With the coming of Christmas and the time of present-giving, you may be taking a slower stroll past the jewelry shops and their dazzling displays of engagement and wedding rings or just adding to that wedding book you’ve been secretly keeping since you were little.

For those looking for something extra special for their significant other, an Irish twist may be your best option.

We took a look at the best Irish engagement rings to inspire you while planning your perfect Celtic-themed wedding or to place on your wish list for the future.

1. The Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh ring is one of Ireland’s greatest traditions and is worn by many to symbolize the love, loyalty and friendship that they value in their lives. The ring is made up of a heart in the center (representing love), a crown perched on top of the heart (for loyalty) and the ring band finishes with a pair of hands holding up the heart and crown (to symbolize friendship).

The style of ring was first produced in the small Galway fishing town of Claddagh in the 17th century and has become as symbol of love ever since, leading to the reinterpretation of the Claddagh in everything from other types of jewelry to gravestones.

The Claddagh ring can be worn by anybody but the manner in which they wear it tells others of their relationship status. There are apparently four ways to wear the ring:

  1. On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is single and may be looking for love.
  2. On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is in a relationship.
  3. On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is engaged.
  4. On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is married.

With the fantastic ways in which the simple Irish Claddagh is now being redesigned and remodelled it would make a great addition to anybody’s left hand. Take for example this beautiful Heart Diamond Claddagh Engagement Ring & Matching Wedding Band.

Available from mdcdiamonds.com

If you want something a little daintier, there’s always this Rose Gold Celtic Claddagh Ring.

Available from www.brilliantearth.com.

What better way to celebrate the love, loyalty and friendship of marriage.

2. A Celtic Knot ring

The Celtic knot is an interlaced pattern that comes in a variety of shapes and forms. They have been used through the centuries as decoration, stemming from their usage as ornamentation in Christian monuments, such as the high crosses, and Christian manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells.

Luckily enough, they also make great ornamentation for jewelry!

A simple and elegant option would be this Áine Princess Engagement Ring from http://www.celtic-weddingrings.com.

For something more elaborate and obviously Irish, there’s this White Gold Diamond & Emerald Celtic Knot Ring from www.myirishjeweler.com.

3. Wear your green

One of the best ways to add an Irish twist to your engagement ring is to wear your colors proudly and add a splash of emerald to help catch your friends’ eyes.

This engagement ring set around a diamond and emerald band is sure to make anybody green with envy.

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