New Ring!!!

I have added a new ring to my collection! Just yesterday I stopped by the jewelry stand near Class of ’50, to pick up my newest addition. I had seen it the day before and had immediately fallen in love! They told me it was called a Victorian wedding ring (I know I’m not married!!! Or planning on it anytime soon). It looks like two hands clasping until you take it off. Then when you gently pull apart the hands, there is a heart inside.

The ring was so interesting that I decided to do a little more research on it. Not just to tell you guys about it, but to actually know the background behind the ring that I am wearing. But I could not find a ring even close to it that was called a Victorian anything!

Finally I found a similar ring called a “Fede” or Faith” ring, which was very popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. It has two hands clasping, which symbolizes the “pledging of love.” Then as my search continued, I found that the Claddagh ring is part of the Fede ring family. It has two hands clasping a heart that is topped by a crown. These originated in Ireland and symbolized love, friendship, and loyalty. Then, finally I found the Gimmel ring, which is in the Claddagh ring family, and is the ring that I am currently wearing. During the Middle Ages, the ring would be separated at the engagement of a couple. The man and woman would break away their parts, and then give the heart piece to a witness. Then at the wedding ceremony, the three portions of the ring were reunited and symbolized the union of two lives.

Not only is the ring itself a symbol, the way you wear it is important, too. Mainly the rules apply to the Claddagh ring, because you can see the heart when it is on your finger. If the ring is worn on your right ring finger, with the heart pointing away from you, it means that your heart is unoccupied. If the heart is facing in, then it means that you have a special commitment to someone. If the ring is worn on your left ring finger, with the heart facing outwards, it means that you are engaged. If it is facing inwards, then you are married.

I love the fact that there is a story behind this ring and it symbolizes three important things that are needed in a relationship: friendship, loyalty, and love. Yeah, everyone wants a huge diamond on their finger, but I think that it would be so cool to have one of these rings at my wedding, and to join them together into one. Here are some more beliefs for contemporary wedding rings:

· - -The circle shape of the ring represents eternity.

· - -The diamond is also said to bring loyalty and fidelity.

· - -There is said to be good luck for the marriage if the diamond is accented with precious birthstones.

So basically I found out that my ring is an Irish wedding ring and symbolizes love and friendship. No one needs to know that I bought it for myself!!! ;)