History of Claddagh Jewelry

Claddagh jewelry is modeled after claddagh ring, which first surfaced in Ireland more than 400 years ago. The claddagh ring has a rich history; if you aren't familiar already, claddagh ring is shaped to resemble two hands grasping a heart with a crown on top. Legend & lore has several explanations for creation of this unique and popular pattern.

One legend is that a man named Richard Joyce while on a voyage to Mediterranean was captured by Armenian pirates, and spend years in captivity as a result. While held captive he learned skills necessary to become an artificer of precious metals. Joyce eventually was returned to his homeland, despite protests from his owner, who had wished he would marry his daughter. Joyce pursued a career in crafting gold and silver jewelry.

Many myths abound as to how Joyce came up with symbolism he used in his claddagh jewelry, but true origins are not known.

Yet another legend follows a similar story; it tells tale of Richard, a young man who was kidnapped by Spanish pirates one day while fishing with other men in his family. Richard and his family were sold into slavery off North Coast of Africa. Just before being captured Richard had met his true love, and lived in fear that he would never see her again. Richard longed for his beloved, and each day to remember her he stole a minute amount of gold from slave masters shop where he worked. After years had passed he was able to create a ring with gold he gathered. Richard's hope was that one day, if freed, he could present day to his love. One day Richard was able to return to Ireland, and found his beloved awaiting him. He offered her claddagh ring for her devotion and patience.

The second story regarding origin of this style ring and other claddagh jewelry is much more highly regarded, because among other things claddagh jewelry has come to symbolize love and devotion.

Claddagh jewelry has become very popular in Ireland over centuries, and many of pieces fashioned after this style are often kept as heirlooms among family members. At time of Joyce there was a Claddagh village, which remained as a self contained community until about 70 years ago. Jewelry fashioned in claddagh style is considered part of Irish legend & lore, and remains an important part of Irish history. Today claddagh jewelry is worn as a symbol of Irish heritage, friendship, unity and love among people in all cultures.

Tradition has it that if a claddagh ring is worn on right hand, with crown turned inward wearer is still searching for love; if crown is worn facing outward love is in air. For those that wear ring on left of course, a person is said to be spoken for.

Celtic Jewelry Traditions

History of Sterling Silver

Silver jewelry has been a staple in lives of mankind since humans discovered versatility of silver and many uses it has. Silver has been used for functional and aesthetic purposes. In times of old, silver was used to create flatware and armor to protect soldiers on their way into battle. Silver jewelry was later created and used by Phoenician and Egyptian citizens desiring attractive and convenient pieces to add to their jewelry collections. Over time silver has been used to create flatware, decorative art, coins, dental fillings, jewelry and more.

Silver is produced in many different areas, though highest concentrations of silver output come from Mexico and Peru.

One of reasons sterling silver jewelry is so popular is its affordability and versatility. Sterling silver can be crafted into many different jewelry items including charms, rings and chains. Silver jewelry is often mistaken for other more precious metals including white gold and platinum.

Common Types of Silver

There are many different types of silver that can be used to create sterling silver jewelry. Silver is considered one of precious metals along with its cousins gold, platinum and titanium.

Fine Silver - this is silver in its most natural state, when it is considered 99% pure. Often this type of silver is too soft to create ordinary products and is almost liquid in form. Usually silver has to be mixed with other metal alloys in order to create jewelry and household wear.

Sterling Silver - sterling is a mixture of fine silver and other metal alloys. The silver is considered about 92.5% pure. Sterling is usually combined with approximately 7.5% copper to make jewelry more long lasting and durable. Sterling silver jewelry is usually marked on inside with a "925", indicative of its purity. Sterling silver jewelry made of just right combination of silver and metal allows a jeweler to create a long lasting, durable piece that is shiny and brilliant enough to be mistaken for more expensive precious metals. Sterling silver is more likely to tarnish over time because of presence of copper; however this relatively mild side effect can be minimized through proper care. By consistently cleaning your silver jewelry you'll never even notice anything other than a beautiful shine and luster.

Silver Plating - plating occurs when a base metal such as nickel is covered with a layer of pure silver. This is often one of most durable forms of silver, and is usually much less expensive than sterling silver because percentage of pure silver in jewelry is quite low. Most base metals need a re-coat of pure silver every few years to maintain a shiny outer coat and to prevent base metal from peaking through coating.

Nickel Silver - nickel silver is a combination of nickel, copper and zinc that is not actually silver, but resembles silver. It is an inexpensive and popular item that can be used to create look-alike jewelry.

Vermeil - this form of silver was popular in eighteenth century. Silver is plated in gold, providing a polished and expensive looking custom piece of jewelry.

Caring for Silver Jewelry