The first Irish Claddagh Ring appeared 400 years ago in Galway, Ireland.  It takes its name from the small fishing village of Claddagh. It features three elements: heart, crown and hands.  These represent love, loyalty and friendship.  Because of its special significance, it has a variety of uses.  As a gift, it can demonstrate affection ranging from respect to romance.  It can be worn as a token of Celtic pride or as a souvenir from the Emerald Isle. One of the traditions associated with the Claddagh is the different ways that it can be worn.  On the right hand, wearing...

CTR, or Choose the Right, is a Primary (Sunday School) class for 4-7 year olds in the LDS church.  The children are taught the importance of making good decisions.  At age 8, they are considered capable of knowing the difference between right and wrong.  It is also the youngest age at which a child may be baptized. Just before 1970, the Primary Board approved the original CTR Ring design.  It was a shield motif, that both boys and girls could wear to remind them to always choose the right. Over the years, the CTR ring has become the most popular...

Good design is simply combining a number of elements into an attractive and useful solution.  My first goal was to create a feminine version of the classic CTR ring.  The right design could be used as a ring, pendant or earrings – and just as easily be applied outside of jewelry. Before studying jewelry design, I spent two years being trained by a Swiss master engraver.  He taught traditional lettering and hand engraving.  He emphasized the beauty of each letter, creating balance and taking enough time to complete each task precisely. Over the years, I have created many beautiful pieces...