Celtic wedding rings an ancient yet modern choice

Wedding rings have no beginning or end, but as a circle are a symbol of endless love. For couples who want to build on that symbolism, Celtic wedding rings designed around ancient Celtic knots are a popular choice. 

What is a Celtic knot?

Celtic knots are ancient in origin. Some historians argue that Celtic knots can be dated back as far as 500 B.C. but evidence to support this view is scarce. However, evidence is clear that Celtic knots existed as early as the third century A.D. So that's when they started, but what are they and what do they mean?

Celtic knots are composed of complete loops designed with a single thread. That thread has no beginning or end – no loose ends. They symbolize the interconnection of life and eternity. On a wedding band, these loops are said to represent eternal loyalty, faith, friendship or love.The most popular Celtic rings, claddagh rings, are among the earliest rings crafted of gold. Aside from the claddagh ring, wedding rings sporting Celtic knot designs also make popular choices because these knots represent common themes of loyalty, faith, friendship or love.

Claddagh ring meaning

The Claddagh ring design includes two hands holding a heart between them, with a crown above the heart. The hands represent friendship, the heart symbolizes love and the meaning of the crown is loyalty. One of the reasons this ring is so popular is that it can be worn as an engagement ring or a wedding band. As an engagement ring, the claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heart facing outward. Once married, it is worn with the heart facing inward. Traditionally, a claddagh ring is passed from mother to daughter.

Celtic Love Knot Ring

Celtic love knot ring

The love knot is comprised of interlacing knots which represent the love between two people. It is thought that the Celts exchanged these knots similarly to the way we exchange rings today. The Celtic oval knot is one of the oldest designs and perfect for those who want a simple ring design.

Celtic spiral knot

The Celtic spiral knot is a three-sided knot which stands for: water, fire and earth. The spiral itself is considered a sacred symbol which signifies the journey of life as it unfolds and the continuous line design of the spiral knot represents oneness of spirit and unity. Perfect for a new couple as they stand at the threshold of life together. 

Celtic Trinity Wedding Ring

Trinity wedding ring meaning

Christian influence on the Celtic civilization can also been seen in designs like the Trinity knot which is also known as the Triquetra. This is another very popular design choice for modern wedding bands among Christians. The curving lines of the Triquetra represent faith in God with the three points signifying the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When choosing the metal to craft your Celtic wedding ring, if you want to go with tradition you have plenty of leeway in making a choice based on your preference because the ancient Celts wore jewelry crafted from bronze, gold, tin, silver, coral and enamel.

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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.

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