Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish Heart Ring

Irish Heart Ring

Traditional Irish Claddagh Rings

When walking around Ireland, or anywhere recently, it is common to glimpse the gold band of the traditional Irish Claddagh ring. The hand held heart resting beneath the crown is said to be a symbol of friendship, love and loyalty. A gift passed from friend to friend, between lovers, and through the family. But what are its origins?

Although there are more than one legend of the origin of the Irish Claddagh ring, the one which is usually believed is the story of Richard Joyce and his love. A member of the Joyce clan of Galway, he sailed to the West Indies, but on the way Joyce and his fellow sailors were captured and kept imprisoned as slaves.

Over fourteen years it was Joyce's job to work alongside a goldsmith. During his years of working Joyce supposedly designed the traditional Irish Claddagh ring. He had left his love back in Ireland and she is said to have been waiting for him. Finally, as William III ascended to the thrown, he called for the release of the British prisoners. Joyce was free to return home.

Before Joyce's return to Ireland, his 'owner' offered him wealth, and his daughter in marriage. Joyce said no, opting to return to Ireland and his long awaited love. After waiting for so long she was glad of his return, and married him instantly. It is said he gave her the ring as a symbol of their love. Due to this legend the tradition of the giving of the Irish Claddagh ring to lovers is obvious.

When Ireland was struck with the potato famine, many of the Irish families travelled to America, taking with them the Irish Claddagh ring, which has now become a family heirloom. The ring is now passed down through the female line, or to males to pass to their love.

As the ring is a tradition of the Irish families, it may be a gift between lovers and married couples, which ahs been passed down through the family. It shows a connection to the family, as well as a connection between the two who will join together at the wedding.

In recent times, the Claddagh ring has been used as a wedding band at pagan wedding ceremonies, often called a hand-fasting. The hand-fasting, as with more traditional wedding ceremonies, joins two people together in love and friendship, and so the Claddagh ring has become a popular symbol, rather than a plain gold band.

About the Author

Lance Thorington is a professional publisher and writes for various web sites. Read more about the Irish Claddagh Ring and its meaning at http://www.irish-claddaghring.com/

Green Heart CZ Stacking Ring $58 Green Heart CZ Stacking Ring

Claddagh Heart Ring $64.99 Dainty and feminine , the open heart is accented on one side with sparkling white and green CZ?s. Sizes 5 ? 9 (including ? sizes). From Ireland.

Rhodium Plated Pink Heart Ring $29.99 This very special piece combines a stunning heart-shaped pink cubic zirconium framed by small round ones and a rhodium-plated sterling silver link design band. Selected from the finest crystals, experienced cutters facet and hand polish each Russian Radiant CZ to the same specification used for diamonds, set forth by the Gemological Institute of America. 3/8 wide. Lifetime Guarantee. Imported. Available in whole sizes 5-10. Web Exclusive!

Sterling Silver Cluster Claddagh Ring $89.99 This elegant silver ring has a green CZ heart surrounded with dazzling clear CZ?s. From Ireland.

Claddagh Belly Ring $14.99 Warm weather call for our flirty belly ring with faceted green stone and claddagh. Silvertone with green enamel heart. Aprrox. 3/4 tall.

Irish Tear Of Remembrance Heart Pendant $14.99 This heart pendant is a beautiful way to remember a loved one. Puffed 1 heart with a small crystal teardrop inside, on 18 chain. Gift boxed with message card. Card Reads: The Irish smile and laughter that you've known so many years shall always be a part of you the love is in your tears. Imported.

Diamond Pave Claddagh Ring $175 Absolutely stunning! This ring is so meaningful with the three words representing the claddagh engraved on the inside band. Sterling silver and 24kt gold plated with pave diamond accents both in the heart and the crown. Imported. Boxed. Whole sizes 5 - 10.

Irish Heart $3.49 Irish Heart

Irish Framed Print $32.99 This iconic Irish cottage print and God?s family blessing will warm your heart. A lovely gift for a special Irish friend or for yourself. Imported. 14 x 7? with polystone resin frame.

Musical Irish Dancer $29.99 This Irish lass will dance her way into your heart! Dressed in traditional Irish costume the 7? figurine is adorned with shamrocks and plays ?Irish Lullaby?. Please state name up to 24 characters. Poly Resin. Dancer must be screwed in counter clockwise to top of base.

Irish Teapot Tea Towel $19.99 Adorable tea towels, decorated with ?happy shamrocks?, will brighten any home and warm your Irish heart. Cotton and linen. 14?W x 22?H.

Irish Dancer Tea Towel $19.99 Adorable tea towels, decorated with ?happy shamrocks?, will brighten any home and warm your Irish heart. Cotton and linen. 14?W x 22?H.

Sterling Irish Faith Ring $42.99 This ring has a beautiful and unique design showing both your faith and your heritage. Whole sizes 5 ? 11.

Lucky Irish Lotto Scratcher And Key Ring $10.99 No fumbling for a coin...always be ready with your Lucky Irish Penny, perfect for those lottery cards. 4 1/2 long. USA.

Women's 14 Kt. White Gold Cross Necklace with Emerald and Diamonds $499 Enduring inspiration. This extraordinary Celtic cross of 14 kt. white gold is centered with a claddagh of brilliant pav diamonds and a sparkling emerald heart. From Ireland. Shipped separately; allow 2-4 weeks. 1 x 5/8 cross on 18 chain. Boxed. HistoryCeltic Crosses dot the Irish countryside, as well as parts of Scotland and other homes of the early Celtic Church. Celtic Crosses can be characterized by their massive size, some reaching twelve to fifteen feet high, and featuring a ring around the intersection of the cross. The ring, a symbol of eternity, is thought to blend the pre-Christian Celtic traditions with the concepts taught through Christianity. Creation of the earliest crosses dates back to about the 8th Century, though it is believed that some were created as late as the 12th Century. Though none survive, scholars speculate that the precursors of the stone Celtic Crosses were made from wood. Later, the crosses were carved from sandstone or granite. But wood or stone, Celtic Crosses, specifically Celtic High Crosses, represented the largest freestanding sculptures between what was once the Roman Empire and the Italian city-states during the Renaissance.The purpose of the Celtic Crosses is not completely clear, but it is known that many were built near monasteries, either to mark the boundaries of the monastic lands or to serve as a devotional function. In addition, some believe that others commemorated a miraculous event. Many crosses vary in their state of preservation, but the High Cross at the Monasterboice Monastery is among the best preserved.The artwork carved into Celtic Crosses is typically narrative, many times portraying the lives of saints or other Bible stories, as these crosses were sometimes used to educate communities that were either illiterate, or did not have access to the written word. Other crosses are adorn with abstract ornament or interlaced designs. It is also thought that weathering has taken its toll on the appearances of these unique landmarks, deteriorating away paint that highlighted the figures and ornaments of the Celtic Crosses. It stands to reason that the colors used to paint the crosses were reflective of manuscripts of the times. Colors such as those used in the Book of Kells, yellow, green, blue and deep red.

Irish Pride Shadow Box Stretch Ring $23.99 A truly unique, one of a kind ring, that will surely attract attention and compliments. Inside are the words Irish Pride, a shamrock, Trinity knot and Austrian crystals. Circling the outside of the 1 1/2 square frame are over 40 more crystals. One size fits most. Imported.

Wildly Irish Charm Watch Bracelet $22.99 An enchanting roundup of all things Irish! Strung with metal and glass charms and beads, the silverplated watch has a stainless steel back. Two-ring toggle for length adjustment. Imported. 8 1/2 long.

Irish Claddagh Coffee Mug $15.99 This ceramic mug is decorated with the traditional Claddagh crown, heart, and hands. The back is printed with Ireland's most loved blessing. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Imported. 10 oz.

Heart Rainbow Irish Shamrock Belly Ring $8.99 Heart Rainbow Irish Shamrock Belly Ring Find your leprechaun and pot of gold with this lucky rainbow shamrock belly ring. Celebrate your love for the Irish with a St. Patrick's Day belly ring. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16" (16mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel

14k Irish Claddagh Ring with Rose Gold Heart $450 14kt tri color gold Irish Claddagh ring with a satin finish rose gold heart. (336HA17R) 450 Weighs approx 5.1 grams Measures 1/2" at widest Comes in a nice gift box

Eire Irish Heart $10 Eire Irish Heart

Key To My Heart Charm $49.99 Expertly crafted charm of the most popular Irish motif ? the claddagh. This distinctive charm also has embossed Celtic knotwork. Will fit on the established brand bracelets being sold today. Ireland.

I Love Irish Boys Heart Irish Jr. Raglan by CafePress $28.5 I Love Irish Boys, with black lettering and an Irish heart, comprised of the colors of the Irish flag and a shamrock in the center. Show the love you have for the Irish boys. Happy St. Paddy's Day. Irish Jr. Raglan Our Jr. Raglan from American Apparel is body contoured and baby soft. Made of 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this raglan provides the perfect look for any season. 5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cotton. Size up

I Love Irish Boys Heart Irish Women's Tank Top by CafePress $22 I Love Irish Boys, with black lettering and an Irish heart, comprised of the colors of the Irish flag and a shamrock in the center. Show the love you have for the Irish boys. Happy St. Paddy's Day. Irish Women's Tank Top Sporty and sexy, wear our women's tank top to beat the summer heat or workout in cool comfort. Our tank top is made of 100% combed ring spun cotton, and cut for a close, fashionable fit. Neck and armhole are carefully shaped to conceal a bra.6.1 o

Sterling Trinity Knot Toe Ring $13.99 You?re Irish right down to your toes! A pretty Celtic toe ring with adjustable band.

Claddagh Heart Watch Pendant $59.99 The locket's exterior, embossed with a claddagh, opens to reveal a heart-shaped clock. A photo can also be added. From Ireland. 1 x 3/4 heart on 28 chain. Silver-plate. Boxed.

Clover and Claddagh Key Ring $9.99 Bring yourself a wee bit of Irish luck with this 4 leaf clover and lovely claddagh key ring. Metal. Shamrock Gift Co., Dublin.

Diamond And Topaz Men's Ring $299 This handsome men's ring celebrates Irish pride, featuring an impressive 5 carat Irish green Topaz set in an intricate knotwork bezel. Both sides of ring has a Celtic design centered with a genuine diamond. Sterling silver with 24kt gold plated accents. Inside band engraved with the first line of the Irish Blessing. Boxed. Imported. Sizes 8-14 including 1/2 sizes.

Sterling and Gold Trinity Knot Heart Charm $17.99 Sterling and Gold Trinity Knot Heart Charm

Silver Reversible Heart Pendant $49.99 This stunning design is brand-new from Ireland! The 1 ? stick pendant is lined with round cubic zirconia. The heart swivels for a choice of I Love U (where Love is a heart) in all sterling silver or the two-tone look a gold-plated trinity knot. Heart is ? wide. Gift Boxed.From Ireland. Matching earrings are item JN036. Web Exclusive!

Handcrafted Austrian Crystal Emerald Irish Heart Green Titanium Belly Ring $9.99 Handcrafted Genuine Swarovski® Emerald Irish Heart Green Titanium Belly Ring The luck of the Irish is designed into this Swarovski emerald heart belly ring. Irish themed body jewelry. Handmade Artisan crafted Body Jewelry. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 7/16" (11mm), Anodized Titanium, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Genuine Swarovski® Crystal (Swarovski is a registered trademark of Swarovski AG). Handmade in the USA Artisan Hancrafted Belly Ring

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