By Martin Smith
Little known fact: there isn't just one kind of Irish wedding ring.
There's actually a number of them, including Spirals, Triskeles, Triquetas, Shield Knots and Sun Symbols. But the most popular ring by far is the Irish Claddagh, which of course, is surrounded by rich romantic legends.
The beloved Claddagh ring is named after an Irish fishing village. Its familiar design contains two hands holding a heart topped by a crown. The hands are said to represent friendship, the heart, love, and the crown, loyalty.
Various traditions give different meanings to the ring, depending on how it's worn. As a wedding ring it's worn on the left hand, with the heart pointing inward to the wrist. As an engagement ring, it's on the right hand with the heart pointing inward toward the wrist. For friendship, the Claddagh is worn on the right hand turned outward.
According to possibly the most romantic legend, the story of the Claddagh began like this: a fisherman named Richard Joyce and his fellow crew members were captured by pirates shortly before Joyce was to be married. The unfortunate Joyce was sold into slavery in Algiers, and made the property of a goldsmith who taught him the craft of goldsmith. Before long, though, Joyce became a master of the craft. With his beloved back in Claddagh and much on his mind, he fashioned the first Claddagh ring, with the hands representing friendship, the heart love, and the crown, loyalty and fidelity.
In 1698, King Georges III agreed to free all his subjects. Richard Joyce was once again free, but his former 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 true love waiting for him. Assured of her faithfulness, Joyce gave his beloved the ring, and they were married at last.
Although the ring was named for a modest fishing village, later designers made the ring a little showier, adding jewels and a more intricate crown design. Still, the basic design of hands holding a crowned heart has never changed. Joyce wanted something that would illustrate his love and steadfastness, and many brides and grooms would agree that the Claddagh ring does just that.
The Claddagh today is as popular as it ever was. The basic design of the ring hasn't changed, but now there is more intricacy 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 almost any metal.
The design is the clasped hands of the 'fede' or faith rings, rings which 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 were separated, yet withstood the passage of time. Its simple beauty and my own Irish heritage were major factors in my personal decision to choose a Claddagh.
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.
