The Meaning Behind the Irish Claddagh Ring

The famous Claddagh ring, or fáinne Chladaigh in Irish, is a well-recognized emblem of enduring love, friendship, and loyalty. Although Claddagh rings come in a variety of different styles, they all contain three key features: a pair of hands, a central heart, and a crown. The heart stands for love, the hands represent friendship, and the ornate crown signifies loyalty. Irish Jewelry Craft is a trusted online store offering a stunning selection of Claddagh rings crafted in white gold, yellow gold, and sterling silver. In this article, we explore the claddagh ring meaning connected to this captivating Irish ring.

Give the Gift of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship with an Irish Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh ring is a versatile piece of jewelry worn by both women and men. The Claddagh, also known as the Irish Heart ring, is a romantic gift to a soulmate. It is also a popular and meaningful gift for family members and friends. You may wish to buy a Claddagh ring for yourself to celebrate your Irish roots. Anyone can wear or gift this traditional ring as a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship.

The gift of a Claddagh ring usually represents a unique connection between two people. Claddagh rings are an ideal choice for an engagement ring, wedding ring, and promise ring. The Claddagh motif illustrates the wedding vow "With my hands, I give you my heart and crown it with my love." A charming Irish tradition is that a mother gifts her daughter with a Claddagh ring. The Claddagh ring is then passed between generations, becoming a precious family heirloom.

How to wear your Claddagh Ring

Historically, the Claddagh Ring is worn to display the relationship status of the wearer. Thanks to the many ways of wearing a Claddagh, it can be worn as a promise ring, engagement ring, wedding ring, or friendship ring.

Claddagh Ring on your Right Hand:

In a Relationship

If the Claddagh is worn on your right hand with the heart facing inwards towards your heart, this indicates that your heart belongs to someone special. In this case, the point of the heart extends inwards towards the hand, with the crown pointing to the fingertip. See the image below.

Right Hand

Heart: Facing Inwards

Meaning: In a Relationship

Single

By comparison, if it is worn on the right hand with the heart facing outwards, this conveys that the wearer is unattached or single. See the image below.

Right Hand

Heart: Facing Outwards

Meaning: Single

Claddagh Ring on your Left Hand:

Engaged

If the wearer is engaged or in a committed relationship, the Claddagh is worn on the ring finger of the left hand, with the heart facing outwards. In this case, the heart points towards the fingertip, and the crown extends toward the hand.

See the image below.

Left Hand

Heart: Facing Outwards

Meaning: Engaged

Married

If the Claddagh is worn on the ring finger of the left hand, with the heart pointing inwards towards the heart, this indicates that the wearer is married. See the image below.

Left Hand

Heart: Facing Inwards

Meaning: Married

What is the Legend of the Irish Claddagh Ring?

The Irish Claddagh Ring is a timeless and distinctive piece of jewelry steeped in Irish heritage and tradition. It originated over 400 years ago, from the fishing village of Claddagh in County Galway, Ireland.

Many different stories and fables are linked to the ring's origin. However, most believe that the original Claddagh was created by a sailor named Richard Joyce. Joyce, a native of Claddagh, was captured by pirates and sold to a Moorish goldsmith. He was held captive for fourteen years. The goldsmith needed an apprentice and taught Joyce the craft. While enslaved, Joyce created the first Claddagh ring for his true love. When released from captivity, he returned to Galway with the ring. He presented it to his soul mate as an expression of his enduring love for her. And thus, the ring's romantic symbolism emerged. The Claddagh ring is now known and loved throughout the world.

Irish Claddagh rings are overflowing in Irish tradition and history. If you are looking for a ring to represent love and devotion, you should consider an eye-catching Claddagh ring from Ireland. Give one as a gift to your soulmate as a symbol of never ending love. Wear one as a wedding ring and engrave it for a personal touch. Pass it down to the next generation as a treasured family heirloom. Give a birthstone Claddagh ring to a friend to mark a special occasion. These rings are a classic and delightful Irish symbol of love, friendship, and loyalty.