Messages with Rings

An English work, of but little note, professes to make out "Love's Telegraph," as understood in America, thus:-If a gentleman wants a wife, he wears a ring on the first finger of the left hand; if he is engaged, he wears it on the second finger; if married, on the third; and on the fourth if he never intends to be married. When a lady is not engaged, she wears a hoop or diamond on her first finger; if engaged, on the second; if married, on the third; and on the fourth if she intends to die a maid.

Many of our readers are aware that there are name-rings, in which the first letter attaching to each jewel employed will make a loved one's name or a sentiment. In the formation of English rings of this kind, the terms Regard and Dearest are common. Thus illustrated:-R(uby) E(merald) G(arnet) A(methyst) R(uby) D(iamond).-D(iamond) E(merald) A(methyst) R(uby) E(merald) S(apphire) T(opaz). It is believed that this pretty notion originated (as many pretty notions do) with the French. The words which the latter generally play with, in a combination of gems, are Souvenir and Amitie, thus: S(aphir or Sardoine) O(nix or Opale) U(raine) V(ermeille) E(meraude) N(atralithe) I(ris) R(ubis or Rose diamant).-A(methiste or Aigue-marine) M(alachite) I(ris) T(urquoise or Topaze) I(ris) E(meraude).

Here are the alphabetical French names of precious stones:

A. Amethiste. Aigue-marine.

B. Brilliant. Diamant, designiant la meme pierre.

C. Chrisolithe. Carnaline. Chrisophrase.

D. Diamant.

E. Emeraude.

F. (Pas de pierre connue.)

G. Grenat.

H. Hiacinthe.

I. Iris.

J. Jasper.

K. (Pas de pierre connue.)

L. Lapis lazuli.

M. Malachite.

N. Natralithe.

O. Onix. Opale.

P. Perle. Peridot. Purpurine.

Q. (Pas de pierre connue.)

R. Rubis. Rose diamant.

S. Saphir. Sardoine.

T. Turquoise. Topaze.

U. Uraine.

V. Vermeille (espece de grenat jaune).

X. Xepherine.

Y.Z. (Pas de nous connus.)