When it comes to time the Irish do take a long term view of things. Many things, in Ireland dating back 1500 years are more are regarded as "not really old". If you look hard enough there must be a pub somewhere that is as old as that. It is the same with the Irish ring; it has been made in Ireland for probably in the region of 2 to 3 thousand years, if not longer.

Like all things with this length of time there are fashions and popularity. This century's top of the pops is the claddagh ring, based on the "fede" ring of Roman times crystal stud earrings and popularized by a jeweler named Joyce in the mid eighteenth century.

With this long tradition behind them, Irish craftsman now have a genetic ability to craft in precious metals. The basic designs are the classic ones with the craftsman adding artistic flourishes.

A claddagh ring has to have or is more or less defined by a pair of hands holding a heart topped by a crown. The crown was well established centuries before the strong Republican sentiments of today's Ireland so has been allowed to remain, apart from one Dublin swarovski based philistine who took it away.

The hands, which are a pair of hands, not two right hands as are other rings with hands, symbolize friendship; the heart is obviously love and the crown loyalty.

In times gone by these rings were widely used by both sexes, not almost exclusively by the ladies as is the case today. Not surprisingly in these unisex days the men are now starting to wear them again, often to show their Irish heritage.

In Ireland the claddagh ring has long been used as a wedding and engagement ring.

The swarovski pen tradition is that the ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing the nail when engaged. Once married the ring changes hands and it then worn left hand but this time with the heart facing upwards.

The claddagh ring is made in silver, gold and in ancient times in bronze. Today the silver is the most popular. It sells for about us $ 30 upwards which probably has a lot to do with its popularity. Bronze ones are not made today, which is a pity as weathered bronze is a very masculine colour.

Gold rings of various purities are also in high demand. If it is gold it should be hallmarked.

Ireland does have an Assay office which stamps the rings with the correct hallmark so you can be confidant that the ring you have inherited or been given is what it says it is.