Irish Wedding Rings
By Martin Smith
There are a number of Irish Wedding Rings that include Spirals,
Triskeles, and Triquetas, Shield Knots and Sun Symbols. The most popular
ring by far is the Irish Claddagh and it is surrounded by a romantic
legend.
The Claddagh is as was said, the most popular in Ireland. The ring
symbolizes love, friendship , and loyalty. The ring is named for an
Irish fishing village. The design of the Claddagh is constructed of two
hands holding a heart with a crown on top of it. The hands represent
friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty.
Various traditions give different meanings to the ring depending on how
it is worn. As a wedding ring it is worn on the left hand with the heart
pointing inward to the wrist. As an engagement ring it is on the right
hand with the heart pointing inward toward the wrist. For friendship it
is worn on the right hand turned outward.
The legend of the Claddagh begins when a fisherman Richard Joyce and
other crew members were captured by pirates shortly before Joyce was to
be married. He was sold into slavery in Algiers and made the property of
a goldsmith who taught him the craft of goldsmith. Joyce became the
master of the craft. With is beloved back in Claddagh on his mind he
fashioned the first Claddagh ring. The hands were to represent
friendship, the heart was love, and the crown represented loyalty and
fidelity.
In 1698 King Georges III agreed to free all of his subjects. Richard
Joyce was once again free. His slave master offered Joyce his daughter
in marriage and half of his wealth if he would stay in Algiers. Joyce
refused the offer and instead returned home to Claddagh where he found
his love waiting for him. Neither of them had married. Upon discovering
this, Joyce gave his love the ring and they were married shortly
thereafter.
The ring was dubbed The Claddagh because of the village Joyce and his
Bride were from. There were others who made the ring much later and
added jewels and an intricate crown design. The basic hands holding a
crowned heart has never changed. Joyce wanted something that would his
love for his Beloved.
The Claddagh today is as popular as it ever was. The basic design of the
ring has not changed but now there is more intricacies in the crown,
gemstones or jewels can be used to fashion the heart, and the hands are
simply hands. The ring can be made of silver, gold or basically any
metal.
The design is the clasped hands of the ‘fede’ or faith rings. These
rings date from Roman times and were popular in the Middle Ages. The
ring is worn now by many to speak to their Irish heritage. The Claddagh
tells the story of two lovers who are separated and yet their love and
commitment withstood the passage of time. It’s simple design and my
heritage influenced my decision to purchase a Claddagh.
About the Author:
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for
consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes
Wedding Ring and and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully
researched resource of interesting and relevant information.
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