Though the solitaire and cluster style wedding rings will always be popular, there is an ever-increasing interest in finding engagement bands with more significance. This is one of the causes of the increase in the sale of Claddagh engagement rings.

The Claddagh design is quite distinctive, there is a heart in the centre, which is donning a crown and it is held by a hand on either side. There are lots of interpretations of this, but they are all based on the hands being the hands of friendship. The heart is the love which two people can share. The crown is the loyalty and faithfulness to their love. These thoughts have been condensed in to various expressions like 'Love will always reign' or 'With these hands I offer my love and commitment'.

The story of the first Claddagh ring is quite persuasive. An Irish man, named Richard Joyce was captured by Algerians and was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. This goldsmith soon awakened to the fact that Joyce was a talented man and taught him his trade.

When in 1689 the Irish slaves were freed, Joyce chose to go back to Ireland. The goldsmith wanted him to stay and offered his only daughters hand in marriage. Nonetheless, Joyce was determined to head home. When he went back to Ireland he discovered that his sweetheart had waited for him. Employing his innovative skills he made her a ring. It was the first Claddagh ring.

For many people the significance of this story makes the Claddagh design a great choice for a wedding ring.

If you would like your Claddagh engagement ring to be a little more distinctive you can now find them embellished with jewels, these will usually be placed in the heart or crown.

There are other Celtic designs that could be added to Claddagh engagement rings, like the weave pattern which symbolizes the intertwining of two lives. This is sometimes found on the band of the Claddagh engagement rings.

If you choose the Claddagh pattern then make sure you wear it appropriately. If the heart is pointing outwards it implies that the wearer's heart has not yet been claimed. Claddagh rings are often passed down the generations in families and when worn by an unattached woman it will be worn on the right hand with the heart in an outward direction. So if you are buying a Claddagh engagement ring it ought to be worn on the left hand with the heart facing inwards.

The Popular Styles And Designs Of Guy's Wedding Rings
Choosing wedding rings is a big decision, so it is important to be sure that you are happy with your choice. Traditionally a wedding band was a simple gold band, but the choice for both women's and mens gold wedding bands is now vast.

Pink Chandelier Earrings - What To Put On With Your New Chandelier Earrings In Pink
Pink Chandelier earrings are one jewelry item that should be in every woman's jewelry box. Chandelier earrings come with multi-level branches that hang down from the earring base and they are extremely popular amongst women of all ages.

A Guide On Pink Diamond Stud Earrings Which Are Getting A Lot More Well-Liked By Women Nowadays
Pink diamond earrings are becoming more and more popular nowadays. You often see celebrities with luxurious jewelry and the fad with colored diamonds has definitely increased enormously. From stars like Jennifer Lopez to Catherine Zeta-Jones, these ladies definitely know that pink diamonds are one of the world's best kept secrets.

Purchasing Bali Handmade Jewelry Via The Web: How To Choose The Proper Company
For anyone looking to purchase handmade jewelry, online shopping can be a great way to find the right piece at the right price.

The Varieties Of Men Wrist Watches
Depending on one's life style he can choose to have either a sporty watch or a formal watch. Those who belong to the elite class of people can go in for the expensive designer watches which are often segregated under the limited edition collection of companies.

Finding The Best Women's Jewel Containers
Every woman loves a box to keep her most priceless possessions in it. Yet, when selecting women's jewelry boxes, you have to take care in picking one so that a family or a friend in your life must be thrilled with it.

Creative Way To Make Your Own Fancy Bali Jewelry
Do you have a better way to accessorize yourself than with a nice piece of jewelry? The problem is that sometimes costume Bali jewelry can also be extremely expensive. Nevertheless, you have another alternative to buying them you can make them.

How To Enhance Any Workout With Running Watches
There are a lot of different running watches on the market. It could be difficult for someone who is not familiar with the use of the features of these types of watches to determine which one to get.

Stuhrling Watches - Appealing And Outstanding Watches
Stuhrling watches are sophisticated watches popularly known for exceptional quality and craftsmanship. They are a blend of both fashion and convenience.