Irish Wedding Rings - Beautifully unique symbols of love
Irish wedding rings, also known as the Claddagh ring, are jewelry that is popular among both ladies and gents and are worn in place of a traditional band. They come in a variety of stylish and unusual designs and unique patterns which include beautiful spirals, knot work, and different geometric shapes and designs. They are made in metal types such as gold, silver or platinum. People usually choose to wear Irish wedding rings as a sign of marriage or engagement and the bands are passed down among generations.
The distinctive feature of the ring is that it has two hands which clasp a heart that is surmounted by a crown. The crown on Irish wedding rings represents loyalty and the hands on the ring represent friendship. The heart of course represents love. There is a special way that Irish wedding rings are meant to be worn. The way that Irish wedding rings are worn usually signify the indication of the availability of the person who is wearing it. If a person wears the ring on their right hand with the heart facing outward, it means that the person is available and not in any kind of serious relationship, meaning their heart is open. If the person wears the ring towards the hand, it means they are in a serious relationship and their heart is closed. When Irish wedding rings are worn on the left hand with the hands toward the heart, it is an indicator of marriage. If it is worn the other way, it indicates that the person is engaged.
The popular and historical legend that surrounds Irish wedding rings is actually very romantic. It is the tale of a man named Richard Joyce who lived in Galway, Ireland. He left his hometown to work in the West Indies and was intended to be married later that week. On his way though, his ship was captured and he was sold as a slave to a goldsmith. With his new master, he was trained for his craft. After William III became king, he demanded the release of all British from the Moors and Richard Joyce was freed. The goldsmith that he worked for became very fond of him and offered Joyce not only his daughter but half of his wealth if he would stay with him, but Joyce declined the offer because he wanted to return home to start his search for his true love. During his time there, he forged a ring as a symbol of his love for his love who was waiting for him to return and upon his return, he gave her the ring and married her. Thus began the tradition of Irish wedding rings.