Celtic wedding rings an ancient yet modern choice

Wedding rings have no beginning or end. As circles, they are a timeless symbol of eternal love. For couples who want to add even deeper meaning to that tradition, Celtic wedding rings designed with ancient Celtic knots remain a popular and meaningful choice.

What is a Celtic knot?

Celtic knots are ancient in origin. Some historians trace them as far back as 500 B.C., though evidence from that time is scarce. What we do know is that Celtic knot designs were in use as early as the third century A.D.

These knots are made from complete loops woven from a single, unbroken thread. With no beginning and no end, they symbolize eternity, the interconnection of life, and spiritual unity. When engraved on a wedding band, Celtic knots represent enduring values such as loyalty, faith, friendship, and love.

Popular Celtic Wedding Ring Designs

Over the centuries, a variety of knots have carried special meaning. Today, couples often choose these designs for their engagement rings or wedding bands:

Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh ring is among the earliest gold rings crafted in Celtic tradition. Its design includes:

• Two hands (friendship)

• A heart (love)

• A crown (loyalty)

This ring can be worn as both an engagement ring and a wedding band. Traditionally, it is worn on the left hand with the heart facing outward during engagement, and with the heart turned inward after marriage. Many families pass Claddagh rings down from mother to daughter, making them even more meaningful.

Celtic Love Knot Ring

Celtic love knot ring

The love knot is created from interlacing patterns that symbolize the eternal bond between two people. Historians believe Celts once exchanged these knots much like we exchange rings today.

• The Celtic oval knot, one of the oldest designs, is especially popular for couples who want a simple, elegant ring.

Celtic spiral knot

The spiral knot features three interwoven sides representing water, fire, and earth. The spiral itself is a sacred Celtic symbol, signifying life’s journey as it unfolds.

• Its continuous design reflects unity and oneness of spirit, making it a powerful choice for couples beginning their new life together.

Celtic Trinity Wedding Ring

Trinity Knot (Triquetra)

With the spread of Christianity, Celtic art began to blend with Christian symbolism. The Trinity knot, also called the Triquetra, became a popular motif.

• Its three points represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

• Its flowing curves express eternal faith in God

This knot is one of the most popular choices for Christian wedding bands today.

Choosing Your Celtic Wedding Ring

When it comes to materials, you have plenty of freedom. The ancient Celts crafted jewelry from bronze, gold, tin, silver, coral, and enamel. Today, modern jewelers continue that tradition with gold, platinum, silver, or mixed metals—so you can pick the ring that best reflects your style and values.

Celtic rings are more than jewelry; they are wearable symbols of eternal love, faith, and unity—perfect for couples who want their wedding bands to carry both beauty and meaning.

 ***

Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

Photo credits: pixabay, Amazon, Amazon, Amazon

Meaning behind the Claddagh ring and how to wear It

The Claddagh ring (pronounced “klahda”) enjoys a distinctive Irish design that's rich in symbolism. It features two hands (representing friendship) holding a heart (symbolizing love) and usually topped by a crown (loyalty) and can be worn as an engagement ring or wedding band. While the meaning is clear, the history of the Claddagh ring is clouded by a number of legends as to its origins.

Claddagh ring legends

One legend surrounds a woman by the name of Margareth Joyce (from the Joyce clan). She is said to have married a Spanish merchant by the name of Domingo de Rona. She left her homeland and went with her husband to Spain, but he died and left her a large amount of money. The legend says she returned to Ireland and, in 1596, married the mayor of Galway (town where the ring originated), Oliver Ogffrench, and used the money she had inherited to build bridges in Connacht. As a reward for her charity, one day an eagle dropped the Claddagh ring in her lap.

A second story is about a prince who fell in love with a commoner. In his effort to convince the girl's father that he truly loved the girl, and had no intentions of "using" her, he designed the Claddagh ring with the symbols representing love, friendship, and loyalty. He proposed with the ring, and when the father heard the explanation he gave the couple his blessing.

14K White Gold Claddagh 8 Stone Emerald and Diamond Ring

A third legend that also links the Joyce clan and the Claddagh ring centers around a man by the name of Richard Joyce, a native of Galway. He left home to go work in the West Indies, and planned to marry the girl he loved when he returned to Ireland. However, his ship was seized, and he was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. As a slave, he learned his master's craft, and then when William III became king, he ordered all British prisoners released. His master held Joyce in high esteem and offered his daughter and half his wealth to the man if he stayed. However, Joyce rejected the offer and returned home to marry the girl he loved. Luckily, she had waited for him, and to her surprise he presented her with a Claddagh ring which he made while a slave.

How to wear the Claddagh ring

How you wear the Claddagh ring changes what it means. Traditionally, the Claddagh ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward away from the body. This symbolizes that the person wearing the ring isn't in a serious relationship, and may even be looking for a relationship – that "their heart is open." When worn on the right hand with the heart facing the body, it indicates "someone has captured their heart" and that they aren't available.

Solid 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Triple Heart Infinity Ring

 

In the Irish tradition, when the Claddagh ring is worn as an engagement ring or wedding ring, it is worn on the left hand ring finger. If the heart faces outward, it generally means the person is engaged. If the heart faces inward, toward the body, it means the person wearing the ring is married.

The Claddagh ring is traditionally handed down from mother to daughter, a custom that represents our ties with past generations.

 * * *

Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

Thanks so much for being part of our success.

Photo credits: wikimedia