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An Ri Wedding Band Collection

Of Saints, Kings and Vikings

Lough Ree takes its name from the Irish word Rí, meaning King.

In earlier times, native Irish, viking invaders and the more passive monks, vied for control of this majestic and beautiful part of the River Shannon.

The An Rí collection is inspired by the Ardagh Chalice, designed by monks who lived on the Shannon's shores.

This collection is made by Fado here in Dublin
Specialists for the Fado jewelry range of celtic and claddagh wedding bands.

You Are Here - An Ri Wedding Band Collection

Products in An Ri Wedding Band Collection

An Ri - Wide Sides from ~~$1,498.40~~ $1,273.64	An Ri Medium Wedding Band from ~~$749.38~~ $636.98	An Ri Medium Wedding Band White Gold with Yellow Trims from ~~$1,356.48~~ $1,153.01
An Ri Medium Wedding Band with White Trims from ~~$1,356.49~~ $1,153.02	An Rí Medium Wedding Band with Yellow Edges from ~~$1,356.49~~ $1,153.02	An Rí Narrow Wedding Band from ~~$664.01~~ $564.41
An Ri Narrow Wedding Band White Gold with White Trims from ~~$1,655.17~~ $1,406.89	An Ri Wedding Band from ~~$1,285.72~~ $1,092.87	An Rí Wedding Band White Gold with Yellow Motif from ~~$1,347.00~~ $1,144.95
An Ri Wedding Band wide from ~~$1,274.91~~ $1,083.67

Did You Know?

The name of Ardagh is inextricably linked to the Ardagh Chalice. Ireland's foremost treasure is currently housed in the National Museum of Ireland and is considered the `Jewel in the Crown' of all exhibits there.

The beautifully proportioned Ardagh Chalice is the finest example of eighth century metalwork ever to have come to light. Standing six inches high it is made of silver, bronze and gold; the design and decoration indicating technical proficiency of the highest order.

According to the book Treasures of Early Irish Art (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: 1977):

"A wide range of materials have been used to create a work of perfection. The silver bowl, provided with handles for lifting, is linked by a gilded collar to a conical silver foot, made more stable by a broad horizontal flange … on the chalice, where decoration is used, it is sumptuous. Ultimate LaTene scrolls, plain interlace, plaits and frets abound.

The techniques employed are engraving, casting, filigree, cloisonné and enamelling. Below the horizontal band of gold filigree on the bowl the names of the Apostles in shining metal standout in sea of stippling."

It was discovered in September 1868 by two men digging potatoes in a ring fort at Reerasta, Ardagh. They were Jimmy Quin and Paddy Flanagan. It is unclear why they were digging potatoes in a fort, although it is possible that they believed that the potatoes grown here would be safe from the blight that had afflicted the potato crop during the Great Famine.

The Sisters of Mercy owned the land and Mrs. Quin rented about 15 - 20 acres from the nuns. Jimmy was her son and Mr Flanagan was a workman employed at the time by the Quin family. It has been suggested that it was he who actually found the chalice but that Quin took all the glory. He felt aggrieved by the situation and felt obliged to leave the employment of the Quin's. On his death he was buried in the Paupers' graveyard in Newcastlewest.

The other man, Quin, later emigrated to Australia where he died. Mrs Quin sold the items to the Bishop of Limerick, Dr. Butler, at the time for £50.00. Dr. Butler in turn sold the chalice to the Royal Irish Academy for £500. The Ardagh chalice now resides at the National Museum. The chalice itself was one of a number of objects found at the time. There was also a smaller bronze chalice as well as four ornate brooches, which collectively became known as the 'Ardagh Hoard'.

Some Special Offers for January

Each month we can offer some special offers, and are introducing new ranges all the time. Check out "what's new"

History of Ireland Ring
from ~~$166.82~~ $141.80

January Birthstone Claddagh Ring
from ~~$130.05~~ $110.54