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Irish Wedding Rings
There are a number of Irish Wedding Rings that include Spirals,
Triskeles, and Triquetas, Shield Knots and Sun Symbols. The most
popular ring by far is the Irish Claddagh and it is surrounded
by a romantic legend.
The Claddagh is as was said, the most popular in Ireland. The
ring symbolizes love, friendship , and loyalty. The ring is
named for an Irish fishing village. The design of the Claddagh
is constructed of two hands holding a heart with a crown on top
of it. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents
love, and the crown represents loyalty.
Various traditions give different meanings to the ring depending
on how it is worn. As a wedding ring it is worn on the left hand
with the heart pointing inward to the wrist. As an engagement
ring it is on the right hand with the heart pointing inward
toward the wrist. For friendship it is worn on the right hand
turned outward.
The legend of the Claddagh begins when a fisherman Richard Joyce
and other crew members were captured by pirates shortly before
Joyce was to be married. He was sold into slavery in Algiers and
made the property of a goldsmith who taught him the craft of
goldsmith. Joyce became the master of the craft. With is beloved
back in Claddagh on his mind he fashioned the first Claddagh
ring. The hands were to represent friendship, the heart was
love, and the crown represented loyalty and fidelity.
In 1698 King Georges III agreed to free all of his subjects.
Richard Joyce was once again free. His slave 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 love waiting for
him. Neither of them had married. Upon discovering this, Joyce
gave his love the ring and they were married shortly thereafter.
The ring was dubbed The Claddagh because of the village Joyce
and his Bride were from. There were others who made the ring
much later and added jewels and an intricate crown design. The
basic hands holding a crowned heart has never changed. Joyce
wanted something that would his love for his Beloved.
The Claddagh today is as popular as it ever was. The basic
design of the ring has not changed but now there is more
intricacies 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 basically any metal.
The design is the clasped hands of the 'fede' or faith rings.
These rings 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 are
separated and yet their love and commitment withstood the
passage of time. It's simple design and my heritage influenced
my decision to purchase a Claddagh.
About the author:
Martin Smith is a freelance writer providing advice and
information on a variety of products. His numerous articles
provide a wonderfully researched resource. Drop by the site for
more information if you have time ! http://www.1st-4-jewelry.com
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