The History and Lore of the Celtic Wedding Ring

The Celtic wedding ring is an Irish tradition that has found its way to other locations as well. While it is customary for only those with Irish heritage to wear Irish rings, many modern people of all different heritages enjoy this type of jewelry. One of the most enduring things about Celtic jewelry is that each symbol depicted holds a great deal of meaning and significance. In this article, you'll learn more about the symbolism of Celtic rings and why so many couples are choosing them to represent their commitment and love. First, let's look at the most popular type of Irish wedding ring -- the claddagh.

The claddagh doesn't have to be a wedding ring, but it often is used as such. The claddagh features a heart, held by two hands and topped by a crown. The heart represents love, the hands represent great and loyal friendship, and the crown represents the pride one feels regarding their Irish heritage. If the claddagh is worn on the right hand, it is a definite symbol that the woman wearing it is unmarried. If the heart is pointed inward, it means she is single. If the heart is pointed outward, it means she is involved in a committed relationship.

For the claddagh to designate engagement or marriage, it must be worn on the ring finger of the left hand. If the heart points inward, it means the woman is engaged to be married. If the heart points outward, it means the woman is married. The rich history and deep significance makes the claddagh a popular yet unconventional choice as a wedding ring. Another popular type of Celtic design that has turned up in the world of wedding rings is the Celtic knot.

The Celtic knot is an intertwined design with no beginning or end. A band adorned with the Celtic knot is a popular type of Celtic wedding ring because the design represents eternity. The assortment of intertwining knots can often symbolize the many twists and turns of married life that a couple embarks on together. Both the Celtic knot ring and claddagh ring are ideal choices for a couple who wants to express their commitment and love in a meaningful and interesting way.