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Irish jewelry pieces are among the most sought after pieces of jewelry that are available in the market. These could now be found in many brick and mortar stores and in various jewelry stores that are available over the Internet. Of all the different kinds of Irish jewelry pieces, the Claddagh ring is perhaps the most popular piece, especially among lovers.
Origins of the Claddagh Ring
This extremely popular piece of Irish jewelry has its beginnings in the town of Claddagh which is located in Galway County in Ireland. The Claddagh ring had been used by the locals of this town for centuries. Unlike other pieces of Irish jewelry which have been designed with numerous symbols that have been associated in so many meanings, the symbols in this popular Irish jewelry and their meanings are extremely distinct. Legend has it that the design was created by a merchant named Richard Joyce who had learned the art of jewelry making and developed his designs upon his return from the West Indies.
The Claddagh Ring Design
There is only one design that is used for the Claddagh ring. The design is that of a crown that rests on top of a heart shaped design. This is then held by two hands. Individually, the two hands symbolize friendship. The heart shape is meant to symbolize love and the crown is a symbol of royalty. Taken as a whole, the entire design is meant to depict the meaning “let love and friendship reign.”
It’s how you wear it!
Although the overall meaning for the symbols of the Claddagh ring is “let love and friendship reign,” the manner and where the bearer of this piece of Irish jewelry also contributes to give the Claddagh ring other meanings. These meanings pertain to the marital status of the bearer of this popular Irish jewelry piece. If the bearer of the ring wears the Claddagh ring on her right hand with the heart shape design facing away from the body of the bearer, it means that the wearer of the ring is single. If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heart shape design facing away from the body of the individual, it means that the person is engaged to be married. If the heart shaped design is facing towards the body of the wearer of the ring, it means that the woman is already married.
The Perfect Wedding Ring
Because of the symbolism and meaning that encompasses the Claddagh ring many couples today have now used it as for their wedding band. It is for this reason for the increase in the popularity of this piece of Irish jewelry in modern times. This is because the Claddagh ring is able to exemplify through the different decorative symbols clearly defines what kind of love is shared between the couples.
If you are considering on getting a pair of Claddagh rings for your wedding day, you can find these and other Irish jewelry pieces over the Internet. These websites not only offer some of the finest pieces of Irish jewelry in the market, but would also give you a great deal in the prices.
This publication was paid for by Irish Indeed ()
The concept of the Claddagh ring is quite simple, but the implementation of the ring can be quite complicated. The simple part of the concept is that the ring represents loyalty to a relationship. The relationship can be between two friends, a parent and child or husband and wife. The presentation and acceptance of the Claddagh ring means that the two people involved are committed to the strength of the relationship. In design, these rings are often quite detailed or complicated. They can consist of interwoven bands or strands on which is placed clasped hands or strings of gems. The crown can be quite elaborate with finely detailed designs.
Care of Your Ring
Caring for the Claddagh ring should be done with the same attention to gentle treatment as you would give to the care of any fine jewelry piece. If the ring contains a gemstone, particular attention must be given to avoid chipping or breaking the stone. The ring can be placed in a solution of detergent and warm water. Follow the soak with a clear water rinse and dry the ring gently with a soft, lint free cloth. Periodically, you will want to take the Claddagh ring to a jeweler who can check the security of the settings and use ultrasound cleaning techniques.
Symbolism of the Crown
In the Claddagh ring, the crown is a major part of the symbolism. The crown of course, represents loyalty--loyalty to the love and relationship represented by the heart symbol of the ring. However, over the years, one version of the ring states that the crown represents the loyalty of the wearer to the English crown. The Fenian version of the ring is designed without the crown, but is less popular than the triple symbol version.
Celebrity Wearers
Many celebrities have chosen to wear Claddagh rings either as a engagement type ring or a wedding ring. In some instances, the rings they choose are off the shelf, so to speak, other couples elect to have matching Claddagh rings specially designed for them. Specially designed rings may include gemstones as part of the design or may be less detailed. For example, Jim Morrison of The Doors and Patricia Kennealy, Irish American author exchanged Claddagh rings at their handfasting celebration. The rings are often found in movie and television fiction, usually to indicate a change in the relationship between two characters.
Global Influence
Claddagh rings have spread from usage in a relatively small area of Ireland to world wide knowledge of the jewelry and what it signifies. Many of the rings traveled from Ireland to the United States, thanks to the mass exodus due to the Potato Famine in Ireland. The rings are popular throughout Europe and in many parts of the United States, particularly those where there are strong Irish roots in a city or neighborhood. Thanks to the global nature of the internet, these rings can be ordered from reputable dealers at competitive prices even if you don't live in a big city.