Celtic Wedding Jewelry

Do you have Irish ancestry? Or are you instinctively drawn to the images, traditions and culture of that beautiful land we call the 'Emerald Isle'? If so, you will have a fascination with the designs and symbolism of Celtic wedding jewelry. Many of today's wedding couples are charmed by the mysterious appeal of Celtic jewelry and choose diamond, platinum or gold wedding rings with ancient Irish motifs to celebrate their love on their special day.

The tradition of Celtic wedding jewelry is a romantic heritage that dates back centuries. Celtic rings are made in gold, platinum or silver - and like other types of wedding ring can be decorated with diamonds or other stones. You'll find many of the same symbols and designs that appear on these wedding bands and pendants in ancient manuscripts, crosses and carvings. The meaning of some of these patterns is lost in the mists of time - but many believe they have special connections to the elements and Mother Nature herself. Wedding couples find the spiritual associations of ring motifs such as the various knots particularly appealing.

One of the most appealing features of Celtic designs is that they are so old! While there are many symbols that people interpret in their own ways, scholars debate over the true origin and meaning of the shapes and imagery that we associate with Celtic art. There are legends and stories that accompany some of these - for example, the history of the Claddagh ring. And just as the unending circle of the wedding band itself represents an an eternal bond, so motifs found in Celtic wedding jewelry carry spiritual associations that are connected with both Christian and pagan beliefs.

Knot designs are found throughout Celtic art and its jewelry. A favorite example of a Celtic knot used in many wedding ring designs is the Trinity Knot. In this motif, a single coil winds around itself in a triangular pattern that can be taken to represent the Christian mystery of the Trinity: God in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. And like the ring, the endless evokes the spirit of eternity.

Knots and other intricate interweaving patterns and plaits adorn items found by archaeologists, and we can still see them today decorating stone crosses and ancient manuscripts. There is a fragment of a Book of Gospels in Durham Cathedral that dates from the 7th century, and the famous Book of Kells is another example of a manuscript richly illuminated by monks from around the same period.

The Claddagh ring takes its name from a village near Galway in Ireland. There are many stories that surround the familiar image of two hands clasping a heart, surmounted by a fleur de lys or crown. One of these legends, dating back to the 17th century, tells the story of an Irish sailor was captured by pirates and sold into slavery. After many adventures he was apprenticed to a Moorish goldsmith where he learnt his new craft. Eventually he found his freedom, and returned home to find his sweetheart and present her with a ring he had made during his captivity.

Tradition has it that before courting begins, the Claddagh ring is worn on the right hand with the heart pointing outwards. When the wearer enters a relationship or becomes engaged, the ring is turned round so that the heart points inward. After marriage, the ring moves to the left hand - again, with the heart pointing inward.

Claddagh wedding rings are often made of gold or white gold, platinum or silver and can be worn by men or women alike. They may be decorated with diamonds or a birthstone. And the Claddagh design can also be found on other wedding jewelry such as earrings or pendants.