Womens Jewelry

Getting engaged symbolizes ones commitment to another. And the engagement ring is the perfect symbol of lifelong love. A unique engagement ring which expresses loyalty and friendship is the Irish Claddagh ring.

The Claddagh ring began in a small fishing village called the Claddagh in Ireland nearly 300 years ago. The word Claddagh itself comes from the Irish term ‘An Cladach’ that means a ‘flat stony shore’. This village was beautiful with winding streets and small mud houses with thatched roofs. The Claddagh ring is the most culturally rich piece of jewelry ever recorded in history. The design of the Claddagh ring and the way the ring is worn are deeply rooted in Irish tradtion.

The basic meaning and significance of the Irish Claddagh ring can be summarized as, “Let love and friendship reign forever.” The hands of the ring are shown holding the heart and the hands denote friendship and togetherness. The heart itself signifies love and the crown in the Claddagh ring stands for loyalty. It is this meaning of the Claddagh rings that make them an ideal choice as an engagement ring or wedding band. The ring is used for other celebrations such as Mother’s Day or as friendship rings. The deep and true meaning of the Irish Claddagh rings has also put them into a group of rings referred to as faith. In today’s materialistic world where love, friendship and loyalty are becoming increasingly rarer by the day, the Claddagh ring with it’s realistic and worthy meaning makes an ideal gift to give and to receive.

The Claddagh ring is one of the most popular Irish Wedding Rings. Traditionally the ring is passed down from a mother to her daughter. Today this Irish traditional ring is popular in many countries as a wedding ring or an engagement ring. If the ring is worn on the left hand with the crown pointing away from the heart of the person wearing the ring, then that person is engaged or married. For a person willing to consider love the ring is worn on the right hand with the crown pointing away from the heart. For a person not interested in starting a relationship, the Claddagh ring is worn on the right hand with the crown pointing towards the heart.

So consider a Claddagh ring for your engagement and bring even more of a deeper meaning and significance for your wedding.

For more information about Claddagh engagement rings, visit http://www.leftringfinger.com.