Irish Wedding Bands: Celtic or Claddagh Style?

Celtic and Claddagh are both very popular forms of Irish Jewelry. This is especially true for wedding rings. In fact, many people find it hard to make a choice between Celtic and Claddagh wedding rings, which both speaks of elegance, beauty, symbolic meanings, and deep connection to Irish culture and heritage.

If you cannot decide which of the two to choose, here are some pieces of vital information that will help you make a good choice.

Celtic rings: Meaning, Symbolism

If there is one thing Celtic rings are known for, it is probably the intricate and beautiful patterns and knot works that come with these pieces of Irish jewelry. Celtic wedding rings come in a wide variety of knot designs, some of which include circular, angular, and spiral.

Circular knots depict eternity and permanence because of the unending cycle found in this pattern. These two elements are important representation of everlasting love and marriage. Angular knots meanwhile illustrate stability, foundation, and strength, which are virtues crucial for any marital relationship.

Trinity knots carry ancient Celtic tradition in its pattern, which is ideal to imbibe into a couple’s married life. Smooth and flowing designs suggest harmony, comfort and peace, all of which are vital to a couple’s relationship.

Celtic rings will be highly appreciated by people who give utmost significance to deep symbolic meanings especially those that encompass marriage values such as love, trust, harmony, comfort, peace, stability, foundation, strength and so on.

Celtic rings are also a good choice for couples who admire the artistic intricacy of the woven knot work. People who love elaborate designs on their jewelry would also be suitable for this type of jewelry.

Claddagh rings: Historical Tradition

Claddagh rings, on the other hand, are very popular because of the romantic legend that surrounds its historical background. The legend tells us that the very first Claddagh ring ever created was by Richard Joyce, a native of Galway. Joyce was captured by the Algerians and was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. The goldsmith taught Joyce everything he needed to know about jewelry making.

Joyce then created the first Claddagh ring as a symbol of love and dedication for his sweetheart whom he left in Galway. When William III ordered for the release of all Moorish slaves in 1689, the goldsmith offered Joyce portion of his wealth and the hand of his daughter for marriage just so he would stay with them.

Joyce said no to the riches and chose to go back to his beloved whom he married eventually. This romantic story and the promise of undying love make Claddagh rings widely admired all over the world even up to now.

Claddagh wedding bands are a popular choice for sentimental couples who admire the amorous love story behind these rings. It is also suitable for brides and grooms who want to be inspired by Richard Joyce’s pledge of eternal love.

More tip on choosing Irish wedding bands:

Once you have decided whether to get a Celtic or a Claddagh ring, the next thing you have to do is to plan your purchase. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

1. Choose metal for the band. For the metal, you have the choice among silver, yellow gold, white gold and platinum. Platinum is the most expensive but it is also the most durable. Yellow gold and white gold are generally hardwearing and they are less expensive than platinum. Silver is the least expensive metal and is the the most flexible.

2. Get the right fit. The size of the ring is an important consideration when buying because you would not want to get something that is too tight or too loose.

3. Shop online. The cyber market is a great place for buying Celtic and Claddagh rings. Make sure you only rely on a reputable online store that has a secure website and an efficient customer service.

4. Decide whether to get a matching pair or not. This will have to depend on whether you and your partner can agree on a certain style and design of the ring. For example, if the bride wants to have diamond studs on the ring but the groom does not, then it would be a good idea not to get matching pairs.

5. Set a budget. Allocating a reasonable budget for your wedding ring will help you avoid overspending. Also, do not forget to shop around because there are many great deals on Irish jewelry out there, especially on the Internet.

Whether you choose Claddagh or Celtic wedding rings, the important thing is that you imbibe the values and symbolic meanings of these rings into your married life and that you pledge to eternal love for better or for worse.