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 motif is derived from the earlier symbol of friendship and love, the clasped hands
In ancient roman jewelry and symbolism, two hands joined stood for enduring relationships. It signified both the friendship between men and the bond of marriage between man and woman. The image was, of course, derived from the handshake which in ancient times had a less casual significance than it has today. The Irish Claddagh brings the imagery even further by depicting those invisible gifts that people involved in a strong relationship give each other; friendship, love and loyalty.
Claddagh rings may be worn by both men and women
Both men and women may wear Claddagh rings. In fact, Claddagh rings are often used as wedding rings. They make any wedding truly special by reminding the couple of what their relationship has to consist of in order to last their lifetime. On the other hand, Claddagh rings are also appropriate for single people.
There are different ways of wearing the Claddagh ring, each one with its own significance
Before you wear a Claddagh ring, you ought to know the appropriate way for you to do that, given you current status. In case you are still single and still uninvolved with anyone else, you should offer your heart to others by wearing the Claddagh ring on your right with the heart facing outward. If you are already in a relationship, the ring should still be worn on the right with the heart looking in your direction. Married and engaged persons should have the ring on their left hand and the heart should be facing in their direction.
Wearing the Claddagh ring in an inappropriate manner – especially in a gathering of Irish people – may give others the wrong impression about your emotional status. To avoid embarrassment and intrigues, married people should especially pay attention to the orientation of their Claddagh rings.
You can find finely crafted Claddagh rings that are not costly
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
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