Glencara Irish Jewelry {$50 Gift Certificate Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Heavensent1!}

While the kids and I were out playing with our buddies recently, I caught sight of a good friend's ring that I had never noticed before.

But it wasn't the fact that it was shiny and silver that made me take notice, it was because it was a design that I've seen over the years and have always liked. I knew that not only was it distinctive and stylish but that it was symbolic of life, love and friendship.

Thinking about it later that day, I realized that the next time we get together I'm going to have to ask her about two things: her Claddagh Ring and her love life.

One of Ireland's most popular rings, the Claddagh Ring is symbolic of the phrase "Let love and friendship reign forever." The two hands clasping the heart surmounted by a crown signify friendship, love and loyalty, but how you wear the ring itself is what is important.

As a wedding band, the Claddagh Ring can be worn on the left hand with the heart facing in. However, for those that are single, this ring can be worn on the right hand to show that your heart has not yet been won (with the heart facing out) or that you are in love (with the heart facing in).

So much to gather about a person just from their ring, isn't there? And no one knows that better and has a larger selection of gorgeous Irish rings, earrings, pendants, Celtic jewelry and more than Glencara.

Based in Ireland, Glencara has specialized in Claddagh and Celtic Rings and Jewelry since 1978. Being a family business, Glencara is passionate about Irish and Celtic culture and the jewelry they then create is based on centuries-old design and symbolism.

Celtic Jewelry actually dates back to 2000 B.C. and has evolved throughout the centuries while it spread across the world. Today, unique Celtic designs are still used as an expression of one's individuality and Glencara has plenty of beautiful options to let you do just that.

For instance, the Celtic Knot is perhaps the most well known Celtic symbol, with the beautiful simplicity of the triple knot representing eternity and continuity (by having an interlacing pattern that never ends). Many of Glencara's Celtic Rings incorporate the Celtic Knot alongside other Celtic symbols, resulting in jewelry that looks like a distinctive piece of fine art.

Or, for even more history, the Celtic Cross pre-dates Christianity and was first used by pagans to worship the sun, which was the center of their lives. 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 center of Christianity.

Glencara has taken such meaningful designs and turned them into a variety of wonderful ways to display and cherish them. So, whether you are Irish or not, anyone can wear an eye-catching Celtic necklace or ring and enjoy the beauty and symbolism behind them. Plus, with Glencara's strong focus on customer satisfaction, you are sure to be pleased with your purchase and wear it proudly for years to come.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be able to do just that with a great new piece of jewelry, because...

One person will win a $50 gift certificate to Glencara!

To enter to win: Visit Glencara and tell me which piece of beautiful jewelry is your favorite.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Glencara on Twitter, sign up for their newsletter (found in the lower left of their homepage) and/or Like them on Facebook. 1 more Extra Entry if you leave the following message on their wall: Glencara's jewelry is gorgeous! I just entered to win a $50 gift certificate at Thanks, Mail Carrier! http://bit.ly/9U2gU0
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

I want to WIN a $50 Glencara gift certificate for gorgeous, quality Irish Jewelry! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/9U2gU0 #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Glencara.
5 Extra Entries if you make a purchase from Glencara during this giveaway. Tell me which gorgeous item(s) you chose!

Giveaway will end on November 19th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open worldwide! If you're reading this, you can enter!

A big thank you to Glencara for providing a $50 gift certificate for one lucky giveaway winner. I was monetarily compensated for writing this post, however, the opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.