The Claddagh is the distinctive symbol of your Irishness. If you’re like me you pobably go around looking at peoples hands to see if they are wearing one…and if they do…”what county are you from?” It has a traditional but distinctive design with origins in The Claddagh region of Galway City and features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted by a crown.

History of the Claddagh Symbol: Legend has it that in late 17th Century one Richard Joyce from Galway left his town to work in the West Indies, intending to marry his love when he returned. However, his ship was captured and he was sold as a slave to a North African goldsmith where he was trained in his craft. When William III became king, he demanded the Moors release all British prisoners.(All Irish were part of “The Empire” until 20th Century) As a result, Robert Joyce was set free. The goldsmith had such a great amount of respect for Robert Joyce that he offered Joyce his daughter and half his wealth if Joyce stayed, but he denied his offer and returned home to marry his love who awaited his return. During his time with the Moors, he forged a ring as a symbol of his love for her. Upon his return, he presented her with the ring and they were married.

The meaning of the Claddagh: The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). The expression which was associated with these symbols in the giving of the ring was: "With my two hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my loyalty." or "You hold my heart in your hands, and I crown it with my love." Yet, the expression, "Let love and friendship reign forever" can be found as another meaning for the symbols. "With this crown, I give my loyalty, With these hands, I offer my service, With this heart, I give you mine" has been a popular expression when exchanging the ring in marriage.

 

These days the traditional Claddagh Ring can be worn for many reasons:
Show your Irish heritage
An Irish Promise Ring
An Irish Friendship Ring

Wedding Band

How to wear a Claddagh Ring: The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer's romantic availability, or lack thereof. The ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward to show that the wearer is not romantically linked but is looking for love. When turned inwards, it is shown that the wearer is in a relationship, or their heart has been "captured"; the heart points down the hand and into the veins which lead to the wearer's heart. The ring worn on the left hand with the heart facing outward shows the wearer is engaged; turned inward indicates the wearer is married.