet is a semi-transparent, dark red gemstone.
February:
According to biblical folklore, amethyst is a symbol of faithfulness and sincerity. This
gem is a clear purple or bluish violet quartz widely used in various types of jewellery.
March: Aquamarine
is a transparent blue, bluegreen, or green gemstone. It is said to symbolise intelligence
and courage.
April:
Diamonds are believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits and represent innocence and
matrimonial happiness. While most diamonds appear colourless, others offer a hint of
colour ranging from a soft blue to light yellow.
May:
Emerald the symbol of domestic harmony and success in love. This gem
is a transparent green stone.
June:
The pearl is said to reflect health and longevity.
July:
a red corundum, is the symbol of love and contentment. Legend suggests that a ruby
engagement ring will darken in colour if the course of true love is not running smoothly.
August:
The sardonyx, is a white-and-brown variety of the onyx.
September:
The sapphire is said to bring its wearer good health and good fortune. This birthstone
represents truth and faithfulness. This gemstone is from the same family as the ruby, but
is rich blue in colour.
October:
The Opal symbolises hope. This gem is often marked with an iridescent mixture of
colours against a soft, milky white ground.