| Rings are a very popular form of jewelry! | | | | commitment to God to stay pure until |
|  They can represent many things from | | | | marriage. Of course there is also |
| culture, a commitment such as marriage, an | | | | birthstone rings which have stones to |
| achievement, or even a religious | | | | represent each month in the year. My |
| standard. Rings became popular during | | | | birthday is in September so my stone is the |
| the medieval times. In those days they | | | | lovely sapphire. |
| were made of silver, gold, copper and even | | | | |
| iron. Jewels did not start appearing in | | | | A ring is a significant piece of jewelry and |
| rings until around the fourteenth century. | | | | Gilbert and Frech has one of the largest |
| | | | selections of gemstone rings to choose |
| It was fun to learn about the history of | | | | from. Our sizes range from 5 to |
| rings. Early Christians used a Greek symbol | | | | 10. Once again, all of our rings are |
| that looks like a fish, the formal name being | | | | made from 100 percent sterling silver. |
| the Icthus, to identify themselves among | | | | We have many different designs and our |
| other believers. I especially enjoyed the | | | | artisans continue to create new ones as the |
| story of how the engagement ring came | | | | fashion trends change. |
| about. There was an Irish man from | | | | |
| Claddagh which is a fishing village. Right | | | | It is still amazing to me know that there are |
| before he was to be married, he was captured | | | | so many uses for silver and that it has such |
| and became a slave working as a | | | | a rich history. It is such a pretty |
| goldsmith. After he escaped years | | | | color and reflects gemstones in a way that |
| later, he came home to his love to find out | | | | just enhances their beauty. I have so |
| that she had never married. They | | | | much more appreciation for my silver jewelry |
| joyously reunited and he gave her a ring with | | | | now and I view it as an investment. |
| the symbols of a heart, a crown and two | | | | Next time you purchase a piece of silver |
| hands. That ring is still used today to | | | | jewelry take a few moments to reflect on this |
| symbolize commitment of love and friendship | | | | journey we have taken together. I know |
| that can never be separated. Christians | | | | it will make your new piece just a little bit |
| call it a promise ring and wear it as a | | | | more special! |