Claddagh Wedding Rings
Claddagh Wedding Rings . How to Buy the Right Ring.

Claddagh Wedding Rings

Claddagh wedding rings are a very profound way of expressing a couple’s Irish heritage for their marriage ceremony. The unique design of the Claddagh symbol is also often used as the theme for the whole wedding. The symbol can be used on invitations, thank you cards and even wedding programs.

In some cases, the design can be used for wedding cake center pieces and is also incorporated in wedding decor such as in Claddagh wedding vases to name a few.

The ring gets it’s name after one of the oldest villages in Ireland, ‘Claddagh’ which is located near Galway City. These rings have been a part of Irish tradition for hundreds of years and are still very popular today. There is quite a legend behind the story of the Claddagh ring.

Believed to be created around 1690 by the black smith Richard Joyce, he was apparently kidnapped by pirates and put into slavery in the west indies . Being recognized by his captor as a highly skilled black smith, he was then appointed as his master’s main craftsman. Finally released many years later, he returned to his loved one and presented her with a beautiful ring. This ring has now become popular and recognizable all around the world.

The Claddagh wedding ring was often passed down through the generations from mother to daughter as a family heirloom. It can also be used as a wedding ring or engagement ring.

The main theme of the design comprises of a heart at the center with a hand on either side of the heart and a crown that sits on top. The heart signifies the expression of love, the hands reflect the symbol of friendship and the crown represents loyalty, commitment and fidelity.

There is also great significance on how one chooses to wear the ring. There are different meanings represented by where the ring is placed on the hand. For example if a person wheres the ring on the right hand with the heart facing away from their own heart, it means that they are eligible and free.

If a person chooses to wear the ring on the right hand with the heart facing their own, then it signifies that they are “taken”.

Lastly, if the ring is worn on the left hand with the heart facing towards the wearer’s heart, then it means that they are truly committed to another forever.

If a Claddagh wedding ring is what you are looking for, there are many local and online jewelers that carry an array of different styles and designs of rings to choose from. Because of their popularity they are relatively easy to find and come in a variety of metals gemstones, and prices.