Irish jewelry pieces are among the most sought after pieces of jewelry that are available in the market. These could now be found in many brick and mortar stores and in various jewelry stores that are available over the Internet. Of all the different kinds of Irish jewelry pieces, the Claddagh ring is perhaps the most popular piece, especially among lovers.
Origins of the Claddagh Ring
This extremely popular piece of Irish jewelry has its beginnings in the town of Claddagh which is located in Galway County in Ireland. The Claddagh ring had been used by the locals of this town for centuries. Unlike other pieces of Irish jewelry which have been designed with numerous symbols that have been associated in so many meanings, the symbols in this popular Irish jewelry and their meanings are extremely distinct. Legend has it that the design was created by a merchant named Richard Joyce who had learned the art of jewelry making and developed his designs upon his return from the West Indies.
The Claddagh Ring Design
There is only one design that is used for the Claddagh ring. The design is that of a crown that rests on top of a heart shaped design. This is then held by two hands. Individually, the two hands symbolize friendship. The heart shape is meant to symbolize love and the crown is a symbol of royalty. Taken as a whole, the entire design is meant to depict the meaning “let love and friendship reign.”
It’s how you wear it!
Although the overall meaning for the symbols of the Claddagh ring is “let love and friendship reign,” the manner and where the bearer of this piece of Irish jewelry also contributes to give the Claddagh ring other meanings. These meanings pertain to the marital status of the bearer of this popular Irish jewelry piece. If the bearer of the ring wears the Claddagh ring on her right hand with the heart shape design facing away from the body of the bearer, it means that the wearer of the ring is single. If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heart shape design facing away from the body of the individual, it means that the person is engaged to be married. If the heart shaped design is facing towards the body of the wearer of the ring, it means that the woman is already married.
The Perfect Wedding Ring
Because of the symbolism and meaning that encompasses the Claddagh ring many couples today have now used it as for their wedding band. It is for this reason for the increase in the popularity of this piece of Irish jewelry in modern times. This is because the Claddagh ring is able to exemplify through the different decorative symbols clearly defines what kind of love is shared between the couples.
If you are considering on getting a pair of Claddagh rings for your wedding day, you can find these and other Irish jewelry pieces over the Internet. These websites not only offer some of the finest pieces of Irish jewelry in the market, but would also give you a great deal in the prices.
