If you happen to be in an Irish jewelry shop and are captivated by a ring featuring a heart-shaped stone topped by a tiara and held on both its sides by two hands, you have reason to be beguiled because that piece of jewelry is what is called a Claddagh ring. This ring is a uniquely Irish symbol incorporating all the factors that make up an enduring relationship. The heart, of course, stands for love. The tiara or crown is a symbol for loyalty and the hands are a symbol for faithful friendship.
If you happen to be in an Irish jewelry shop and are captivated by a ring featuring a heart-shaped stone topped by a tiara and held on both its sides by two hands, you have reason to be beguiled because that piece of jewelry is what is called a Claddagh ring. This ring is a uniquely Irish symbol incorporating all the factors that make up an enduring relationship. The heart, of course, stands for love. The tiara or crown is a symbol for loyalty and the hands are a symbol for faithful friendship.
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
Claddagh rings are appropriate for both genders. You may buy them for your own self or as a gift to people with whom you have strong emotional bonds. They are most appropriate as wedding rings and a wedding is truly special where both bride and groom have Claddagh rings on their fingers.
There is a traditional protocol for the way Claddagh rings are inserted into one’s finger. 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.
You can imagine how wearing your Claddagh ring in the wrong position can cause a great deal of embarrassment for you. In particular, people who are already married should take care to sport the ring in a way that will reveal their true marital status. Otherwise embarrassment and trouble may be waiting ahead.
Beautifully crafted Claddagh rings are inexpensive
There are masterfully crafted yet inexpensive Claddagh jewelry available in live stores. A more convenient way to purchase these rings is over the internet. You can see a fine array of different styles. The heart is frequently made out of semi-precious stones or birth stones. Alternatively, they can be made out of silver or gold. Beautiful silver rings can be yours for less than $100. For 14 k gold rings, you may need to spend around $300.
A few days away from Valentine’s Day, why not gift yourself and/or your loved one with a Claddagh ring there are both gold and silver versions of this piece of jewelry. You can select ones that are set with semi-precious stones. On the other hand, there are diamond rings for truly special Valentine celebrations. In any case, it is the meaningfulness of this symbol for Valentine’s Day that makes the Claddagh ring one of the best gifts to present on that day.
