What Does Your Irish Wedding Band Say: Claddagh
Julie | November 22, 2008
The Claddagh is recognized the world over as an Irish symbol for Love, Loyalty, and Friendship. The motto of the Claddagh is “Let Love and Friendship Reign”. Each part of the Claddagh has a different meaning. The Heart stands for Love, the Crown stands for Loyalty, and the Hands represent Friendship. Together in one beautiful ring, and you have the three most important attributes of any relationship or marriage.
While there are a couple of different schools of thought on the origination of the Claddagh ring, the most likely attributes the design to Richard Joyce who lived in the village of Claddagh, which would now be Galway City, Ireland.
Claddagh Rings and Wedding Bands are available in a variety of different styles as well as metal types. You can generally choose from sterling silver, yellow gold, white gold, and even platinum. There is also another deviation of the Claddagh ring - one that does not have a crown. Some Irish Nationalists believed that the Crown was too strong a representation of England, and the Claddagh ring and symbol began to appear without the Crown. However, this version of the Claddagh ring never proved as popular as the original.
Don’t forget that you’ll want to wear your Claddagh Wedding Band correctly. See our article on How to Wear the Claddagh Ring for more information.
