Have you heard of Claddagh Rings? They are beautiful, world-renowned, and make great gifts. Irish Claddagh rings are named for the ancient fishing village of Claddagh, near Galway, Ireland, and date back to the 17th century. These traditional Irish rings represent love, loyalty, and friendship. Learn what these rings represent, how to wear Claddagh rings, and the story behind Claddagh rings.
The Gaelic spelling of the word tells us that ‘Cladach’ was originally pronounced [klad-ukh] and sounded out with a hard, guttural ending common to Irish words. The word is now more commonly pronounced without the ‘gaelic touch’ as [klad-uh].
What Do Claddagh Rings Represent?
The Claddagh Ring is an old Irish ring showing two hands holding a heart, surmounted by a crown. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty.
The Story Behind Claddagh Rings
The story says that a young man named Richard Joyce, from the fishing village of Claddagh was captured and sold into slavery leaving his true love behind. He wondered if she would wait for him. Throughout the years, he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a ring. Upon returning to Claddagh many years later, he was delighted to find out that she had waited for him. He gave her the ring as a symbol of forever love, loyalty, and friendship.
The Claddagh ring came from the fede ring, dating back to Roman times. The name fede comes from the Italian phrase mani in fede or hands clasped in faith. The design shows two hands clasped together. The ring became popular in the medieval period from the 12th century onwards symbolizing friendship, love, or betrothal.
Claddagh Rings
Since Claddagh Rings represent love, loyalty, and friendship, you can get them for many occasions. You can gift them to proclaim your love, commitment, and/or friendship.
You can give a Claddagh Engagement Ring, which is worn on the left hand. The heart facing outward symbolizes engagement and the pointed inward symbolizes marriage.
You can buy Birthstone Rings to mark a special occasion like a graduation or anniversary, or to celebrate Irish heritage. Birthstone Claddagh Rings can also celebrate birthdays. As you know, birthstones are gemstones that accompany each birth month. Each month has its own unique birthstone, which is considered a lucky charm.
There is a wide range of Birthstone Claddagh Rings – one for each month. January Birthstone is Garnet, February Birthstone is Amethyst, March Birthstone is Aquamarine, April Birthstone is Diamond or Clear CZ, May Birthstone is Emerald, June Birthstone is Pearl or Alexandrite, July Birthstone is Ruby, August Birthstone is Peridot, September Birthstone is Sapphire, October Birthstone is Tourmaline, November Birthstone is Yellow Topaz, & December Birthstone is Blue Topaz.
How To Wear Claddagh Rings?
- If you are single, wear a Claddagh ring on the right hand with the crown turned outwards, away from you
- If you are being courted in a relationship, wear a Claddagh ring on the right hand with the crown turned inward, towards you
- If you are engaged, wear a Claddagh ring on the left hand with the crown turned outwards, away from you
- If you are married, wear a Claddagh ring on the left hand with the crown turned inward, toward you
Now that you know how to wear Claddagh rings, you can buy them for yourself or gift them. Anybody can wear Claddagh rings. They are beautiful and make wonderful gifts. Plus, the background story is very romantic. For more Irish and Celtic jewelry and gifts, check out The Irish Jewelry Company. Their jewelry is gorgeous and high-quality, definitely 5 stars!
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