There several different designs where Irish wedding rings are concerned. None is more popular than the Irish Claddagh ring. The romantic story that surrounds the creation of the ring make it popular not only in Ireland, but worldwide.

The Claddagh ring is said to symbolize love, friendship, and of course, loyalty. The name is directly linked to a fishing village of the same name in Ireland. Two hands that are holding a heart and supporting a crown is what is featured on these Irish wedding rings. The crown serves to represent loyalty, the heart means love, and the hands mean friendship.

The ring can be worn in different ways to represent different meanings. When used as an Irish wedding ring, it is worn on the left hand, with the heart pointing in the direction of the wrist. When worn as an engagement ring, it is worn on the right hand, again with the ring pointing inwardly toward the wrist. When used to represent friendship, it is turned outward, or away from the wrist, and is worn on the right hand.

Richard Joyce is the reason that the legend behind this ring began. Shortly before he was to wed, Joyce and his crew members were captured and sold into slavery. Joyce wound up in Algiers, and became the property of a local goldsmith who taught him this trade. Joyce soon became a master of this craft, and used his home city of Claddagh as a reference point for creating this ring.

In 1698, Joyce, along with all other captives were freed by King Georges III. Joyce's slave master offered him the chance to wed his daughter, and offered half of his wealth if Joyce would stay. Joyce declined this offer, and headed back to Claddagh where his true love was waiting for his return.

Once Joyce arrived back in Claddagh, he was pleased to see that his love had not married. He presented her with the ring, and they were wed shortly after. The ring soon became known as the Claddagh because of the fact that this is where Joyce and his bride called home.

At a later date, the ring was reproduced. Small changes, such as the adding of jewels, and an enhancement to the design of the crown were made. In some versions, jewels are used to represent the heart instead of metal. Despite there being more versions, the three basic symbols of heart, hands, and crown have stayed the same.

Irish wedding rings such as the Claddagh can be made from any metal. Silver and gold are the most popular choices. The wonderful story of two lovers torn apart and then happily reunited adds appeal to this wedding ring choice. This type of history is something that all couples can appreciate.