The Irish Claddagh ring is one of the most popular styles and is heralded for the lovely lore which accompanies the design. Of course, there are many other popular Irish wedding rings, like Spirals, Shield Knots, and Sun Symbols that delight with their own beauty, craftsmanship, and legends. The Claddagh ring, named for a fishing village in Ireland, is a symbol of devotion, affection, and harmony. The ring’s distinctive appearance should be familiar to many: two open hands cradle a heart, which is topped with a crown. The hands symbolize harmony and friendship; the heart, affection; and the crown signifies devotion.

There are several ways to wear the Claddagh ring, and each one has its own meaning. As a gift of friendship, the recipient should wear the ring on the right hand, and the point of the heart will face out toward the fingers. If the ring is given as an engagement ring, the ring is again worn on the right hand, but the heart points in, to the body and heart of the recipient. To wear the Claddagh as a wedding ring, it should be worn on the left hand with the heart pointing in.

The story behind the Claddagh ring dates back to the 17th century, and involves a groom-to-be: a fisherman named Richard Joyce who, with his crew who were kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria. In Algeria, Joyce became the property of a goldsmith, under whose authority he too learned the trade. With his new skill, he fashioned a special ring meant to symbolize the love, devotion, and friendship he so missed in his betrothed.

At the end of the century, the slaves of Algeria were freed. The goldsmith implored Joyce to stay on with him, and even offered his daughter and part of his estate to retain his help. Joyce could not find it in his heart to stay, and he went home to Ireland. Back in the village of Claddagh, Joyce was delighted to find that his fiance had waited faithfully for his return, and he presented her with the golden ring he had made. The two were finally married, as the legend concludes.

The Claddagh design became a popular token of both romantic and platonic love, and thenceforth bore the name of the fishing village from where its maker hailed. In the years that followed, artisans and craftsmen would stay true to the original design, although some would make additions like jewels, or embellish on the design of the hands, heart and crown. Today there are many spins on the original design, ranging from the addition of Celtic knot work, to jeweled hearts, cuffs, and crowns, to sleek and spare modern designs that are barely three-dimensional. Gold and silver are the most popular materials for the ring, although platinum, stainless, copper, and tungsten rings are becoming more widely available. Although the ring is traditionally popular among those with Irish heritage, its lovely design and legend make it popular among people from every background.

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Category: Marriage
Keywords: Jewelry, Trend, New