To anyone with a drop of Irish blood, these rings tell the stories of a thousand years gone by, when Erin was largely unknown and avoided by other Europeans, occupied by a fierce warrior-race known for their ruthlessness in battle. When St. Patrick used a shamrock to teach the Gaelic-speaking Celts the concept of the Holy Trinity, thus converting the warlike race to Christianity, the world opened up to Ireland; the rich ancestral craftsmanship of the people of Erin captured the admiration of all Europe. Seeing the beauty of the Celtic engagement ring, and the loving sentiments that they express, these rings have grown steadily in popularity.
The Irish take their ornamentations very seriously, and their jewelry is no exception. An unwritten rule is that if jewelry of Irish design isn't made in Ireland, it isn't "real." Counties Killarney, Shannon, Kildare and Meath specialize in handcrafted, custom-designed Celtic engagement rings. Thus, most couples who choose this ring find exactly what they're looking for on Irish internet sites and in specialty jewelry stores owned by first or second generation Irish jewelers.
Varieties of Celtic Engagement Rings
In many cases, a Celtic engagement ring doubles as a wedding band. The determining factor is how the ring is worn. The most popular design for a Celtic engagement ring is the Claddagh; this is the national symbol of the Republic of Ireland. The Claddagh design consists of a heart surrounded by two hands, topped with a crown above the heart. The design symbolizes a loving and faithful heart, welcoming hands, and the nobility of the proud people of Erin. It is considered "bad form" for someone not of Irish heritage to wear the Claddagh symbol that is found throughout Irish jewelry. With a ring that bears the Claddagh sign, if a woman wears the ring with the heart turned inwards, this means that she is unmarried. Once married, an Irish bride turns the ring so that the Claddagh faces outwards, a symbol to the world that her heart has been given in marriage.
Claddagh Celtic engagement rings are available in a large variety of designs, with the Claddagh carved into a white or yellow gold band. Traditionally, if gemstones are set into the ring, they should be either emeralds, clear diamonds or green Connemara marble. Claddagh rings are meant to be beautiful but simple and enduring, the Irish view of marriage itself. The Claddagh must always be placed in the center of the ring.
Another very lovely and popular Celtic engagement ring and/or wedding band is the Irish Knot design. The twisting and turning of the two "threads" of the knot symbolize the many paths that life can take some joyful, and some painful. Yet the knot remains constant, two people following the paths of life together. Many Irish women wear both the Irish Knot and the intricate St. Bridget's Cross as a combination of a Celtic engagement ring and a wedding ring.
Since Celtic engagement rings offer such a unique blend of history, tradition, and symbolism, both brides and grooms often wear a simple yellow gold band with the Gaelic words Mo Anam Cara etched into the band. Among the ancient and modern people of Erin, there is no sentiment more significant between a man and a woman; the words mean "My Spirit Mate." When the Anam Cara ring is placed upon the finger of a bride or groom, it must never be removed, even in death; to do so would break the eternal spiritual bond between husband and wife.
If you wish to proudly proclaim your Irish ancestry with a Celtic engagement ring, you can choose from a variety of styles that speak of your love and commitment to your mate. Erin Go Braugh! (Ireland Forever!)
or more information from Brian Welsch about Celtic engagement ring check Rings for engagement.com
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