Article  Matching Claddagh Rings: Bless Your Union with the Luck of the Irish You know, you don’t really have to be of Irish heritage to appreciate the timeless beauty and unsurpassed craftsmanship of matching silver Claddagh rings. The hands holding the heart design is a constant, thrilling reminder of the depth of the love a married couple shares. Highly skilled Irish craftsmen bring centuries of tradition to each beautiful ring that they painstakingly fashion by hand to fabricate these handmade Irish treasures. The kind of artistic skill, attention to detail, and pride of manufacture that each of these rings represents is an increasingly rare commodity in our high-tech, fast-paced, computerized, impersonal world. A Claddagh ring is lovely reminder of the peace and beauty of the Old World and the rich historical traditions of a country like Ireland. Whether Claddagh rings are fashioned from gold adorned with diamonds, or simple silver, it will grandly recall an Irish tradition that extends backward for more than three hundred years. Legend has it that the first of these beautiful rings was fashioned by an Irishman named Richard Joyce who was captured by pirates and sold into servitude to a Moorish goldsmith. Fortunately, for anyone who loves these very special rings, Joyce was tutored in working precious metals for many years by his master, and emerged from his ordeal as a master craftsman. When Joyce eventually had his freedom restored by the King of England at the end of the 17th Century, he returned to his homeland and presented the love of his life, whom he hadn’t forgotten during his years of slavery, with the very first Claddagh ring. One of the most interesting aspects of the Claddagh ring is that it can be a wedding ring, an engagement ring, or simply a precious adornment to a lady or gentleman’s hands. If one has no sweetheart, the Claddagh is traditionally worn on the right hand with the crown and heart design facing outward. This means the wearer’s heart is yet to be won. However, if the wearer of this ring is in love and does have a sweetheart, then the Claddagh is worn on the left hand, with the hands and heart design turned inward. In addition to informing the world that the wearer’s heart is taken, the Claddagh is also a symbol that the two lovers shall never be torn asunder. For a couple in love, what could be more special than owning Claddagh wedding rings that have so much meaning invested in them? Aside from the symbolism and history contained in Claddagh rings, the authentic ones that are fabricated on Irish forges are among the most beautiful pieces of jewelry anyone could ever purchase. There are a breathtaking variety of different designs that incorporate an array of precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, or even Space-Age metals like titanium, if you so desire. Probably the ultimate Claddagh ring would be one fashioned from 24 karat gold and adorned with emeralds to symbolize the country of its origin: the fabled Emerald Isle. Of course, diamonds are traditionally used in wedding rings, but somehow the peerless combination of gold and the rich green color of emeralds creates a wonderful aura of glamour, beauty, and timeless elegance. A ring fashioned from these rich, lustrous materials makes a powerful statement about the depth of the love between the giver and the recipient. Any woman would be thrilled to be gifted with a ring of such beauty. There are not many types of jewelry that are invested with this much significance. Really, they make a mere diamond and gold or diamond and platinum wedding ring seem rather bland and meaningless by comparison. If you desire to let your sweetheart know, in no uncertain terms, of the boundless depth of your feelings, then you need to present him or her with a genuine Irish Claddagh ring. Nothing else even comes close. Category Fashion Author Anonymous Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (0) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On Mon Oct 19th,2009