Although the solitaire and cluster style engagement rings will always be popular, there is an ever-increasing desire for finding wedding rings with more symbolism. This is one of the reasons for the increase in the sale of Claddagh engagement rings.

The Claddagh design is quite unique, there is a heart in the centre, that is wearing a crown and is held by a hand on either side. There are several interpretations of this, but they are all based on the hands being the hands of friendship. The heart is the love which a couple can share. The crown is the respect and fidelity to their love. These ideas have been condensed in to various expressions such as 'Love will always reign' or 'With these hands I offer my love and commitment'.

The tale of the first Claddagh band is very compelling. An Irish man, called 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 proficient man and taught him his business.

When in 1689 the Irish slaves were freed, Joyce decided to return to Ireland. The goldsmith wanted him to stay and offered his only daughters hand in marriage. However, Joyce was determined to head home. When he went back to Ireland he found that his sweetheart had anxiously waited for him. Using his new skills he made her a ring. This was the first Claddagh ring.

For many people the significance of this tale makes the Claddagh design a fantastic choice for an engagement ring.

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

There are more Celtic symbols which may be added to Claddagh engagement rings, such as the weave pattern which symbolizes the intertwining of two persons. This is sometimes found on the band of the Claddagh engagement rings.

If you select the Claddagh design then make sure you wear it correctly. If the heart is pointing outwards it implies that the wearer's heart has not yet been claimed. Claddagh bands are often passed down the generations in families and when put on by an unattached girl it will be worn on the right hand with the heart outwards. So if you are choosing a Claddagh engagement ring it ought to be worn on the left hand with the heart pointing inwards.

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