Celtic Engagement Rings: A Romantic Way To Honor Your Ancestry
A Celtic engagement ring is a wonderful way to show your bride how much you love her, while honoring her heritage. Celtic engagement rings come in many styles, some refined and subtle, and some with charming, whimsical design features that make them individual and unforgettable. Finding the perfect Celtic ring can be challenging, though we want to help you make the right decision for your fiance.
If your bride-to-be is of Irish ancestry, you can consider a few key design elements that are recognizable the world over as being unique to the Emerald Isle: Claddagh engagement rings are a perfect example of this. With their romantic symbols (two tiny hands holding a crowned heart) and their symbolic meaning (love and faithfulness), they can be a beautiful, romantic way to show your love for her.
An Irish engagement ring with Claddagh symbolism will incorporate the symbols of the Claddagh, while also fulfilling the traditional requirements of an engagement ring. Often, a Claddagh engagement ring will feature a central diamond in the shape of a heart: the heart will be crowned. Claddagh engagement rings are available in a variety of sizes and often come in yellow or white gold finishes. For true authenticity, your ring should be handcrafted and assayed in Ireland itself.
If the Claddagh is not your preferred style, consider a Trinity Love Knot ring that uses the ancient knot work so prevalent in the Book of Kells, Ireland’s greatest national art treasure. Celtic knot work is intricate: always joined and never-ending. In Celtic lore and mythology, knot work is thought to symbolize eternity; this ties in beautifully with engagement and wedding jewelry. Knot work will flank your diamond, reflecting it’s light, and adding richness and detail to your ring. The history and symbolism of knot work in Celtic designs adds a touch of ancestral beauty and meaning to your Celtic ring; it will become an heirloom that is much-admired.
Celtic engagement rings often feature a solitaire stone in emerald, ruby, or sapphire; precious stones that add a touch of color and fire to the ring itself. If you want to give your fiance a ring that is a little different, a little less expected, consider choosing one of these precious gems, rather than the usual diamond. Emeralds are an excellent choice if your bride-to-be has Irish roots. Although emeralds are not indigenous to Ireland, their rich, green colour is a constant and pleasant reminder of the velvety green grass and soft hills and valleys of the Emerald Isle. Emeralds also look wonderful against a yellow gold setting, giving your ring real visual impact.
Rubies are also a good choice: chosen by royalty for thousands of years, rubies were commonly used in engagement rings in days gone by. You can capture this old-world feel by choosing a stunning, deep-red stone for your Celtic engagement ring.
Sapphires are sophisticated, subtle, and classic: their rich blue colour works very well with a white-gold setting. With some smaller, complementary diamonds to reflect the central stone, your Sapphire Celtic ring will glimmer with mysterious light.
If you are shopping for a wedding band, rather than an engagement ring, you can still enjoy the meaning and intricacy of a Celtic ring. There are many wedding bands that feature Irish script: it is a romantic idea to give your loved one a band engraved with meaningful words, written in the Irish language. An example of an Irish phrase found on wedding bands is: Gra Geal Mo Chroi’, which translates to ‘Love of my Heart’.
As well, many Celtic wedding bands feature engravings of Claddagh symbols or latticework. This latticework is styled after the knot work we discussed above. These features ensure that your ring will have a richly detailed, three-dimensional quality that makes it stand out from the rest. A Celtic wedding band will really highlight your engagement rings as well; some bands have tiny emeralds and diamonds, as well as engravings and inscribings; they will make a solitaire diamond seem even more beautiful.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about Celtic and Irish engagement rings. Be sure and choose a design that is handcrafted and assayed by a reputable company, preferably in Ireland: this authenticity will make your ring a great investment, as well as an object of beauty you will enjoy all through your life.
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