Celtic Claddagh Ring and Bands
Design of Claddagh Rings
The most common use of a Claddagh ring is as an engagement ring and symbol. When the man asks the woman to marry him with this special ring, he should say this: With my two hands I give you my heart and crown it with my love!.
The two-hand-heart-crown design is not the only version of the Claddagh jewelry. The Fenian or Dublin Cladagh ring, said to have been designed 100 years ago, has two hands, a heart and no crown.
Claddagh Wedding Bands
Another special model of the Claddah ring is the gimmel: a ring composed of three independent smaller rings (a heart and two hands), which interlock. The gimmel is the symbol of engagement: one part is worn by the bride, one by the groom and the third is worn by a friend who witnessed the engagement moment. Then, during the wedding ceremony, the three parts come together into a single ring that becomes the Claddagh wedding band of the happy bride.
Celtic Claddagh Jewelry
Claddagh jewelry is very varied: rings, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks, bracelets, lockets, crosses, wedding bands, tie retainers, money clips, toe rings, ankle bracelets and cake toppers.
Each of these jewelry pieces can be made out of sterling silver, 14 or 18 kt gold, white gold or platinum with a diamond or emerald. Two tones combinations of yellow and white gold and gem stone setting models are extremely popular these days, but they are also quite expensive.
Claddagh Stores
Worried that Claddah stores are only available in Ireland? Well, if you are not fortunate enough to have such a shop in your home town (even though the rising popularity of this symbol has led to hundreds of such stores being opened all over the world, not only in Ireland or Great Britain), you can browse the Internet.
There are many trustworthy online stores who will more than happy not only to sell to you the Claddagh wedding band of your desire, but also to make for you a customized model. All you have to do is decide on a certain design, give them your (or your lover/s) finger measurements and decide how much money you are willing to pay for the 'Let love and friendship reign' ring.
Price of Claddagh Jewellry
Talking about money, you should know from the start that these Claddagh rings don't come cheap. For example, a regular 18 kt gold engagement ring without stone setting costs between $300 and 1,500, and a customized large gem stone model (diamond or emerald) can reach up to $2,500. That isn't to say that you can't find smaller, sterling silver designs for around $25.
The bottom line is this: the special design, the beautiful (and multiple version) stories and meaning behind the Claddagh jewelry are reasons enough to convince you if not to own or offer to your beloved a piece of it, at least to find out more about their existence.
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