Celtic Wedding Rings: The Romance Of Ancient Traditions
Do you have an Irish family connection or a love of Celtic culture and tradition? Then a Celtic wedding ring may be right for you.
The history and craftsmanship of Celtic jewelry goes back hundreds of years. Irish rings often incorporate symbols or motifs with an ancient spiritual meaning or elemental significance.
Spirals, crosses, shields and the famous Trinity Knot are all designs that can be found on different Irish wedding rings. These items are regularly found in platinum, gold, white gold and sterling silver.
Claddagh Wedding Rings
Some of the most famous celtic wedding bands are Claddagh wedding rings, named after a village near Galway in Ireland. this design dates back to the story of a 17th century Irishman who was captured by pirates, sold into slavery and eventually learned the craft of making jewelry from a Moorish goldsmith.
The motif of the Claddagh ring shows two hands over a heart symbol, above which is the shape of a crown or fleur de lys.
Traditionally, the ring is worn on the right hand with the point of the heart facing outwards to show that your heart is 'available'. During courtship the ring is worn the other way round -- and after marriage the ring changes to the left hand, again with the point of the heart facing inwards, as a symbol of commitment to your spouse.
There are many delightful and romantic traditions associated with Celtic jewelry -- and of course you don't necessarily have to be Irish to wear it!