Collection: Traditional Irish rings

Traditional Irish rings

Would you like to purchase one of the traditional Irish rings? If so, then this article will give you all the details you need, and I am certain that you will have a lot of fun reading this.

The Claddagh ring (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh), a traditional Irish ring, symbolizes three things: love, loyalty, and friendship. The heart symbolizes love, the crown stands for loyalty, and the two clasped hands symbolize friendship.

If you're looking for a unique and beautifully designed ring, then an Irish ring might just be the perfect choice for you. These traditional Irish rings are full of enchanting history and romantic meaning. They feature intricate details, and no matter what the occasion, they will always make an impression.

Traditional Irish Rings: What Are They?

Claddagh rings are traditional Irish rings resembling a pair of hands, a heart, and a crown in their design. The symbol represents the union of three elements: loyalty, love, and friendship. According to tradition, this ring can be worn as a promise ring, friendship ring, engagement ring, or wedding ring, depending on how the fine jewelry piece is worn. 

The Claddagh ring can be set with precious or semi-precious stones today, but originally they were crafted from a single precious metal. The Ahida Ring is a beautiful example of a traditional Claddagh ring, as it is entirely made of a stunning 14 karat white gold.

The Meaning Behind the Irish Ring 

An Irish ring is a combination of three elements that represent loyalty, love, and friendship. There is a regal crown that represents loyalty, a heart that symbolizes love, and hands that represent friendship. This is the reason the Claddagh ring is still given today as a token of friendship because of the significance of these elements.

Additionally, it is used as a symbol of romance. The style of this ring can be worn as a promise ring, wedding ring, or engagement ring depending on the way the heart stone is turned. This ring is truly the perfect gift to give to a friend, lover, or family member. 

This is the ring you should consider—there is no wrong choice when it comes to this ring.

Many tourists purchase Claddagh rings as souvenirs of their Irish vacations, or as recognition of their Irish ancestry.  Some Claddagh rings even include a Celtic knot to symbolize the Irish roots of the ring. 

The History of Traditional Irish Rings

In Ireland, Irish jewelry has a long and colorful history, dating back to before Christ, at least 300 BC. As a result, its design and the materials used in its initial incarnation were very simplistic, but the creative nature of the Irish was evident. They set out to make something that would result in some of the most treasured pieces of modern-day jewelry.

The world was introduced to a variety of animals and icons made of wood during the Stone Age, but the dawn of the Bronze Age and the dawn of the Iron Age gave birth to our true creative flair. In light of the new resources we now had, we were able to make more visually appealing and intricate pieces. This trend only intensified as gold, silver, and precious stones became the materials of choice for the wealthy, and in turn, a wide variety of eye-catching creations began to take shape.

This is what gave birth to the distinctive and familiar Celtic designs that we love and know so well today. We have all heard of the Tara brooch, the Cross of Cong, and even the Book of Kells, which contains many classic traditional Irish jewelry pieces, which were meticulously documented by Irish monks who, as it turns out, are also responsible for many of our famous Celtic designs of today.

The Vikings' plundering of Irish treasures and towns pillaged and destroyed for their gold and jewels to trade or bring back to Scandinavia began around 795. Even though the Irish suffered far less plunder than the English and the Scots.  However, Irish jewelry continued to flourish and today we are delighted to still cherish the famous Tara Brooch, Celtic Cross jewelry, Claddagh rings, and Saint Brigid's Crosses, as well as many other now world-famous pieces. The Celtic jewelry of the present day still owes its beautiful designs to the original designs from the Celtic era. Today, you will find that many of the stunning gifts that you see in store windows and on the internet are almost the same as they used to be.

Make it an Irish ring, but with gemstones.

In contrast to the traditional Irish rings, which were made from only precious metals, modern Irish rings are often embellished with bright gemstones. A traditional Irish ring adorned with emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, peridots, or green gems would be a beautiful choice that pays homage to the jewelry's Irish origins.  

If you are thinking about buying an Irish ring for someone special, a birthstone is always a great choice. If you want to show your loved ones how much you care about them, give them a jewelry piece that is designed with their birthstone as part of the design.

How to Wear Your Irish Ring

The Irish ring stands out from other fine jewelry pieces because there are specific ways you should wear your ring. Your current relationship status determines how you wear your traditional Irish rings. This means the Irish ring is the perfect conversation starter for your single friend looking for a date. 

Traditional Irish Rings for Singles 

If you are single and available, wear an Irish ring on your right hand with the point of the heart facing outwards. By doing this, you show your heart is looking for love.

Traditional Irish Rings as Promise Rings

When you are wearing the Irish ring on your right hand, the tip of the heart points towards you if your heart belongs to someone special. This signifies that your heart has been captured.

Traditional Irish Rings for Engagement

You can also use your Irish ring as an engagement ring if you so desire. If you are engaged, you should wear your ring on your left hand with the heart facing outwards.

Traditional Irish Rings for Marriage

The Irish traditional ring has the unique ability to serve as both an engagement ring and a wedding ring at the same time. After you have been married, you keep the ring on your left hand but turn it around so that the heart points inward.

A Guide to Traditional Irish Wedding Rings

There is an increase in the number of brides and grooms who are turning to traditional themed weddings as their big day approaches. As they plan their big day, they are seeking ways in which Irish traditions can be incorporated into the occasion.

In my opinion, there is no better way to celebrate your Irish roots than in the one piece of the wedding you will hold onto for the rest of your life; the wedding band!

It's Time to Pick Up the Metal

It is very important to think about the type of metal you want to go for when picking your band and while both silver and platinum are becoming increasingly popular, there is nothing more traditional than a gold ring. It is a common misconception that you must pair gold with gold, and platinum with platinum, but this is not always the case. Mixing and matching different metals can look just as quirky and stylish, so don't be afraid to experiment.

Choosing Your Design

It is essential to do research into symbolism and mythology before making your decision on the design of your traditional Irish wedding ring!

The Trinity Knot

A unique design that is becoming more and more popular among couples is the Trinity knot or Triquetra which represents the Holy Trinity for a more religious couple, or it can be a symbol of eternal love that runs through the three stages of life. The Trinity Knot is a true symbol of Ireland's ancient culture, from the Druids through to the early 1900s, no matter how the wearer perceives its meaning.

The Tree of Life

One of the popular designs is the Tree of Life, which is another example of ancient Irish culture connecting the wearer with nature, as well as symbolizing purity, peace, and love. Although it is a very traditional symbol, it is a great one for the more bohemian bride or groom.

The Celtic Cross ring

The Celtic Cross is a perfect style if what you are looking for is a more spiritual ring. St. Patrick is said to have designed the cross which depicts the Christian cross in front of the sun, which is believed to connect us with the Heavens and Earth and help us to live eternally as it is believed to provide many life-giving properties.

The Claddagh ring

The most popular is the classic Claddagh ring, which combines the three symbols of friendship, love, and loyalty into one ring. This style of ring is believed to have originated in County Galway over 300 years ago when it was first used as a wedding band. The Claddagh ring is now considered to be the true symbol of love on the Emerald Isle.

Gemstone

Although traditional Irish wedding bands are traditionally plain metal, some contain diamonds or even mixed gemstones to give them a more authentic Celtic feel. When it comes to keeping your jewelry as true as possible to Irish traditions, the best way is to use the gemstones found on the island itself.

It is thought that aquamarine is a treasure for mermaids and sailors, and it represents calm, peace, and balance. This stone was found in Northern Ireland. When it comes to the color of the sea, its hue makes it a perfect addition to a gold or platinum band.

Could it be possible to think about Ireland without referring to it as the Emerald Isle? Emerald beryls are one of the more common gemstones to be found on the island of Madeira. Emerald Beryls are believed to contribute to the guidance and clarity of a marriage as well as offer natural healing properties.

There is a green gemstone from the island you can use that is relatively close in color to emerald and is said to bring balance to the individual's emotions and mind. The closest green gemstone to emerald you can find on the island is peridot, a stone known to bring health, love harmony, and peace. If you're interested in an additional gemstone that's native to the island or is woven into the traditions of the country, there are many other choices to choose from, but whatever you decide to choose, adding a splash of color to your ring can make the difference.

Finding Your Perfect Design

Every couple wants their wedding ring to be perfect, and while some jewelers specialize in traditional Irish rings or Celtic rings, finding the perfect ring for you can be a bit more difficult. Is there too much choice out there? It would make sense to mix it up and design a ring that includes multiple layers of Irish symbolism or traditions. There are so many ways in which you can elevate a simple Claddagh ring, such as adding the Trinity knot on the band or adding a Celtic Cross with emeralds. Regardless of the choice that you make, personalizing your ring can be a great way to not only promote tradition but also express your individuality and taste.

Here are some top tips to take with you on the day:

  1. Establish a budget and stick to it! Make sure that you and your partner talk about how much each of you would like to spend and that you are both prepared.
  2. It's time to get sized up! Please ensure that your hands are not too hot or too cold when you are sizing your fingers, as this may mean that you will need to exchange or resize your ring before the big day. Moreover, it is also a good idea to pick your ring a few months before your big day to allow for ring size changes.
  3. I would recommend you speak to the jeweler and let him or her know exactly what you are looking for. The company has been in the business for a long time, so they will give you some expert advice and can help you with everything from metals, colors, or even shapes!
  4. Please take your time! It does not state anywhere that you must pick the first ring that you see in the first shop that you visit. As it is a piece of jewelry you will wear for the rest of your life, you want to make sure that it is a ring that is exactly right for you.
  5. After you have chosen the perfect ring, why not browse through some matching pieces that will compliment the piece you have chosen? While you are getting a custom ring, why not design some custom earrings or a necklace at the same time? If you prefer, why not choose an Irish hair clip, an item that is both practical and chic all at the same time?

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