You may have been thinking about proposing for a while and if you have, Valentine’s Day, February 14th is one of the most romantic days in the calendar to ask that big question!  And if you want to get even more romantic, why not give it added meaning and include an Irish twist to the proceedings!

St. Valentine – The Dublin Connection
St. Valentine is known all across the globe as the patron saint of love and there’s a big Irish connection to the story. On February 14th every year, couples and those looking for love flock to Whitefriar Street in Dublin where the remains of St. Valentine lie at the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with a beautiful statue there to represent him. For those about to be married there is a Blessing of the Rings ceremony.

Claddagh Rings

Claddagh – A Resounding and Romantic Irish Love Message
The famous Irish Claddagh ring celebrates love, loyalty and friendship. With the heart set at the center and the crown on top wrapped in the hands, the design presents a very poignant message. There is lots of variation available and your choice will depend on personal style and what works for your intended partner. A Claddagh makes a wonderful engagement ring and it’s possible to incorporate a precious gem such as an emerald or a sapphire at the center, along with diamonds or choose a simple silver or gold version.

Irish Wedding Rings

Say it – Irish style
The mystical, poignant Irish language offers romantic turns of phrase like no other. ‘Mo Anam Cara’ means ‘My Soul Mate’, ‘Gra Dilseacht Cairdeas’ means Love, Loyalty and Friendship; or what about ‘Gra Geal Mo Chroi’, Bright Love of my Heart or Gra Go Deo, which means ‘Love Forever’? Any of these beautiful phrases can be incorporated into the design of a Rings from Ireland ring – and are a particularly nice idea to include on an accompanying wedding ring.

Trinity Knot Faith Band

Magic and Mysterious Messaging with Ogham
If you would like an engagement or wedding ring to have a subtle nod to Ireland and a message that is a special one to you as a couple included on it, the magic and mysterious lettering system of Ogham – the early Celtic writing – is a great choice to build in to a ring or to be the centerpiece, such as in this beautiful Trinity Knot Faith band which is inscribed with the worth "Faith" in Ogham script – a nod to the ancient Irish. This ring would work equally well as an engagement or a wedding ring.

Make it Personal
A proposal is made extra special by the personal, bespoke touches that go in to the planning and the location and of course the all-important ring. Some people like a complete surprise, others like to be part of the planning process when it comes to choosing the right ring for them.  

There is a choice to go completely contemporary or to keep it very traditional and this will depend on style. Many people like to build up a jewelry collection over the years, so it can be a good idea to choose a piece that has accompanying earrings, necklaces or bracelets.  

You will be advised on size and on the 4 C’s – color, cut, clarity and carat if you choose a diamond and it is key to follow the advice of the experts. From the collections like the evocative Celtic Warrior, to the detailed Eternal Promise collection, to the clean lines of the Faith Collection to stunning Celtic engagement rings or Claddagh engagement rings, it will pay off to take time to do your research.

Happy Valentine’s Day 2018!