My Pink Diamonds

The design elements common to all Claddagh rings are two hands lovingly holding, embracing or caressing a heart, topped by a simple crown. The Claddagh design is strongly identified with Ireland and its history and lore, but it actually symbolizes much, much more than that. It stands for loyalty, trust and faith. And it is a pure,shining symbol of eternal friendship. In short, it symbolizes life, and love.

Each of the elements in the design of a Claddagh ring has a meaning. The heart symbolizes love, the hands surrounding the heart symbolize friendship, and the crown signifies loyalty. The saying “let love and friendship reign” perfectly summarizes the symbolism of the Claddagh design.

Claddagh Rings Are Irish, But Are Worn Throughout The World.

Claddagh jewelry is named after a small Irish fishing village located near Galway, Ireland. Although originally uniquely Irish, the wave of Irish immigration that occurred during the mid- and late-1800s spread the Claddagh design to the United States and elsewhere, and Claddagh rings are now worn in many parts of the world. Claddagh rings are primarily worn by those of Irish origin or people with an affinity for the Irish, but because of their beauty and deep emotional meaning, others wear them as well. And they are sometimes worn purely as a cultural symbol of Ireland rather than as a sign of affection for a person. Because of its strong identification with Ireland and its traditions, the Claddagh design just about shouts “Irish!”

Claddagh Rings … Treasured Jewelry That Symbolizes Treasured Emotions.

There are several different types of Claddagh jewelry, but by far the most popular is the Claddagh ring, which is usually given or worn as a sign of friendship or love. A Claddagh ring can be worn as a wedding ring, an engagement ring, a symbol of romantic attachment, or simply as a symbol of a platonic, deep friendship. Because of their strong emotional connections and their beautiful designs, Claddagh rings are often considered to be family heirlooms, and they are frequently passed down from mother to daughter.

Precious metals such as gold, sterling silver and platinum are frequently used to make Claddagh rings. Precious and semi-precious gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and topaz, can be inlaid or set into the metal. making these rings as precious and treasured as the emotions they symbolize. But whether bejeweled or not, a Claddagh ring has a striking, instantly identifiable, highly symbolic design that evokes eternal friendship and everlasting love.

Modern symbolism in the form of tattoos or jewellery other than the traditional wedding ring are creeping their way into the wedding ceremony but there is something essentially so simple and pure about a band of precious metal, gold, platinum, silver or any other metal, that still captures the imagination of even the most contemporary of brides, many of whom still opt for the simple wedding band as a symbol of their marriage. The symbolism of the ring is set deep in antiquity, thought to date back to 17th century Europe or even as far back as ancient Egypt.  The tradition of placing the ring on the third finger of the left hand is a custom believed to have derived from the Egyptians who believed that the ring finger and the heart were joined directly by a ‘vein of love’: placing a wedding band on the third finger of the left hand was designed to denote the eternal aspect of love. The wedding ceremony, during the 17th century, actually incorporated the ring into the ceremony in a far more integral manner than it is used today. As the priest intoned the blessing ‘In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit’ the groom slid the ring firstly on the bride’s thumb [the Father], then on her index finger [the Son], and then on her middle finger [the Holy Spirit]. It came to rest on her third finger as this was the first finger free following the blessing.Wedding rings have to last as they are intended to remain on your finger for the rest of your life, no matter what tough jobs your hands have to take on.  As such, it needs to be sturdy enough to stand up to the rigours of everyday life. Most couples choose their wedding rings together.  This is pretty important as both the potential bride and potential groom will have to live with their decisions, so take your time and choose carefully.  I have noted over the years the different styles of wedding rings available, from the narrow 22 carat gold utility band worn by my mother who married in 1950, to my own wedding ring when I married in 1972. This was a wide 9 carat gold band.  I remarried in 1989 and my new wedding ring was in a wishbone style, carefully chosen to accommodate the chevron shape of my diamond engagement ring.  My husband’s ring, meanwhile, was a hand-made twisted ring, one strand being ordinary 9 carat gold and the other strand being 18 carat white gold – a ring which he is still very proud to wear almost 20 years later.

When a girl accepts a man’s proposal of marrying her, the first thought that comes is of making the moment ever memorable. So, you buy her an engagement ring. However, today’s girls should not be taken for granted when it comes to satisfying them with any ordinary and out of fashion ring. You better know about the newest trends of engagement rings to please her even more.This year, according to the trend observers, engagement rings are being liked with different features. Most of the trend watchers agree that symbolizing past, present and future of a couple, the three-stone engagement ring has gained popularity due to its romantic symbolism associated with it. The three stones were previously used for anniversary ring. Because of the three diamonds on the top of the ring, its overall visual impact spectacular and spells brilliance. Or you can present eternity engagement ring, which studded with endless gems. The sublime round shape of the ring and numbers of gems symbolize a love that has no end. White diamonds are the trend for these rings. And, the preferred band metal is platinum. Another noticeable change in choice of people for engagement rings is for colored gemstones. While classic diamond solitaires have always been popular, the new trend is emerging for colored stones, which are quite affordable as well. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds and even garnet and topaz are providing colors to the engagement rings today. Apart from these rings, if she may also take interest in some vintage engagement rings to symbolize eternity of romance. To echo the romantic era of yesteryears and for creating strong feelings of love, vintage engagement rings are gaining popularity. An intricate handiwork of floral and filigree patterns and lattice work on these engagement rings gives them very special look  classic and antique aesthetic cuts of cushion, round , pillow and other cuts of stones only add to the sophistication of these rings for the occasion. And a word of caution now for the buyers of engagement rings. Never rush to a jeweler if it has little or no reputation. The ring is costly and it should be bought with utmost care. So, compare the jewelers and the rings extensively. Better scan websites for buying engagement rings of your choice at competitive rates after a good comparison of what is being offered and what price. A glittering engagement ring that matches with the latest trends also reflects your awareness of the world of your bride-to-be. Keep her choice of ring in mind while shopping for it.

The wedding ring is the final gift a couple will give each other prior to marriage. Some might say that the very first gift a couple gives each other is a promise ring – which most consider a pre-engagement ring. Then as a couple gets more serious they then give engagement rings to each other.
Many couples look forward to the moment when they’ll slip a ring on their beloved. The look of love in their eyes, that moment when the ring is on their finger and they realize that they are theirs forever. What most don’t realize is that these moments with wedding rings have been happening for centuries. The meaning and symbolism behind a wedding ring is rich and as intricate as its own love story. It deserves to be told so that couples know exactly why they use wedding rings.
This wedding ring is a symbol and throughout time this symbol has stood for love, devotion and at times simply for an arrangement between families. The physical structure of the wedding ring has changed and adapted as different cultures have fashioned it into different forms to make it look beautiful. Some materials are more plentiful in different areas – and other materials or precious metals are considered to be more valuable in other areas. But the meaning behind the symbol has remained the same throughout time and over continents. “I love you” “I want to be with you forever” and “You are mine.”
A ring in its simplest forms is a circle: meaning ‘eternity.’ What more could every couple want than the pure desire to spend eternity together? Most couples choose to have a sentiment or romantic saying engraved inside their wedding rings. This makes that universal symbol so much more personal for each couple.
Symbols exist throughout our culture. Even the materials the wedding ring is made out of can be seen as symbols of love and devotion. Most wedding rings include diamonds. Diamonds are literally indestructible; they are the “forever” stone you want to select to represent your love. Rubies are another choice that represents love, passion and preciousness. While the wedding ring itself is seen as valuable – the symbolism of the wedding ring shows that your beloved is valuable to you. By giving them a valuable ring – you are showing the world just how valuable they are to you. In older days – you might also be protecting your ‘property’ (when women were considered property and possessions).
The wedding ring was worn in later times just as it is today, on the left hand, third finger. This is because of the strong-held belief that the vein in this finger travels directly from the heart. This belief was affirmed as women began wearing their wedding rings closer to their hand and then their engagement ring on that same hand – affirming this belief about this hand being so close to your heart.
Wedding rings have been worn in many traditions. While the traditions may be slightly different – the sentiment and meaning – to love, treasure and honor one another forever – remains very much the same. In Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christians, rings are exchanged not at the wedding service – but at the betrothal. The groom’s ring is gold and the bride’s ring is silver. In Greece rings are exchanged by couples as they are engaged they are worn on the left hand, fourth finger – and at the wedding they are switched to the right hand. In England, a wedding ring has traditionally always been exchanged. This appears to come from the long-standing belief that marriages were made as arrangements to exchange not just love and honor – but goods or property as well. This belief holds true for most European countries.
During World War II and the Korean War it became popular for men to wear wedding rings. This reminded them of the wonderful wife they had waiting at home for them. After these wars, men began to wear wedding rings to show their faithfulness, devotion and love. Now most men wear wedding rings in many cultures around the world.

Wedding rings are considered by many to represent eternity, a never ending circle. For those couple seeking extra symbolism, a Celtic wedding ring may be perfect. There are many different styles of Celtic wedding bands, ranging from the Claddagh ring to bands featuring various Celtic knots and swirls. These types of wedding rings have now become popular world wide. While many acknowledge there are approximately eight basic Celtic knots, the varying patterns, designs, and selections arising from these are enormous. Celtic wedding rings can be made from any of the colored golds, platinum, or silver. These styles of wedding rings can be worked in several metal colors for extra contrast and to highlight the knots. Celtic wedding rings can be made as a solid band with knots carved, or as raised scrolls, or as engravings. Alternatively Celtic wedding rings can be made entirely from a knot pattern, with intertwining metals used for a more delicate appearing ring. For something with a little more of a statement, these styles of wedding and engagement rings can also be made with diamonds set in them. Diamonds can be placed in the middle of each knot, between each knot, or alternatively at one one or both edges of the wedding ring. One of the most well recognized and used Celtic knots would be the Trinity knot. The Trinity knot, as the name would suggest, comprises 3 rounded triangles linked together and features points at the outer edges. This knot can stand alone or be worked so that numerous knots are linked together. The Trinity knot is often known as the Love Knot and can have several meanings, including the ancient Celtic, which is representing Celtic Gods and Goddesses, and the Christian, which is representing the Holy Trinity. The Claddagh ring with its well known design of a heart, a pair of hands, and a crown is also extremely popular and time honored. The Claddagh ring can traditionally be worn several ways, all with their own meanings. On the left ring finger it is seen as a sign of marriage, commitment, and eternal love. On the right hand, with the heart facing inwards it is seen as a commitment ring, or as indicative of someone already being spoken for. Spirals are also extremely popular designs in Celtic wedding rings and are used to great effect. To the ancient Celts spirals could mean many things including the sun, and the symbol for life. Interlocking Celtic hearts can have a similar appearance to the Trinity knots. The intertwined hearts represent the eternal love of the wearers of the matching rings. Celtic wedding rings can be a unique way to demonstrate eternal love. Traditional knots, spirals, and hearts can be manufactured into engagement and wedding rings that can be as simple or as ornate as you please. Celtic wedding bands can range from solid pieces that are engraved or carved, to very ornate gold strands knotted together to produce stand alone Celtic knot wedding rings.

The wedding ring – a romantic expression and symbol of fidelity and love – is an important element to today’s marriage ceremony. Through the centuries, the wedding ring has symbolized many things for couples – and not always the romantic notions we hold today.
The tradition of the wedding ring goes as far back as ancient Egypt, more than 4500 years ago. The Egyptians were the first to link the symbolism of a ring with the supernatural – an unending circle representing eternal love. Egyptians used materials such as hemp or the stems of plants into circles which could be placed on the finger of the bride. Romans, on the other hand, fashioned wedding bands from iron, considered to be a symbol of strength. That was later replaced with silver and gold because of their durability against rust.
Both the Egyptians and Romans supported the belief that the “ring finger” or fourth finger on the left hand, led directly to the heart. And while science has since disproved this theory, couples still hold the belief that the wedding ring is a direct path to the heart. However, for the Romans this practice was not based in romanticism. In Roman society, wives were considered possessions of the husband. A ring simply symbolized ownership. In fact, women had no voice in this decision. Once she was “ringed,” a woman became a possession of the man.
In the Far East, a man presented his wife with a “puzzle ring” that was meant to keep her faithful in his absence. The ring was designed to collapse if taken off and could only be put back together again if one knew the correct arrangement. Puzzle rings were employed especially during times of war or if a husband traveled for business.
The Irish bride has sported a “claddagh” since its creation in the 17th century. Used as both an engagement and wedding ring, the ring features a heart and two hands on the sides and is still in wide use today. Meanwhile, some Jewish brides have a wedding ring placed on their index finger, the same finger used to point to the Torah as it is read.
For the Puritans of early American colonization, the wedding ring, like other forms of jewelry, was considered wasteful and immoral. Men instead presented their wives with thimbles as a symbol of their live and fidelity. Interestingly, this tradition gave way to new brides who would cut off part of the thimble to create a makeshift ring.
Wedding rings worn by men are a fairly new innovation. For centuries, men had no need of a ring indicating their betrothal, as they were considered the dominant partner in the union. However, with the events of World War II separating men for years at a time from their wives, men began wearing a wedding band to indicate their marriage and as a sentimental reminder of the wife waiting at home. The motive was purely romantic which has been carried on in modern times.
In some cultures, the wedding ring is considered the last gift in a series of gifts presented to the bride. This has given way to newer ring traditions, which may begin with a promise ring, presented during serious courtship, followed by an engagement ring and then the wedding ring. Eternity rings are also being given as to symbolize a renewal of marriage or in honor of a special anniversary.
While many countries practice the tradition of wearing the wedding ring on the left hand, some cultures, such as Germany, Norway and Greece wear the ring on a the right hand. In other European countries, the engagement and wedding ring are the same. Their status is indicated through engraving or according to which hand the ring is worn.
Today’s couples give much thought to the choice of wedding rings, choosing most often rings made of precious stones and metal. These rings represent more than simply adornment for the wedding day. Wedding rings will remain an important symbol of a couple’s love throughout their lifetime.

Realizing the right way to wear wedding rings can let you take pleasure in the romantic sign on your finger with no any etiquette bloopers. A wedding ring may seem like an easy piece of jewelry, although how you wear it is packed with symbolism.The most significant thing to keep in mind is that wedding rings must not be worn prior to the wedding ceremony. While it may be essential to try on the ring to be certain it fits correctly, it should not be worn for any comprehensive period of time until the wedding vows are exchanged.

Conventionally, wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, subsequently to the pinkie finger. This ring finger, consorting to the ancient Greeks and Romans, comprises the vein that runs straight to the heart, giving the wedding ring a romantic link to one’s body if it is worn correctly.

If wearing an engagement ring and wedding ring, the wedding ring is typically worn next to the hand, building it representatively secure to the heart. If your wedding ring is actually a bridal set that includes a diamond ring wrap that completely surrounds the engagement ring, the position of the wedding band portion of the complete set is less significant.

Many brides desire to take off their engagement rings through the wedding so that the wedding band can be placed on the finger correctly, close to the hand. The engagement ring can be worn on the right hand in the ceremony, or it may be left to the maid of honor or a parent till later than the ceremony.

If you do decide to wear your engagement ring in the wedding, the wedding band will be on the exterior of the hand after the ceremony. In this case, it is correct to subtly take off both rings and toggle their sort after the ceremony is over.

Wedding rings should by no means be worn while swimming, whether you are in a pool, lake, ocean, or other body of water. Cool water will contract one’s ring size, making the rings much looser. This could make them easier to fall off and be lost without comment.

Avoid wearing wedding rings through rough actions such as car repair, gardening, sports, or housecleaning. These types of actions will not only get the rings dirty, however they can also scrape, nick, or warp the rings. It is better to simply take out the rings so they will keep appearing their most excellent.

The proper wear of wedding rings of unusual designs is more challenging than with simple bands. A subtle, uniquely shaped wedding band must be worn alone or with a custom matched engagement ring rather than being worn as an uneven set. This will emphasize the ring’s uniqueness in a beautiful and significant way.

Many women ultimately receive eternity rings as an anniversary gift. These whole diamond bands are often used to restore a plain wedding band since wearing all three rings – engagement, wedding, and eternity – as one can be too wide for most fingers. The novel wedding band, then, may be worn on the right hand or stored and worn only not often.

When a couple gets divorced, the wedding rings ought to not be worn after the divorce proceedings have been confirmed. At that time, the marriage is dissolved and it is inapt to persist wearing the symbolic rings.

When a spouse dies, it can be harrowing to take off a wedding ring. There is no time line for taking out a wedding ring while in mourning, and many spouses who were married for decades keep on to wear their wedding rings for many years even after their noteworthy others pass away. If they begin a new relationship, still, it is more proper to take out the old wedding ring.

The most significant way to wear wedding rings is to wear them each day with the unchanged love and commitment from the day they were first put on. However the rings may happen to scratched or dull over time, the love they represent will not lighten if they are always worn in good faith.