The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring worn as a cultural symbol and to represent love and devotion. The ring is often used as an engagement or wedding ring, though the Claddagh's hands, heart and crown can mean different things about the wearer's relationship status depending on the hand and direction in which it is worn.
Symbolism of the Claddagh Ring
Traditional Claddagh rings (pronounced "clad-daw") bear the symbol of a heart with a crown atop it, held between two hands. Although the linked hands originally symbolized marriage, the modern meaning of the elements of the Claddagh ring are:
- the Heart for love
- the Hands for friendship
- the Crown for loyalty
The Claddagh ring may be given as a sign of friendship, love or deep devotion. Similar imagery is prominent on the Scottish Luckenbooth brooch, which is also given during a wedding or as a token of love.
History of the Claddagh
The Claddagh ring is said to originate in the small village of Claddagh, just outside the old walls of Galway, Ireland, although it may date back much earlier.
Clasped hands on rings and other jewelry dates back to Roman times, when the symbol of linked hands represented marriage. Rings with clasped hands are known as "Fede rings," and these were very popular in the Middle Ages.
There are several romantic myths about the origin of the Claddagh ring, with heart and crown held between the hands, but the truth is impossible to verify. One "history" tells that the first Claddagh ring was designed by Richard Joyes (or Joyce), a sailor who was captured and sold into slavery to a goldsmith, but returned years later to marry his beloved in Galway. Another legend claims the first Claddagh ring was dropped into the lap of Margaret Joyce, the wife of the mayor of Galway, by an eagle to celebrate her generous acts of charity.
Claddagh as Engagement Rings
Claddagh rings have become very popular as engagement and wedding rings, although they're not worn that way exclusively. The Claddagh can be found on simple all-metal rings of stainless steel, or more ornate setting of gold, other precious metals, or set with diamonds, emeralds, or other gemstones.
The ring can be worn as a cultural icon or simply a fashion statement, but how and where it's worn tells the ring wearer's relationship status:
- A Claddagh ring worn on the left ring finger marks the wearer as either engaged (if the heart points away from the body) or married (if the heart points toward the wearer).
- If the ring is worn on the right hand, with the heart pointing away from the body, it means the wearer is single.
- If the Claddagh ring is on the right hand and the heart points towards the body, the wearer is in a committed relationship: his or her heart has been captured by love.
One story about the Claddagh ring says that if the ring breaks while being worn on the right hand, the person with the wearer is his or her true love.
Claddagh Rings in Pop Culture
American interest in the Claddagh ring saw an upsurge in the early years of television's Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in which Buffy wore a Claddagh ring given to her by the Irish vampire, Angel. The saga of their perfect but star-crossed love inspired hundreds of fans to wear Claddagh rings.
In England, the Claddagh ring was popularized in the mid-19th century by Queen Victoria, and in the early 20th century by Queen Alexandria and King Edward VII. Princess Grace of Monaco also famously wore a Claddagh ring.
The Claddagh ring is a timeless, romantic symbol of love and friendship, whose popularity continues to grow. Some Claddagh rings are passed down for generations within a family, while others are given new as tokens of friendship or loyalty, and by lovers to pledge their troth.
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