Irish Claddagh Ring - The Ancient Symbol of Friendship, Love and Loyalty

Originating from a small fishing town in Ireland, the Claddagh Ring has etched its mark as a symbol of romance, friendship and loyalty in many cultures around the world. It is a treasured piece of jewelry that represents emotions and values just as treasured.

The Design:

The Claddagh Ring has a peculiar design that is as enticing as the traditions associated with it. The historic design consists of two hands whose arms form the band of the ring. The hands are either holding or clasping a heart, or forming the shape of a heart with their fingers. Traditionally, there is a crown over the heart. Although some modern design omit the design of the crown, the majority of the ring-makers craft the crown as an integral part of the ring.

When worn as a piece of jewelry, the heart is often times encrusted with precious gems and stones, such as rubies and sapphires.

There are many variations to the original design of the Claddagh Ring. The variations might include the exclusion of the heart, which is replaced by the fingers of the hands forming the shape of a heart. Other designs might exclude the crown. These designs hold a special significnace, as they are related to the Irish Republican community.

However, the fact that the original design had a crown does not mean that it was a symbol of loyalty towards the British crown. In any context, the original Claddagh Ring design is, by far, the most widely used and worn.

The Meaning Of The Symbols:

The Claddagh Ring symbolizes love, friendship and loyalty. The hands in the ring symbolize friendship; the heart stands for love, and the crown for loyalty. These special features of the ring govern the way the ring is worn.

The ring can be a symbol of marriage, engagement or just deep friendship. For years, it has been viewed as a special heirloom that is oftentimes passed along from one generation to the other. Sometimes, it is worn as a sign of a special relationship, other times it is worn in recognition of a connection to the Irish traditions or the village of Claddagh. Still others wear it merely as a unique piece of jewelry.

Whatever the reason, with time, some special meanings have been bestowed to the manner in which the Claddagh Ring is worn.

If the ring is worn on the right hand, with the heart facing outwards, it means the person is open for a relationship. Worn on the right hand with the heart facing inwards means the person is committed.

When the ring is worn on the left hand with the heart facing outward, it mans the person is engaged. With the heart facing inwards, the person shows to be married.

The History:

Although originally around 300 years old, the Claddagh ring is associated with an era much older, probably due to the mystic and fanciful traditions often connected with it. The fishing village of Claddagh is located on the outskirts of the city of Galway in Ireland. However, due to the ever-expanding city of Galway, it has been engulfed into the urban area lately, and so cannot be identified as a separate habitation.

Legend has it that a man named Richard Joyce from the village of Claddagh left for the West Indies, meaning to return to his homeland and marry the love of his life. However, on his way to his destination, his ship was captured by pirates. He was sold to a goldsmith in Algiers. Under forced labor, him being an intelligent man, Joyce soon mastered the craft of jewelry making, and it was there that he crafted the famous Claddagh ring.

When William III was crowned as the King of England, one of the first steps that he took was to dispatch an ambassador to Algiers to request the release of all British slaves. This was the turning point in the history of the Claddagh ring. Among the captives to be released was Richard Joyce.

When the goldsmith under whom Joyce worked, heard of the release, he offered a bargain to him. Finding his worker efficient and intelligent, and skillful with his hands, he did not desire for Joyce to leave. In return for his stay, he offered Joyce his only daughter in marriage, and one-half of his property.

However, Joyce already had lost his heart to his ladylove back in the village of Claddagh, and declining all the prospects that the goldsmith offered him, he returned to Claddagh. Once there, he presented the Ring that he had forged to his lady, who was still waiting for his return, and they got married. Hence, the legend of the historical Claddagh Ring was born.

Although there are many other traditions associated with the origin of the Claddagh Ring, almost all historians hail Richard Joyce as the father of the Claddagh Ring.

The Journey Of The Claddagh Ring:

Hailing from a small village of Claddagh, the ring has spread all over the world. It is worn in many cultures for many different reasons.

In the 1800s, during the Irish Potato Famine, there was a mass migration from Ireland to other areas. The Irish people not only took their culture, but also their legends and artifacts with them wherever they went. The Claddagh Ring was one of those beautiful legendary artifacts. From Ireland it was introduced into the United States, and from there to the rest of the world.

Although Ireland has generated other Claddagh jewelry to boast of, none has reached the level of fame and awe that the Ring has. In its intricate and symbolically rich design, it holds the token of rich values and emotions that are as special to the people as the people who wear them. Whether it be decorated with fine jewels, or inlaid with the beauty of simplicity, the Claddagh Ring has always been , and will continue to be, an object of true affection.