A Timeless Tradition: The History of Gift-Giving Jewelry on Valentine’s Day

February 2, 2023February 2, 2023 ~ The Irish Jewelry Company ~ Leave a comment

Valentine’s Day is a holiday dedicated to celebrating love and affection between intimate partners. It is a time for couples to express their feelings for each other through various gestures, including gift-giving. Jewelry has become a popular gift for Valentine’s Day as it represents a timeless symbol of love, commitment, and devotion. In this article, we will explore the origins of gift-giving jewelry such as a Claddagh ring on Valentine’s Day.

The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the holiday was celebrated as a festival of love in mid-February. During this time, couples would exchange gifts, including jewelry, to express their feelings for each other. The custom of exchanging gifts on Valentine’s Day was later adopted by the Christian church and became associated with the feast of St. Valentine, a Christian martyr.

The use of jewelry as a symbol of love and commitment on Valentine’s Day dates back to the medieval era. During this time, knights and lords would present their sweethearts with gifts of jewelry, such as rings and necklaces, to symbolize their love and devotion. This practice was popularized by the courtly love tradition, in which knights would woo their ladies with gifts and romantic gestures.

Jewelry became even more popular as a gift for Valentine’s Day during the Renaissance when the art of jewelry-making reached new heights. During this time, goldsmiths and jewelers created intricate and beautiful pieces of jewelry to symbolize love and commitment. This tradition of giving jewelry as a symbol of love and commitment on Valentine’s Day was later adopted by the upper classes, and it soon became a popular custom among the general population.

The tradition of gift-giving jewelry on Valentine’s Day continued to evolve over the centuries. Today, jewelry remains a popular gift for Valentine’s Day, and couples continue to exchange gifts of jewelry such as the Claddagh ring to symbolize their love and commitment. From simple, elegant pieces, to elaborate and elaborate jewelry sets, there are countless options available for couples looking to express their feelings for each other.

One of the most popular types of jewelry given on Valentine’s Day is the Claddagh ring. Claddagh Rings are a timeless symbol of love and commitment, and they can reflect the individual tastes and styles of the couple. Claddagh rings can range from simple, classic styles, to more elaborate and intricate designs, and they are a popular choice for couples who are looking to express their love and commitment on Valentine’s Day.

Another popular gift for Valentine’s Day is a piece of jewelry that incorporates a heart-shaped design, such as a heart-shaped pendant or charm. These heart pendants can incorporate Irish symbols such as the Claddagh and the Trinity Knot known as the Love knot. We recommend affordable jewelry styles like our Aran Claddagh Hear Pendant and Out Irish Love Knot Heart Pendant. This type of jewelry is a perfect expression of love and affection, and it is a timeless and classic choice for Valentine’s Day.

Finally, couples may choose to exchange matching pieces of jewelry, such as rings also called couples rings, bracelets, or necklaces, to symbolize their love and commitment to each other. Matching jewelry is a popular choice for couples who are looking to express their unity and partnership on Valentine’s Day.

In conclusion, the tradition of gift-giving jewelry especially Irish jewelry on Valentine’s Day has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to ancient Rome. Irish and Celtic Jewelry has always been a popular gift for Valentine’s Day, as it represents a timeless symbol of love, commitment, and devotion. Whether couples choose to exchange a simple piece of jewelry or a more elaborate set, the act of giving jewelry on Valentine’s Day is a timeless expression of love and affection.

How to Select the Proper Claddagh Ring

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Dublin’sValentine’s Day Connection

January 19, 2023January 19, 2023 ~ The Irish Jewelry Company ~ Leave a comment

The city of Dublin serves as the capital of the Irish Republic and is located on the east coast of Ireland at the mouth of the River Liffey. Home to Dublin Castle built in the 13th century and the towering St. Patrick’s Cathedral was established in 1191. Both of these structures are considered historic buildings. St. Stephen’s Green and the enormous Phoenix Park, which is home to Dublin Zoo, are both examples of city parks in Dublin. The National Museum of Ireland is dedicated to examining the history and culture of Ireland. But did you know Dublin is also the home of St. Valentine’s relics where engaged couples venture to get their wedding bands, hopefully, Celtic wedding rings blessed?

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church towers over Dublin City Center. Thousands pass it regularly, yet we bet most don’t know the building’s renowned historical personality. You’d probably answer Saint Patrick, but it’s another Saint you generally don’t identify with within Ireland. It is Saint Valentino the patron saint of lovers!

Where exactly in Dublin might one find the remains of Saint Valentine?

Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin is home to the relics of Saint Valentine, who was executed for his faith and later beheaded. Every year on February 14 and in the days and weeks preceding Valentine’s Day, tourists swarm to the shrine of St. Valentine which is located in the Carmelite Church on Whitefriar Street in Dublin.

A Look Back at the Origins of Valentine’s Day

Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who was executed in the year 270 A.D. for marrying couples against the wishes of the emperor, who had prohibited marriage in order to ensure that he had enough men to maintain his troops strong. Saint Valentine is known as the patron saint of love as well as beekeepers.

A couple of hundred years later, on February 14th, a feast day was established in honor of Saint Valentine by Pope Clement V. However, it wasn’t until much later that St. Valentine’s Day became so closely connected with romantic love.

On Valentine’s Day in the 18th century, our friends from North America promoted the practice of exchanging modest gifts, chocolates, and letters with one another. The adoption of this method did not occur in Ireland for another approximately hundred years.

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a secular holiday all throughout the world, and the custom of celebrating the day with greeting cards, presents, and other expressions of love is widespread.

But how did Ireland come to be identified with Saint Valentine, who is considered to be the patron saint of love?

The History of Saint Valentine’s Arrival in Dublin

In the year 1835, the Irish Carmelite priest known as Father John Spratt was given the opportunity to preach in Rome. Because the villagers were so impressed with his oratory, the Pope bestowed upon him a number of unusual symbols of gratitude, one of which was a collection of holy relics. After returning to Dublin, Father Spratt presented these presents to Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Whitefriar Street. The church is located in Dublin. There are even presents that have Saint Valentine’s own preserved heart!

Relics of this kind are revered by those who follow a religion. And despite the fact that a sacred heart would seem like an item that would be difficult to misplace, this relic was misplaced and wasn’t found again until the 1940s. The heart is currently kept in a prominent location in the Church, where it is guarded by a golden box and can be viewed by anybody who is interested.

Valentine’s Day Blessing of the Rings

And to this very day, on February 14 of each year, betrothed couples in love continue to visit the chapel in order to get a unique and special “blessing of the rings” for their wedding.

Irish Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Perhaps this year you won’t be able to make it to St. Valentine’s Basilica, but you can still celebrate the romantic holiday by giving your loved one a thoughtful Irish gift steeped in meaning and tradition instead. Even the most difficult-to-please Valentine’s heart may be won over by one of the many exquisitely designed pieces of romantic Irish jewelry that we have available in our large collection.

Why the Claddagh Ring makes a great Valentine’s Day Gift

The Claddagh is a hallmark of Irish culture that may be found all over the world. The Claddagh ring is the ultimate symbol of enduring love and affection. One of the most popular choices for a promise ring is the Irish Claddagh, which was designed after the ancient Roman “Fede” and medieval Gimmel rings. Love is represented by the heart, friendship is represented by the hands, and loyalty is represented by the crown.

Tell Mom Happy Mother’s Day in Irish

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Amethyst: February Birthstone Meaning and History

January 17, 2023 ~ The Irish Jewelry Company ~ Leave a comment

Even though February is in the middle of winter and can be rather chilly, it is still the month to show love to one another. The birthstone for February is amethyst, which stands for the love and passion of the season. Amethyst, the February birthstone, is a type of quartz that is purple. It is claimed to keep one from becoming intoxicated and makes one more quick-witted in the workplace. The term amethyst originates from the Greek word “amethystos,” which translates to “not inebriated.” The amethyst gemstone is associated with healing and calmness.

The Amethyst: It’s Meaning as a Birthstone…

Amethyst is the birthstone for February, and it represents:

Knowledge and comprehension
Love, passion, and creative endeavors
Honed intellect

The Many Colors and Varieties of Amethyst

Gemstones made of amethyst are renowned for the stunning array of purple tones that they can display. The amethyst color pallet consists of a wide range of purple hues, from delicate lilacs to charming violets and even powerful royal purples. Citrine, the birthstone for November, is a member of the quartz family, whereas amethyst is a type of quartz. There is an interesting combination of amethyst and citrine that is called ametrine, and it may be found in nature. The hue of ametrine is a blending of the characteristic purple of amethyst with the golden sheen of citrine.

The Amethyst Throughout History

Gemstones have been held in high regard by illustrious communities and civilizations for a very long time, making them the subject of a great number of stories and myths. In the past, amethyst was mostly exported from Russia; however, nowadays, this gemstone is primarily extracted from mines in both South America and Africa.

So why is amethyst so special and how it became the February birthstone?

Amethyst was connected with Bacchus, the Roman deity of wine, by the Romans. However, it was said that Saint Valentine, the patron Saint of love whose Feast day is in February, wore an amethyst ring with a sculpted Cupid on it. The amethyst sits atop the Sovereign’s Sceptre with a Cross, which is part of England’s Crown Jewels collection. On the other hand, tarot cards and psychic readings frequently make use of amethyst.

Care of the Amethyst

Gemstones made of amethyst are prone to shattering when subjected to unexpected shifts in temperature, and they run the danger of losing their color when subjected to high temperatures. Since amethyst can lose its color if it is exposed to light, you should always keep your amethyst birthstone jewelry in a dark place while it is not being worn.

Amethysts, like the majority of precious stones, should be kept in a separate location so that they do not scrape each other or become scratched. Keep the components in a box with a lining or in a soft pouch. The best way to maintain the luster of your amethyst birthstone jewelry is to clean it with a gentle cleanser under warm running water.

Go Shopping for Some Amethyst Jewelry

Amethyst is the birthstone for February, so be sure to look for jewelry featuring this gem. This lovely, lilac gemstone sparkles with sterling silver and gold with a cool tone, and it is appropriate for royalty when set in settings that also contain accent stones all around it. We have an outstanding assortment of amethyst necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings that you can shop through to discover the perfect piece of amethyst jewelry to complement your unique sense of style.

Amethyst Necklaces

The radiant purple color of amethyst symbolizes a joyous celebration of love. Find the ideal amethyst birthstone necklace to wear around your neck and keep it near to your cherished memories.

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Amethyst Earrings

Get swept away by the calming beauty of the month of February’s birthstone, the amethyst. Find amethyst earrings that sparkle in a variety of shapes, including amethyst studs, and amethyst drop earrings.

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Amethyst Rings

The essence of carefree romance is captured in our Claddagh Birthstone Ring in sparkling CZ and sterling silver setting to represent February’s birthstone. Explore the dazzling amethyst birthstone rings that are available.

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The Origins of Valentine’s Day and its Ties to Ireland

January 11, 2023January 11, 2023 ~ The Irish Jewelry Company ~ Leave a comment

Valentine’s Day is a holiday that is observed as a time for love and affection in Ireland, as it is in a large number of other countries. Celebrations of Valentine’s Day all around the Emerald Isle include a variety of romantic traditions that provide an Irish flavor to the holiday. For example, the Claddagh ring tradition is practiced by many Irish couples when they exchange Claddagh rings as gifts with one another. Around the time of Valentine’s Day, love fills the air in Ireland. And there is no better way to enjoy the holiday than by spending time with the people you care about and partaking in some traditional romantic Irish activities.

Why is Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14?

St. Valentine was the patron saint who inspired the name of this holiday. Many people think that the customs associated with Valentine’s Day may be traced back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated fertility. People also believe that Valentine’s Day commemorates the anniversary of Saint Valentine’s death, which occurred on February 14, 270 AD. Saint Valentine passed away on February 14.

Who was Saint Valentine?

In the first version of the story, which is the one that is most recognized and accepted, Saint Valentine worked as a priest in Rome during the third century. Valentine began performing clandestine weddings for couples who were courting after Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage on the grounds that it was too distracting for his soldiers.

A second legend claims that Valentine was the first person to write a love letter signed “From your Valentine,” so initiating a practice that would go on to define romance for many years to come.

Even though there are a number of different stories about Saint Valentine, there are common threads that run through them, such as his unshakable belief in love, empathy, and passion.

The History of Valentine’s Day Celebrations

The history of Valentine’s Day is fraught with several myths and legends that contradict one another. Some people think that the day commemorates the death of Saint Valentine, while others believe that the Christian Church introduced the feast to replace the pagan Lupercalia celebration. Both of these theories are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Historically celebrated on the 15th of February, Lupercalia is a holiday dedicated to fertility that heralds the arrival of spring. It included a variety of rituals that were performed in honor of Rome’s progenitors, Romulus and Remus, as well as the Roman god of agriculture (Faunus).

In the year 498 A.D., Pope Gelasius issued an edict designating February 14 as Saint Valentine’s Day, so superseding the former pagan celebrations held by the Church on that day. Since that time, we have made a point of commemorating Valentine’s Day in a proper manner.

Ireland’s Connection to St. Valentine

Interestingly, Ireland has a bond with Saint Valentine that is unlike any other country in the world. In the year 1836, a distinguished Irish priest named Father John Spratt delivered a sermon in Rome that was met with universal acclaim and respect from members of the Christian world.

Many people expressed their appreciation for him by giving him a variety of presents, the most noteworthy of which came directly from Pope Gregory XVI himself. The gift consisted of a relic of Saint Valentine along with a note stating that the relic came from an authentic source.

He was given these magnificent holy treasures at the Carmelite Church in Dublin City, which is located on Whitefriar Street (which was once known as Aungier Street), and that is where they continue to be kept today.

The public is welcome to visit the shrine, which is known to possess relics of Saint Valentine. It creates an indelible connection between Ireland and the saint who is revered as the patron of lovers and the festival that is observed by millions.

Ireland and Valentine’s Day

The celebration of Valentine’s Day in Ireland has always been a wonderful match. The Irish people have come up with some very intriguing traditions in order to commemorate this romantic holiday over the years. It is a day packed with romance, from ladies writing love poetry to their spouses to proposing to one another. And let’s not forget the famous romantic, Irish tradition the Claddagh ring. Giving a Claddagh ring on Valentine’s Day is without a doubt the most significant Irish custom, which is observed by many people across the world.

The Best Valentine’s Day Gift

The endearing Claddagh ring has gained popularity and recognition all over the world as a symbol of love. There are three distinct components that make up a Claddagh ring, and each one conveys a different message. A heart that has been crowned and is being grasped by two hands. In terms of symbolism, the heart is a representation of love, the crown is a symbol of devotion, and the hands are a symbol of friendship.

Romantic Ireland – Irish Leap Day Proposal Tradition

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Romantic Ireland -Leap Day Proposals

January 10, 2023January 10, 2023 ~ The Irish Jewelry Company ~ Leave a comment

One of the most well-known Irish customs is celebrated during leap years, which are years with 366 days instead of 365. Irish folklore is full of fantastic, amusing, and unusual traditions, but some of them are also somewhat old.

It is well known that the last leap year was in 2020. Leap year, also known as a “bliain bhisigh” (pronounce: “blee-in vis-ig”), to use the Irish phrase. But did you know there is a well-known Irish custom associated with Leap Day that is still being observed today (and was made more popular by the film Leap Year, which was released in 2010)?

Leap Year, the movie was a romantic comedy starring Amy Adams and was released in 2010. Adams’s character takes matters into her own (left) hand after another anniversary passes without a proposal, and she travels to Dublin to partake in the Irish custom of “Leap Year” proposals. As luck would be it the next Leap Year is just around the corner, February 29th, 2024. The leap day holiday is still celebrated in Ireland.

According to a local urban legend, on February 29 of even-numbered years in Ireland, women muster the bravery to drop down on one knee and propose to their significant others. Contrary to the conventional gender roles that were expected of them, women in the past were permitted, during the duration of the 24-hour period that encompassed Leap Day (February 29), to make marriage proposals to males.

What happens if the man refused the leap day proposal?

There are also traditions for if the proposal was refused, namely that the man would have to give recompense to the woman. The spurned suitor is customarily given money by her would-be fiancé, which typically takes the shape of articles of luxurious attire, such as silk or fur. This practice dates back to ancient times.

The Origins of Irish Leap Day Proposals

On Leap Day, February 29th, as part of the Irish tradition known as Bachelor’s Day (also known as Ladies’ Privilege), women are permitted to make marriage proposals to males. This custom is said to have originated from a legend about Saint Bridget and Saint Patrick.

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, granted Brigid’s request for permission to propose on behalf of women. She presented her argument, and after some back-and-forth, they came to an agreement in which St. Patrick would give women the opportunity to propose marriage—but only on one day, once every four years, and that day would be February 29. Scotland and England formerly used to have a legal foundation for leap day proposals.

While the battle between St. Brigid and St. Patrick is a wonderful tale the real origins more than likely have to do with the church’s tradition of not allowing wedding ceremonies during lent. Whatever its origins, the Leap Year tradition in Ireland seems to have been well-established by the 1800s.

Shrovetide Marriages

In Ireland, traditional weddings used to take place during the period known as Shrovetide, and Shrove Tuesday was considered to be the best day of the week for such an event. People attempted to be married right before the start of the penitential season of Lent since, traditionally, weddings were not allowed during the season of Lent. Since the sixth of January, also known as Little Christmas, matchmakers would have been hard at work setting up marriages, and the entire community would have been looking forward to attending the wedding ceremonies of those couples who were able to find a suitable partner.

Who was the first person to propose while kneeling?

How did the custom of proposing while kneeling come about? The custom of medieval knights bending before noblewomen are thought to have been the inspiration for the modern practice of a man (or woman) proposing on one knee. The person who is proposing to their spouse will first get down on one knee and then ask their partner the question “Will you marry me?” after getting down on one knee.

What is a traditional Irish wedding ring?

A Claddagh ring, also known as a fáinne Chladaigh in Irish, is a traditional Irish piece of jewelry in which the three intertwined symbols of love, loyalty, and friendship are represented by a crown, a heart, and two hands clasped together.

If you are intending to propose to your significant other on February 29th, you might want to think about whether or not the Leap Year itself is a good time to be married. Because couples of different genders tend to become more evenly balanced over time with regard to who pops the question first, the traditional setting for proposing on February 29th is up for discussion. In Ireland, the tradition of celebrating Leap Year is viewed by some as an archaic and patriarchal practice, while others consider it to be historically uplifting.

Learn How to Pronounce the Word “Claddagh” Like a Real Irishman

February 10, 2021 ~ The Irish Jewelry Company ~ Leave a comment

Irish or not, if you want to give a token of your friendship, love and loyalty that has meaning, the Claddagh rings may be the choice for you. Claddagh rings, are often mistakenly spelt Clatter Ring or Clodagh Ring, like it sounds (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring. The Claddagh ring means eternal love, loyalty, and friendship. Claddagh rings consists of a heart with a crown held by two hands symbolizing love, loyalty and friendship. Claddagh Rings have become a world renowned symbol of love.

How to Pronounce the word Claddagh …

So many people often mispronounce the word Claddagh. Learning how to pronounce claddagh correctly is important. The Gaelic spelling of the word tells us that ‘Cladach’ was originally pronounced [klad-ukh] and sounded out with a hard, guttural ending common to Irish words. The word Claddagh is pronounced more commonly now without the ‘gaelic touch’ as [klad-uh].

About us: The Irish Jewelry Company was founded by award-winning designer Jennifer Derrig. The Irish Jewelry Company Claddagh collection offers classic and contemporary Claddagh rings, all handcrafted.

Explore The Irish Jewelry Company Claddagh ring collection today and start your own Irish tradition today.

8 Popular Celtic Knots in Jewelry and Meaning

February 5, 2021 ~ The Irish Jewelry Company ~ Leave a comment

Throughout history of the Celtic Knot and its meaning have been an important part of Irish heritage and culture. Many Celtic knots have been used as artwork by the ancient Celts to decorate monuments, Celtic jewelry and important manuscript works such as the Book of Kells. Celtic knots and their meanings have long been associated with traditional Irish culture and adorned many things like Celtic jewelry even to this day.

Celtic Knots are a popular Celtic symbol but there are many types of Celtic Knots. Celtic knots are like circles and loops interwoven with no beginning or end. A symbol of eternity and the cycle of life. Celtic symbols are widely popular in Celtic Tattoos and in Celtic Jewelry. Celtic symbols have a variety of Celtic Knot meanings representing family, strength, protection, love and more.

While the exact origins of Celtic Knots are lost to time historians believe these Celtic symbols date to around 500 BC. Celtic knots have been found carved into ancient Celtic architecture, art and in illuminated manuscripts. Celtic Jewelry is thought to date back to around 2000 BC to around 550 AD. This was the period in which historian believe Celtic craftsman began using silver and gold to craft beautiful Celtic jewelry adorned with Celtic symbols and knots.

The exact meaning of the Celtic knot has unfortunately been lost in through the centuries and are left to interpretation. The designs are embossed on large Celtic stone crosses all over Ireland that have with stood the test of time and are depicted in metal work and Celtic jewelry on ancient riches like the Ardagh Chalice part of the Ardagh Hoard on display at National Museum of Archaeology in Ireland in Dublin.

Celtic Family Knot

Our Celtic Family Knot Pendant is a stunning reminder of the beauty of family love. Celtic knots are eternal and strong like the bond that holds a family together. The Celtic Family Knot is an intricate and strong knot. Each weave represents a family member.

Trinity Knot

Much like the shamrock the Triquetra knot or the Trinity knot was used by Christians to represent the Holy Trinity. In modern times the Trinity knot is now interpreted as the Irish love knot. The trinity knot’s interlaced and unbroken lines symbolize spiritual growth, eternal life and undying love. So, profess your love and give her the Irish love knot!

Celtic Love Knot

The Celtic love knot is a modern-day Irish tradition. Also known as the trinity knot, it is a religious symbol with both pagan and Christians heritage. In Celtic mythology, knots especially Celtic love knots symbolize the sacred geometry of the universe and being. It is customary to give a loved one a gift with thetrinity knot, or Celtic Love Knot, like a necklace or ring, to embody feelings of love.

Celtic Eternity Knot

The Celtic eternity knot an ancient symbol of an interwoven spiritual path, endless love, and friendship. The eternity knot is a symmetrical knot that ties into itself without a visible beginning or end. The saying, “tying the knot” means to get married or engaged originates from the ancient Celtic custom of hand-fasting. In this Celtic custom of a couple having their hands bound together with an endless knot (or an eternity knot) in a symbolic ritual that binds them together as one forever.

Celtic Mothers Knot

Many Celtic Symbols have influenced many aspects of daily life especially motherhood. Celtic motherhood symbols in general represent the natural cycles of life, love, and the strength of the unbroken bond. The Celtic motherhood knot naturally lends itself as a symbol for Celtic Family. But perhaps the best example of a Celtic knot motherhood symbol representing the Celtic family is the Motherhood Knot called the Celtic Mothers Knot.

The Celtic Mothers Knot is an unassuming stylized holy trinity with a parent and child embrace is representative of the Madonna and child. Combined with a Celtic trinity knot it is a true testament to the enduring bond between a mother, her child, faith, and their Celtic heritage.

The Celtic Sisters Knot

The Sisters Knot is a symbol of sisterhood and the strong, eternal bond we share with our sisters and friends. The intricate Celtic knot heart is an unbroken line symbolic of an everlasting love. The stylized triquetra or triple spiral, woven within the Celtic knot heart symbolizes the three stages of woman. The three stages of woman are maid, mother, and wise woman. Where are you and your sisters on the spiral of life? Celebrate the powerful, lifelong bond of friendship between women with our Celtic Sisters Knot necklace.

Celtic Friendship Knot

There has been a very long-standing Irish tradition and understanding of the beautiful power and strength of friendship. The bonds of a Celtic friendship are a very spiritual connection that emphasizes the mutual importance of truth and trust between two friends. Any Celtic Friendship Knot is said to harbor the essence of friendship simply due to their implied symbolic meanings: Unity, union, partnering, joining, eternity, unbreakable, strength, and a host of like attributes.

Celtic Friendship Knot Jewelry is a magnificent example of the spirit of true friendship. With intertwined endless lines, the Celtic Friendship Knot design represents the enduring bond between kindred souls. For true friendship knows no barriers and no end. A spiritual bond forever growing separately but never apart.

Celtic Family Knot

The Celtic symbol for family and Celtic motherhood is the Celtic Family Knot. It represents the strong family bond that units a clan. This original Celtic Family Knot design is great for all moms as a symbol of family love and Celtic Motherhood. Celtic knot symbols have always inspired ways to express aspects of our Irish Celtic family lives. the Celtic symbol for the family represented in jewelry and Celtic family knot tattoos inspirations are a popular to express one’s strong Celtic family bonds.

The Romantic Irish Tradition of the Claddagh Ring

January 21, 2021 ~ The Irish Jewelry Company ~ Leave a comment

The Claddagh is a legendary jewelry item that epitomizes timeless values. The legacy design cues hands on either side of a heart and a crown on top. The classic Claddagh ring shows the wearer’s family situation. Thus, a heart looking out the fingertips means you’re single, whereas this element pointing towards the wrist means that the owner is taken.

Today, this ring has a huge number of design variations, but the main three elements have remained intact. This jewelry item is presented to girls and women as a symbol of companionship or as a Claddagh engagement ring.

The Story Behind The Claddagh Ring

The Irish Claddagh ring tells a heartwarming romantic story steeped in heritage and life-long affection. This story began a long time ago – three hundred and forty years ago, to be exact.

The protagonist of this most widespread legend is Richard Joyce. One day, he ventured off to what is now known as the North American islands. On his way back, he was going to walk his sweetheart down the aisle, but on the way to Claddagh, his ship was seized by Algerian pirates.

In those days, pirates tore the blue waters, filling travelers with dread. Many noblemen died in the fight and thousands of merchants lost everything they had earned. Thus, Richard was enslaved and brought to a famous jeweler. He spent in slavery fourteen years. Joyce mastered the jewelry craft to perfection and became an excellent craftsman under his master’s guidance.

Richard kept on dreaming of meeting his bride. This inspired him to create a ring that portrayed two hands holding the heart under the crown.

Later, the goldsmith was set free. However, a Moorish jeweler liked the capable lad and even offered him to tie the knot with his daughter. But Joyce refused since a bride was waiting for him in his homeland.

When Richard arrived to the motherland, he gave the ring to his faithful girlfriend, who had been waiting for him all these years. They married and settled down in the village. Richard went on to pursue his favorite and lucrative business – he opened his own jewelry workshop. Since then, these rings have sprouted into the local culture.

Although there are different legends circulating about the origin of this item, the romantic history seems the most plausible. The fact remains that the oldest surviving rings bear his trader’s mark, and that a jeweler named Richard Joyce actually existed. It is also interesting that this goldsmith’s mark features an anchor, which is a symbol of hope.

Today, this ring has rightfully taken its place among the cherished Irish wedding traditions and customs alongside with locking of the church door, the make-up beds, and others.

The Bottom Line

Today, the Claddagh is the eternal embodiment of affection and wholeness. The charm of this item is that it can be used as both a promise heirloom and a marriage symbol. So whether you are into the traditions or prefer a more modern stance, this lovely heritage can be worn and adored by everyone.

Claddagh Meaning

July 28, 2015 ~ The Irish Jewelry Company ~ Leave a comment

hp claddagh ring 700x240

The Meaning of the Claddagh…

The Irish Claddagh, pronounced [klah-duh] is called a fáinne Chladaigh in Irish. The traditional Irish Claddagh ring is a symbol of friendship, love and loyalty. The hands of the claddagh ring stand for friendship. The heart of the claddadgh ring stands for love and the crown is a symbol of loyalty. The Claddagh has actually been worn since Roman times! The beautiful meaning of the claddagh ring has made the claddagh ring a celebrated romantic gift for people of all nationalities. But none can argue that the claddagh ring holds a rather special meaning to those romantics of Irish heritage.

The Claddagh Story….. A short history of the Claddagh ring. Long ago a young man was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh. Many years passed and he wondered if his true love would wait for him. Over the years he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a ring. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands as a symbol of friendship. After many years he finally returned home to Claddagh. Upon his return and to his joy he discovered his true love had waited for him. He gave her the ring as a symbol of their love, loyalty and friendship forever known now as the Claddagh. Do you have someone in your life to which you pledge your love, loyalty and friendship forever?

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Celtic Angel Necklace – Celtic Angel Jewelry Sterling Silver – Celtic Angel

February 15, 2015October 15, 2015 ~ The Irish Jewelry Company ~ Leave a comment

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via Celtic Angel Necklace – Celtic Angel Jewelry Sterling Silver – Celtic Angel.

Celtic Angel pendant

http://www.theirishjewelrycompany.com/celtic-angel-necklace.html

This Celtic Angel Necklace is the Irish angel of faith and love. This precious Celtic angel will soar into your heart and soul with her delicate pink wings. The trinity knot is a symbol of the Holy Spirit but in modern times the Trinity knot is also interpreted as the Irish love knot. The trinity knot’s interlaced and unbroken lines symbolize spiritual growth, eternal life and undying love and faith.

Our Celtic Angel Necklace is sterling silver with pink gold plated wings.
The Trinity Knot Celtic Angel measures approximately 20mm and it bright polished.
It comes on an 18 inch silver chain.

Exclusively by The Irish Jewelry Company.

Every jewelry gift from The Irish Jewelry Company comes gift boxed in our signature style, a simple white glossy gift box sealed with a satin emerald green ribbon and our…

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