The Claddagh ring is known worldwide as a traditional symbol of love and friendship. Claddagh rings are given as gifts of friendship, love, or worn as wedding rings. These rings are also passed down from father to son as family heirlooms.
The Claddagh ring originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh. The first Claddagh ring was created during the reign of Queen Mary II in the 17th century, although the three symbols involved in the design have a much deeper history. The tradition of the Claddagh ring spread across the world when the Irish fled their country due to the Irish Potato Famine.
The Claddagh ring design is two hands holding a heart. The heart is usually adorned with a jeweled crown, often set with precious gems, best value diamonds, or EGL loose diamonds. The heart symbolizes love, the hands symbolize friendship, and the crown represents loyalty.
In the time of the ancient Romans, two joined hands also symbolized marriage. The phrase generally associated with Claddagh rings is “With my hands, I give you my heart and crown it with my love.” The Claddagh ring belongs to a category of rings called “Fede Rings” which are molded or cut to mimic the shape of interlocking hands.
The location of the Claddagh ring, as well as the position it is facing towards, are also used to display information about the wearer’s romantic availability. When the ring is placed on the right hand with the heart pointing towards the fingertips, the wearer is single or their relationship is not serious. Her heart has not been conquered, but they are still open to love.
If the Claddagh ring is worn on the right hand with the heart pointing away from the fingertips, the wearer is not available for a relationship. Someone has captured her heart, or she’s just not interested in romance, even if it includes gems or jewelry like a non-conflict diamond engagement ring.
When the Claddagh ring is on the ring finger of the left hand, with the heart pointing towards the fingertips, the wearer is engaged. The ring is turned to face the wearer’s body when they marry. A more superstitious legend about the ring states that if it breaks while on the wearer’s right hand, then the person she is currently with is her true love and soulmate.
There are some myths associated with the origin of the Claddagh ring. One of them features an Irish woman named Margaret Joyce. Legend has it that she married a wealthy Spanish merchant and traveled to Spain with him. He left her a fortune when she died.
Returning to her homeland, Joyce married a mayor and charitably financed the construction of local bridges using her newfound wealth. As a reward for her actions, an eagle flew by and dropped a Claddagh ring into her lap, a ring that any diamond expert from IGI appraisals would find flawless.
The second legend is more like a traditional fairy tale. A prince fell in love with an ordinary maid. His father did not believe that her intentions were pure, so the prince designed a ring with the symbols of the heart, hand and crown and gave it to the maiden. When the father learned the meaning of the symbols, he agreed and gave the happy couple his blessing.
The most realistic story is that of a man named Richard Joyce who left his girlfriend to go to work in the West Indies. He planned to marry her when he returned home, but he was captured and sold into slavery to a Moorish goldsmith. He was a fast learner and soon became very skilled at the trade. His love valued and respected him.
Richard Joyce was emancipated when William III became king and declared the release of all British prisoners. Joyce’s master asked her not to return to Ireland and offered her his daughter and half his wealth in exchange for Joyce’s partnership. Joyce refused and returned home to present the Claddagh ring he has crafted during his servitude to his beloved.
