Article  Claddagh Wedding Rings: Symbols of Love and Friendship Claddagh wedding rings signify Irish traditions and symbols of love. Its design usually consists of two hands holds a heart and topped with a crown. It means, “With these hands, I give you my heart and I crown it with my love”. Some marrying couples use the Claddagh design for their wedding rings. This Claddagh design is also called a Fede ring. Fede (from mani in fede) means hands in trust or hands in faith. This is the reason why these designs are chosen for Celtic engagement rings and Celtic wedding rings. There are a lot of legends surrounding the origins of the Claddagh wedding ring. One story tells the tale of Margaret Joyce of The Tribes of Galway. She married Domingo de Rona, a Spanish merchant, who died all too suddenly. When she returned to Ireland from Spain, she married Oliver Og French, the mayor of Galway. When her first husband died, she inherited a lot of money, which she used to have bridges built in Connacht, Ireland. Because of her charitable intentions, an eagle flies to her and drops a Claddagh ring on her lap, which served as her reward. There’s another story of a prince fell in love with a common maid. To prove his love for the woman, he designed and created a ring with a hand surrounded by hands and topped with a crown. When the woman’s father hears the symbolism and explanation of the prince, he gave his blessings to his daughter and the prince. Another legend says that Richard Joyce, of Galway and the Joyce clan, left to find work in the West Indies. He promised his love he would come back and marry her. But his ship was captured and he became a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. He was sent to Algiers and trained to become a goldsmith. When William III became king, he ordered the release of all British prisoners, including Mr. Joyce. Richard Joyce was set free and he came back to his love. During his time with the Moors, he produced a ring that spoke of his love for the woman. When he went back, he presented the ring to her and they were married. The way a person wears the Claddagh wedding ring or engagement ring can mean different things. If the ring is worn on the left ring finger and the heart points away from the body, it means they’re engaged. But if the heart points toward the body, that means they’re married. If the ring is on the right ring finger, and pointing away from the body, that means they’re single. If the heart points toward body on the right ring finger, that means they’re in a committed relationship. Claddagh wedding rings are available in a lot of designs and materials. The Claddagh design can be combined with other wedding ring designs. You could have the Claddagh design surrounded by the Trinity knot in a white or yellow gold band. Or have it designed with either a yellow or white gold trim. Gemstones can also be added to the Claddagh wedding rings, in the center or small ones adorned throughout the entire band. These rings can be made of several materials: platinum, titanium, solid sterling silver and gold. Some people can also combine these materials into one ring. Some Claddagh wedding rings have a two-sided heart to show the other side. Some people have inscriptions engraved on the wedding band. Some choose to have “Mo Anam Cara” (My Soul Mate) engraved on it. No matter what design a person chooses for their Claddagh wedding ring or engagement ring, it only says one thing: love, friendship and loyalty. Having it done in a special way is just icing on the cake! Category Shopping Author Anonymous Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (0) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On 10-16-2009