Celtic Engagement Rings

Celtic Pentacle

Celtic Pentacle

What is an Irish Wedding Band?

An Irish wedding band is a design that has its roots set deep in Celtic history. It continues a tradition that has been thousands of years in the making. To avoid confusion, it's useful to know that Irish wedding bands are also referred to as Celtic wedding bands, and are the same thing.

Irish wedding bands are typified by bold construction with elegant flowing designs, or by the symbolic Claddagh, the heart held by two hands. They are most often of silver or white gold construction, but can be made out of any hard metal with the right skills.

The Claddagh is the most famous Irish wedding band, but one of the more recent designs. The first archaeological evidence for this style dates to the 7th century, which coincides with the time that Irish missionaries crossed the sea to Britain. Originally the Claddagh was meant as a friendship ring, but it soon became used for many other reasons to convey thought and meaning.

Another Irish wedding band is the more traditional plain band with Gaelic writing on either the inside our outside. Typical inscriptions include "Gra Dilseacht Cairdeas," which means love, friendship and loyalty, "Gra Go Deo," which means love forever and "Mo Anam Cara," which means soul mate. All three inscriptions lend themselves well to marriage, which is why they are still popular today.

The bolder, more intricate Celtic designs are also used as wedding jewelry. The Celtic knot often features in Irish wedding bands. The continuous knot has no beginning or ending, which is ideal for marriage. It symbolizes the spirit, as it is believed by the Celts to be timeless, having no beginning and no end. Some people also interpret the knot as the cycle of life. From birth, through the knot in life, to death, and round again to rebirth. Whatever the actual meaning, couples can take what they want from Celtic legend and make their jewelry personal to themselves.

The love knot ring is a particular style of Celtic jewelry that's particular to Scotland alone. It's now regarded as traditional Scottish design which was influenced by the Celts when they first populated Britain. It consists of a band, and what looks like a double-reef knot which symbolizes the intertwining of two souls. Again, lending itself well to marriage.

Lesser-known Irish wedding band designs include the Celtic cross and pentacles. The cross features on many architectural designs and on Celtic artifacts other than jewelry. However, some designers have incorporated the cross into their designs to symbolize the four elements of earth, air, fire and water.

Pentacles have a tendency to be viewed as dark and evil. In fact, the origins of the pentacles come directly from Celtic pagan rituals. The five points of the star are again elements, with the addition of spirit to make the fifth. They are interconnected in the design to reflect their interdependency.

There are a few Irish wedding band designs, making the style ideal for finding a personal meaning of your own. The ability to pick and choose a particular provenance and meaning from each style is unique to the Celtic design.

About the Author

Leigh Maher researches and writes about Celtic jewelry, and specialises in Celtic wedding rings, Celtic engagement rings and bridal jewelry. He also writes about wedding traditions, Celtic culture, and Ireland.

www.shoppingarticlesandpieces.com

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