Legend has it that the Claddagh symbol was originated by Richard Joyce, a Galway Seafarer Kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in North Africa where he learned the art of a goldsmith.

When he was released, nothing could keep him from his beloved Galway where he returned to become a master goldsmith and where he created the Claddagh ring. For centuries this was used as a wedding ring by the fisher folk of Claddagh village, which nestled outside the walls of Galway city in the west of Ireland.

Claddagh rings are still worn as friendship, engagement or wedding rings depending on how they are worn.

Friendship: by placing the ring anywhere on your right hand.

Engagement: by placing the ring on the third of your left hand with the heart pointing outwards.

Wedding: represented by placing the ring on the third finger of your left hand with the heart pointing inwards towards your heart.

Throughout Ireland and Scotland, the Celts crafted these magnificent symbols in stone. Celtic Crosses predate Christianity and were first used by pagans to worship the sun.

In pagan times the circle of the Celtic Cross represented the sun, being the centre of their lives. It was not until the 4th century AD when it was introduced by the first Christian Roman Emperor Constance, the Celtic Cross was used to represent Christ’s victory.

During the great conversion of many pagans to Christianity, Christian philosophers adapted the Celtic Cross, and thought the meaning of the circle to represent Christ, the centre of Christianity.

Inspired by the Ardagh Chalice, the Celtic Warrior Shield Wedding Bands form part of the Celtic Warrior Collection.

The Ardagh Chalice, a priceless artefact housed in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, was discovered in 1868 in a ring fort in Ardagh, Co. Limerick, Ireland.

The Ardagh Chalice is the finest example of eight century metalwork ever to be discovered. The gold filigree band that encircles the Chalice is composed of shield decorations and is the heart of the design behind the Celtic Warrior Collection.