Do you know what the Claddagh ring truly means?
It’s more than a piece of jewellery. More than a heart, hands, and crown.
It’s a quiet promise—one that’s been whispered through generations, across oceans, and into the hands of lovers, friends, and families.
But where did it begin? And why do so many wear it with such reverence?
Let’s trace the story back to a small fishing village in Galway, where love, loyalty, and friendship were cast in gold…
The Story Behind the Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh ring is a timeless Irish symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. Its design—a heart held by two hands and topped with a crown—speaks volumes in silence, making it one of the most emotionally resonant pieces of jewellery in Celtic tradition.
💍 Symbolism
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Heart: Represents love
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Hands: Symbolize friendship
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Crown: Stands for loyalty
Together, these elements form a visual promise: "With my hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my loyalty."
🏡 Origins in Claddagh, Galway
The ring takes its name from the fishing village of Claddagh, just outside Galway City in Ireland. It’s believed to have originated in the 17th century, with the earliest known examples crafted by Bartholomew Fallon, a Galway goldsmith. The design draws from older European traditions of "fede rings," which featured clasped hands as a symbol of trust and union.
🕰️ A Tale of Love and Return
One popular legend tells of Richard Joyce, a Galway man captured by pirates and sold into slavery. While in captivity, he learned the art of goldsmithing. Upon his release, he returned to Claddagh and presented a ring to his beloved—one he had crafted during his years away. That ring became the prototype for the Claddagh design.
💌 How It's Worn
The Claddagh ring is more than ornamental—it’s a quiet language of the heart:
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Right hand, heart facing outward: The wearer is single.
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Right hand, heart facing inward: The wearer is in a relationship.
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Left hand, heart facing inward: The wearer is married or engaged.
🌍 A Global Emblem of Connection
Today, the Claddagh ring is cherished worldwide, especially among the Irish diaspora. It’s gifted during weddings, anniversaries, and rites of passage, often passed down through generations as a family heirloom. Its message remains clear: love, loyalty, and friendship endure.
• Looking for a way to honour someone dear? Our Claddagh ring may be the piece you’ve been seeking.
• This ring carries a story—of love returned, of loyalty kept. Explore the memorial Claddagh here.
• For those who wish to remember with quiet grace—our Claddagh memorial ring awaits.
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