Celtic Claddagh Band

Claddagh Wedding Bands-

The Claddagh ring (pronounced Claw-Da) is the most popular of all Celtic jewelry. It belongs to a category of Celtic rings called Faith Rings, or "Fede." Claddagh wedding bands are a simple band with two hands holding a heart surmounted by a crown. The hands represent friendship; the crown represents loyalty, and the heart represents love.

For the bride, there are Claddagh wedding ring sets, inlaid with precious stones: a Claddagh ring with matching band, in either the modern day popular style, or an authentic antique replica. Matching bands for husband and wife come in everything from white gold set with diamond chips, to two-tone bands of yellow and white gold.

History of the Claddagh Ring-

In the sixteenth century an Irish sailor named Richard Joyce was sold into slavery by Algerian pirates. Richard, who was to be married the same week he was captured, was sold to a wealthy Moorish goldsmith who taught Richard the trade. While in Algiers, Richard fashioned a wedding ring for his fiance back home with a heart topped by a crown and held by two hands. Soon, Richard was set free when a decree from William III allowed all captives to return home. When he returned to Ireland, he and his fiancee were finally married. Over the years, the design has gained popularity as a band.

It is said that the Claddagh gained popularity after Queen Victoria of England was seen to be wearing one, and former President Ronald Reagan even received a specially crafted version, presented by the people of the tiny fishing village where the ring originated. The earliest know versions of the Claddagh are purportedly stamped with the initials of Richard Joyce himself.

Worn on the left hand, with the heart turned in, the ring signifies the eternal melding of friendship and love in the most sacred of unions: marriage. It comes in a variety of precious metals, including yellow and bright rose gold, or silver combined with a precious gemstone, such as a high-grade burmese ruby. Claddagh wedding bands are often hand-crafted and custom made with the precious metal and gemstone of choice.