People often associate term "jewelry" with something a woman possesses and covets. Yet for centuries mens jewelry has been fashionable and popular among elite and average men alike. Kings and Pharaohs in ancient times wore jewelry as a symbol of power and prestige. Whether a member of a tribe, team, work group or family many men wore rings as a symbol of their belonging or achievement.

Jewels and jewelry have been coveted since beginning of time, as symbols of power, richness, beauty, commitment and even pride. Just as princesses and Queen's of old fell under spell of sparkling gems, so too have men fallen under tempting promise a precious metal offers.

History shows that men have worn jewels and rings for a variety of reasons. Most jewelry serves as an aesthetically pleasing accompaniment to a wardrobe or fashionable figure. Yet mens jewelry has also served functional purposes, including describing a male's social status, place in society and of course, marital status.

Men's Wedding Bands

Mens wedding bands are among most common form of mens jewelry purchased. The tradition of offering a double ring or mens wedding bands at a wedding ceremony can be traced back to mid 1940s in United States. At this time jewelry manufacturers popularized idea of offering a groom's wedding band as perfect accompaniment to ladies wedding ring. The idea of a groom's ring however, existed long before advertisers popularized it. In fact, consumers had already bought into idea that a groom's ring symbolized much more than marriage, but also male prosperity and stability.

Among more common and popular forms of mens jewelry on market today is mens diamond wedding band. Many gentlemen prefer to purchase a dual wedding set featuring a mens diamond wedding band and ladies diamond wedding ring. Mens wedding bands are often much thicker than women's. Though many men prefer jewelry that is subtle and less adorned, others prefer mens wedding bands that are ornate and intricate.

Accessories

There is no end to jewelry accessories available to today's modern man. Mens jewelry often comes with complementary mens jewelry boxes made to hold a collection of cherished pieces. In fact, many men have so many necklaces, rings and bracelets one might consider mens jewelry boxes ideal gift.

Other more common accessories offered in mens jewelry category include following:

• Cufflinks
• Bracelets
• Money Clips
• Rings
• Watches
• Earrings
• Chains

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