Irish Claddagh Wedding Rings: A Meaningful, Traditional Style with Unique Flair

Couples these days look for ways to honor tradition while adding significance to their wedding day. One way you can do this is by incorporating a unique and meaningful ring to your ceremony. Irish claddagh wedding rings have a special design that brings deep meaning and rich history to a couple’s wedding. Never heard of a claddagh ring before? Don’t worry. Irish Jewelry Craft has researched the details and has plenty of claddagh rings to choose from for your special day.

What is a Claddagh Wedding Ring?

A claddagh ring is a traditional Irish wedding ring with a specific style. There are three main components to the design of the ring are a pair of hands, a heart and a crown. There is deep significance to each of the details on the ring as well as a rich history to claddagh rings.

Claddagh Wedding Ring Set Symbolism

The main feature that makes each claddagh wedding ring set unique from other wedding rings is the centerpiece. Instead of highlighting gemstones, claddagh wedding rings show off two hands holding a heart with a crown. All three of those details have unique meanings that make the ring even more special to you and your spouse-to-be:

• Heart - represents the love that you share
• Hands - represent friendship with one another
• Crown - represents loyalty and devotion

History of Claddagh Wedding Rings

As I am sure you can guess from the title of this article, claddagh wedding rings originate in Ireland. Inspired by the Roman Fede ring—a ring that shows hands clasped which symbolizes hands in faith—the Irish decided to go their own way with the style.

Even though the origin can be traced back to Galway, Ireland in the 17th or 18th century, the original creator of claddagh rings is unknown but believed to be Richard Joyce. The story goes, after being freed from his slavery as a goldsmith under Algerian pirates in Morocco, Joyce went home and proposed to his love with a claddagh wedding ring he made.

How to Wear a Claddagh Ring

Despite being created by the Irish and having several ties to their culture, you do not have to be an Irish descendant to wear a claddagh wedding ring. In fact, men and women alike can wear claddagh wedding rings to signify their marital status by wearing it in different ways.

If worn on your left hand with the heart facing you, it indicates that you are married. If the heart is facing outward while on your left hand, it shows that you are engaged. But, claddagh rings can be worn on your right hand as well. With the heart facing inward, it indicates that you are in a relationship. If the heart faces outward, you are single. However, it is said to be bad luck to buy a claddagh ring for yourself since it is a powerful symbol for friendship and love.

Claddagh Wedding Rings for Your Wedding

Since a claddagh ring is so diverse in its wearability, many couples will actually exchange claddagh engagement rings before they become engaged as a sign of devotion to one another. Afterward, they will purchase modern engagement rings.

Other couples choose to include them as claddagh wedding rings, especially those of Irish heritage or those that have destination weddings in Ireland. Before their ceremony, couples will participate in a Celtic handfasting ceremony and exchange claddagh wedding rings to honor this ancient tradition.

Another way to incorporate the ideas behind claddagh rings is to show the symbol off in another way. Some brides choose to include a claddagh charm to their bouquet. Other brides wear the claddagh design on necklaces, earrings or bracelets. No matter how you choose to include the claddagh symbol in your wedding, it is a timeless yet unique way to show off your devotion to your spouse-to-be.

Claddagh wedding ring sets are gorgeous and meaningful symbols for your love and devotion. Exchanging a claddagh ring with your loved one connects you to hundreds of years of deep history and adds significance to your big day even if you aren’t of Irish heritage. Irish Jewelry Craft has so many claddagh wedding rings to choose from, you are certain to find something you love and want to wear forever.

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