The Claddagh Ring is a traditional piece of Irish jewelry which is replete with meaning and folk historical significance. In its design, the Claddagh Ring represents three critical aspects – love, loyalty, and friendship. Two hands symbolize enduring companionship. The heart which they clasp symbolizes love. And the crown which adorns the hands and the heart symbolizes the bond of loyalty. While the original Claddagh Rings were minted in the 17th century, the rich symbolism of the rings dates hundreds if not thousands of years and draws meaning from other crucial Irish and Christian symbols.

The first and most storied maker of Claddagh Rings was a Galway smith named Richard Joyce, who left his jewelers mark under the initials RI. Subsequent Claddagh Ring makers of fame also came from Galway. These included George and Andrew Robinson as well as Nicolas Burdge and Austin French.

The mythology built up over the inspiration for the Claddagh Ring is pretty entertaining. Stories abound about how the ring came to be. One likely apocryphal story suggests that the ring literally fell out of the sky into the lap of the wife of the mayor of Galway at the turn of the 17^th century. Supposedly, it was a reward for her good works in the city. Another legend describes the journey of the aforementioned Richard Joyce. As the story goes, he was kidnapped and held by Algerians after a boat voyage. The Moors trained him in the art of smithy and taught him the design for the Claddagh Ring. Upon his liberation at the order of King William III, Joyce returned to Galway to marry his long awaited sweetheart, leaving great wealth and respect in Algeria.

According to tradition, the Claddagh Ring symbolizes different states of “relationship availability” depending on how it is worn. If the crown is turned inwards, it indicates that heart of the wearer of the ring is occupied. If, on the other hand, the Claddagh Ring is worn in the left hand with the crown facing out towards the world, it means that the wearer is open to being involved in a new relationship and may in fact be actively seeking love.

If you’re with the man or woman of your dreams, and for some reason your Claddagh Ring’s band breaks, never fear. This is actually a good omen. According to legend, this means that the person you’re with is bound to be yours forever.

Whether you’re shopping for a Claddagh Ring to present your betrothed in preparation for a traditional Irish wedding or you’re looking to order a custom made Irish charm for an occasion like a birthday or anniversary, please consider using the services here at Celtic Wedding Rings.com. We are Dublin craftspeople with 20 years in the jewelry and arts industry, and our handcrafted Claddagh Rings, Trinity Knots, Tara Brooches, St. Bridget’s Crosses, and other Celtic jewelry pieces are renown not just throughout Dublin but throughout the world. Express your sentiments simply, purposefully, and imbued with the rich and lovely traditions of Ireland. Dial us toll free at 1 800 350-9962 or email us to get started. Products which come out of our workshop are overseen and hallmarked by the official Dublin Castle Assay’s office, so you’re guaranteed superior quality when you shop here at celtic-weddingrings.com.