My name is Selma,

i am doing this blog as part of my transition year, environmental studies course.

my blog is about the geography of rings. here you will find out about the purposes of rings, the manufacturing and much more.

A Quick idea of how rings are manufactured

Common Ring Gemstones.

The most common gemstones used in rings are :
                                                                     -Diamond
                                                                     -Ruby
                                                                     -Saphphire
                                                                     -Emerald

The Claddagh Ring


The Claddagh ring (fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional irish ring. this ring is given as symbol of love, friendship or marriage. the design is originated from the irish fishing village of "Claddagh", this is situated just outside the city of Galway. elements of the design were designed to the late Roman period. the first ring was produced in the 17th century.

The Claddagh's design features two hands holding a love heart, and usually surmounted by a crown
Claddagh rings are often used as friendship rings, but are most commonly used as engagement/wedding rings. In Ireland, America and other places, the Claddagh is handed down mother-to-daughter or grandmother-to-granddaughter.On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is single and may be looking for love. (This is most commonly the case when a young woman has first received the ring from a relative, unless she is already engaged).The wearer's relationship status can be seen by the way in which they wear the ring

1. On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is in a relationship, or their heart has been "captured".
2. On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is engaged.
3. On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is married

http://www.google.ie/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1366&bih=624&tbm=isch&tbnid=0LcbhJ4THQ1JLM:&imgrefurl=http://amayodruid.blogspot.com/2010/09/claddagh-ring-irish-wedding-ring.html&docid=gQUywOoH2b-BfM&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpYzPtgiWVrOGKQ5oGVXoyzqojj6cnplDdWx8tVOmmX-WrWjhguHDQbxeqCynbYH_hBW7a0bSqOhoGc3S1yBU4UwvJSQ1_MSUOwuiZEaRm0HOJiRAdhCIQVcKbIfYZ9AaOXvqvgOxjPo/s1600/claddagh-ring-lrg.jpg&w=431&h=262&ei=FG9oUODKAY-4hAfJl4DwBw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=3&sig=108287850501415787474&page=1&tbnh=98&tbnw=161&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:134&tx=277&ty=283

Check out my friends Fabi and Anna's blogs, they're great!

Anna
http://www.thegeographyofshampoo.blogspot.ie/

Fabi
http://www.idealsofbeautie.blogspot.com

Rings are worn for several reasons. The main ones are:

-Marriage

-Engagement

-Fashion

-Birth

The index finger- Jupiter -  Self-confidence, ambition, leadership, executive ability, leadership, sometimes spiritual or religious. SS = Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Topaz

The middle finger- Saturn - The Balance Wheel, sense of right and wrong, the law, search for truth, propriety, self-analysis, secretiveness. SS = Rose Quartz, Coral,

Stones that feel soft, soothing

The ring finger- Apollo - Love of Beauty, Creativity, Expression of self, Relationship with Others
SS =Jade, Turquoise, Moonstone , Amethyst

The little finger- mercury - Intuition, Communication, Quick Intelligence SS =Amber, Moonstone, Citrine

Thumb- (finger not named) The Will, Personal and Universal. Self-Assertion SS=Garnet, Carnelian, Ruby

SS = Suggested Stones

The Symbolism/Significance of Rings on the Fingers

The significance of a ring differs on each finger of both the left and right hands.

The left hand is the receptive hand (Yin), and the right hand is the active hand (Yan).                      When a ring is placed on the left hand we are receiving certain qualities associated with that finger. When a ring is placed on the right hand we are focusing on the creative aspect of giving, sharing and creating associated with that finger.

With the left hand we receive energy, and with the right hand we give energy.

In some parts of the world, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand, and in some parts of the world it is worn on the left hand.  So different people are emphasizing either receiving aspects or giving aspect of their relationship when getting married.  

The History of diamonds & rings

The first ever diamond in history was recorded 3,000 years back near india.

At that time diamonds were valued according to their ability in refracting light. At those times diamonds were used for decorating, and to protect from evil or provide safety and protection.

Diamonds were also used for medical purposes ,  it was believed that  holding the diamond in the hand while gesturing the sign off the cross would cure illnesses and heal wounds.

It was at the middle ages, that people had started to pay more attention to the value of the diamond,
the news about the value of diamonds had spread quickly. to prevent people from smuggling diamonds, rumours were spread that diamonds were poisounous.

Many large diamonds such as Koh-I-Noor and the Blue Hope were discovered in India.  India today maintains the most important diamond polishing industry in the world.

Welcome to my blog, my name is Selma

On this blog you will find the history and geography behind rings
for instance, their meanings, where the tradition started, what the meaning of a ring is today and much more.