The Claddagh Ring: Meaning and History of Claddagh Rings
Celtic jewelry offers a variety of different beautiful pieces, but one of the most recognizable are the claddagh rings. The unique symbolisms of the ring makes this historic Irish design a real conversation starter. Though Claddagh rings are associated with Ireland and its people, it can also
have meaning for people of all cultures and customs.
Claddagh rings are recognized by three distinctive symbols: the band, the heart and the crown. The heart represents love and is the central feature of the ring. The crown is a symbol of loyalty while the band – hands that come together to hold the heart and the crown – represents friendship.
History of Claddagh Ring
The first Claddagh ring was made over 400 years ago in a small fishing village called Claddagh. The word Claddagh is derived from from the Gaelic word “cladach,” which roughly translates to “stony beach.” There are a number of stories claiming the origin of the Claddagh rings but one story that is more believable credits Richard Joyce of Galway.
While travelling to the West Indies, Joyce was captured by Algerian pirates and sold as a slave to a Turkish goldsmith. He then worked in a goldsmith shop and would sometimes keep a small piece of gold. He was able to keep enough gold to fashion the first Claddagh ring with the hopes of returning home so that he could give the ring to the woman he loved. After 14 years in slavery, Joyce was released and settled back to Galway as a successful goldsmith. The earliest claddagh rings bore the initials RJ which shows that Richard Joyce or at least someone with the same initials as him created the ring.
Meaning Behind the Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring featuring two hands surrounding a crowned heart. The two hands holding the crowned heart symbolizes friendship while the crown is symbol for loyalty and the heart represents love. These symbols can mean anything to the wearer – from the bond you share with someone or a symbol of loyalty to your partner.
Wearing Your Claddagh Rings
How you wear your ring signifies whether or not your heart is taken. Wear your Claddagh ring with the heart pointing towards your body to show that you’re in love with someone or in a relationship. If you’re free or single, you should wear your ring with the heart pointing outward.
