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 around 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 made with precious gemstones, better value diamonds, or loose EGL diamonds. The heart symbolizes love, the hands symbolize friendship and the crown represents loyalty.
In ancient Roman times, the two hands together 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” that are molded or cut to mimic the shape of hands together.
The location of the Claddagh ring, as well as the position it is facing, are also used to display information about the user’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. Their hearts have 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 relationship. Someone has captured your heart, or is just not interested in romance, even if it includes gemstones or jewelry like a conflict-free 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 rotated to face the wearer’s body when getting married. A more superstitious legend about the ring states that if it is broken while in the wearer’s right hand, then the person they are currently with is their true love and soul mate.
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 him a fortune when he died.
Upon returning to her homeland, Joyce married a mayor and charity funded the building of local bridges using her newfound wealth. As a reward for his actions, an eagle flew past and dropped a Claddagh ring onto his lap, a ring that any IGI appraisal diamond expert would consider flawless.
The second legend looks more like a traditional fairy tale. A prince fell in love with a common maid. His father did not believe that his intentions were pure, so the prince designed a ring with the symbols of the heart, hand and crown and presented it to the maid. When the father knew the meaning of the symbols, he consented and gave his blessing to the happy couple.
The most realistic story is about a man named Richard Joyce who left his girlfriend to work in the West Indies. He planned to marry her when he returned home, but was captured and sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. He was a quick learner and soon became very skilled at the trade. His master valued and respected him.
Richard Joyce was emancipated when William III became king and declared the release of all British prisoners. Joyce’s teacher asked him not to return to Ireland and offered him his daughter and half of his wealth in exchange for Joyce’s association. Joyce refused and returned home to present the Claddagh ring she had made during her servitude to her loved one.