---

---

Celtic Rings

Welcoome to the CeltNet page on Celtic rings. Here I'm going to discuss traditional Celtic ring designs; where those designs come from and how 'authentic' they are. I have tried to obtain as many different contemporary designs for these rings as possible. As a service to my visitors, each design links to the company actually selling the ring so that if you're interested in a design or ring type you have the opportunity to purchase it from the original manufacturer.

But the real reason for presenting these reings here is to show you the range and breadth of what can be considered traditionally Celtic when considering Celtic rings. Any of the rings below can be purchased and given with the confidence that they all represent interpretations of truly ancient forms.

Knotwork Ring

This is what most people think of as the 'classic' Celtic ring type where the knot forms a continuous, unbroken, band across the face of the ring. This type of knot is known as the Josephine knot and is a fundamental component of all illuminated manuscripts. The unending form of the knot symbolizes eternity and this is why this type of ring is so popular as a wedding band. These types of rings tend to come as either embossed raised surface patterns or as 'cut-out' type rings.

You will also see tht a number of other patterns are made into continuous bands, like crab knots, triquetras and plaitwork knots: all of which are genuine ancient forms of Celtic knotwork.

Celtic Knotwork Band Rings

Celtic Knotwork Isolated Knot Rings

Rather than having a single continuous knot that runs the entire surface of the ring these Celtic rings have either a single knotwork pattern at the top of the ring or have a number of un-connected knotwork motifs around the surface of the ring.

          

          

Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh Ring is considered to be the pre-eminent traditional Irish ring which can either be given as a sign of friendship or as a wedding band. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located just outside the old walls of the city of Galway. The ring was first produced in the 17th Century during the reign of Queen Mary II, though elements of the design are much older.

the design represents two hands clasping a heart which itself is surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown) and the expression used when giving this ring is: "With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love." The ring can also be worn to indicate the romantic availability of the wearer. If the ring is on the right hand with the heart facing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, and may in fact be single and looking for a relationship: "their heart is open." When worn on the right hand but with the heart facing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that "someone has captured their heart". A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger facing outward away from the body generally indicates that the wearer is engaged. When the ring is on the left hand ring finger and facing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person wearing the ring is married.

Match AllAny term in Search Index: [ All ] www.celtnet.org.uk Keywords:

---

Copyright © 2005, Dyfed Lloyd Evans

Navigation