The Claddagh Ring is the Ultimate Expression of Undying Love
If you ever, in your travels to Ireland or while visiting a shop selling Irish traditional jewelry, see a ring with a heart-shaped stud capped by a crown and offered on both its sides by two hands, what you are gazing at is a Claddagh ring, a symbol steeped in the Irish tradition of love, loyalty and faithful friendship. Love is symbolized by the heart, loyalty by the crown and friendship by the hands bestowing love and loyalty.
The ancient symbol for a strong bond, the clasped hands, was the basis for the Claddagh
As far back as the Roman times, clasped hands have signified eternal friendship and love. The Romans used this image in various types of jewelry, including wedding rings. This emblem carried over into medieval Europe and made its way to Ireland where the Irish improvised on it and gave it a more spiritual dimension. Besides the pair of hands, they included motifs denoting the virtues that make a long-lasting relationship possible; friendship, love and loyalty.
Claddagh rings may be worn by both men and women
Claddagh rings may be worn by both genders. It is acceptable to buy them for yourself or as a gift to someone to whom you are closely attached. They are particularly suitable as wedding rings and when both bride and groom are wearing Claddagh rings, the ring becomes at the same time a symbol and a charm ensuring that their union will be lasting.
The Claddagh ring may be worn in different ways, each way signifying something different
After you buy a Claddagh ring, you have to know the traditional meanings of the various ways in which this ring can be placed on the finger before actually putting it on in public. This is especially important if you are with a group of Irish people. Single persons who are not involved with anyone else should announce that fact by wearing the ring on their right hand with the heart facing away from them. People who have personal relationships should still wear the ring on the right hand but this time with the heart facing them. The meaning is, of course, that their heart is no longer available. Finally, married people or people engaged to be married should have the ring on their left hand, the heart facing towards them.
As you can see, if you are not careful about the way you wear your Claddagh ring in an Irish crowd, you may be unknowingly soliciting romantic advances. Specifically, married and engaged people should always take note of how they wear their Claddagh rings in order to avoid issues that can affect their relationship.
Beautifully made original Claddagh rings are not expensive
You can find live stores as well as internet sites which sell expertly crafted and authentic Claddagh rings. These companies employ the best Irish jewel crafters to produce both silver and gold Claddagh rings for both men and women. You can choose silver rings that birthstone or silver hear-shaped center pieces. These hardly cost $100. For $300 you can get your ring crafted in 14 K gold, also with birthstone or gold center studs.
Now that Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, consider giving your loved one a Claddagh ring with his or her birthstone embedded in it. Both silver and gold versions are made of the finest metals if you get them from authentic Irish jewelry outfits. But the money-value of the gift will matter less than the meaningfulness of this gift for Valentine’s Day.
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With a keen interest in Celtic jewelry, Ciara O’Brien researches and writes about Claddagh ring and all other types of Celtic jewelry. Click here for more information about Celtic engagement rings and here for Irish weddin bands .