Celtic rings never go out of style, and the classic Claddagh rings are here to stay. Hailing from a strong historical and cultural background, Claddagh rings remain a top choice for couples or friends wishing to celebrate a special bond. The interesting design with its symbolic representation of love and friendship makes this a truly special piece of jewelery. Are you wondering why Claddagh rings are so popular and what relics they hold? Read on to know more about this classic treasure from Ireland.
What Is a Claddagh Ring?
As already mentioned, the Claddagh ring comes from Ireland and holds great cultural significance in that land. This piece of adornment consists of three symbols namely:
- A heart
- A hand
- A crown
Each of these symbols holds a certain significance which is related to the bond of love.
The history behind the Claddagh ring:
The name “Claddagh” comes from the locality of the same name in Ireland, which was once a fishing village outside the city of Galway. This part of the ring’s history is well known, but the design of the ring remains something of a mystery.
According to some reports, Richard Joyce originally designed the first Claddagh rings. He was a sailor from the
Following the abolition of slavery, Richard came back to his village in Galway. He used the gold that he had taken from his master to design a ring which later became known as the Claddagh ring. There are various legends associated with the Claddagh ring, but Richard Joyce’s story rules them all.
What is the meaning behind the Claddagh Ring?
The Claddagh ring is a symbolic representation of love and friendship. Its design also exemplifies the same. The ring comprises of three elements:
- A heart
- A hand
- A crown
Each of these symbols have their own particular significance.
Heart- To show love and passion.
Hand- To symbolize two people coming together and uniting forever as one soul.
Crown- Usually it symbolizes royalty, but in this case it showcases loyalty.
Together, these three elements symbolize the unity of soul, and commitment to an immortal relationship where love, loyalty, and commitment rule the heart of both partners.
Points to note when wearing a Claddagh ring:
You can wear this ring however you want of course, but if would like to be traditional, then you should follow these guidelines:
1. Left Hand: People getting married or engaged wear the Claddagh ring on the ring finger of their left hand. If someone wears the ring with the heart pointing towards themself, it shows that the person is engaged, married or in a relationship. Another way to wear this ring is on the ring finger, but with the crown close to the wrist and the bottom of the heart pointing outward, which shows that the person is engaged.
2. Right hand: If someone decides to wear a Claddagh ring on the right hand, then it shows that the person is open for a relationship. You can wear the ring in the right hand on the ring finger with the heart facing outward. It indicates that you are open to fall in love.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that if you want to wear a Claddagh ring, then you have to follow the rules mentioned here. You can wear you it any way you like and place the symbol as you wish. It’s your call how you want to wear your Claddagh ring. Aside for symbolising a relationship, for many the Claddagh ring is simply a fashion statement.
The crux of the matter is that love is a bond that one relishes throughout their life and the Claddagh ring can be used to express this. These rings are extremely popular, for a variety of reasons. Whether it is the representation of love or bond or loyalty, this ring can represent that you wish to spend the rest of your life with one particular person.
There are various options available in the market: you can go for the traditional gold, or if you want to extend your budget to something more regal, you can also opt for platinum rings. Irrespective of the kind of metal you choose for your ring, love conquers all.
