Claddagh rings are federation rings and have a long history dating back to Roman times. The name “fede” derives from the Italian phrase mani en fede which loosely means “hands united in faith” or “hands united in loyalty”. Joined hands were considered a promise ring used as an engagement ring or wedding ring in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The Irish Claddagh version of the fede ring has deep roots in long-standing Irish tradition. Claddaghs are world famous and are worn by both men and women, single or taken. The Irish ring Claddagh was named after the ancient fishing village of Claddagh near Galway, Ireland, dating back to the 17th century.
The Claddagh story
According to Irish legends, Richard Joyce of Galway was captured by Algerian pirates and sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. The Moorish goldsmith made Joyce a goldsmith’s apprentice. In the late 17th century, King William III called for the immediate release of all British slaves from Algiers. Joyce returned to the fishing village of Claddagh near Galway, where she used her goldsmith skills to create the first ring as a local jeweler. Early Claddaghs appear to have Joyce’s mark and initials.
Another slightly more romantic version of the story surrounding the origins of the Claddagh ring goes something like this. Imagine Ireland in the days long ago, when a young man was captured and sold as a slave in the fishing village of Claddagh. Can you imagine how many years passed while he wondered if his true love was waiting? As the years passed, he stole small pieces of gold from his master to make a ring for him. He formed a heart for love, a crown for loyalty, and hands as a symbol of friendship. Can you imagine the first little claddagh ring that is being made? After many years he returned home to the village of Claddagh Ireland. To his magical delight, he found that his true love had waited for him. He gave her the ring as a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship, forever known as the Claddagh. The Irish are known for their love of a good story and the history of the claddagh, whichever version you think is a great Irish tale.
The meaning of the Irish Claddagh
There’s an old Irish blessing that says “With my hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love.”
Claddagh’s romantic significance is part of its Irish charm that has made it a gem that has stood the test of time. The traditional Irish Claddagh ring is a symbol of friendship, love and loyalty. The claddagh ring hands represent friendship. The heart of the claddagh ring represents love and the crown is a symbol of loyalty. The beautiful meaning of the claddagh ring has made the claddagh ring a celebrated romantic gift for people of all nationalities. But no one can argue that the claddagh ring has quite a special meaning for those romantics of Irish heritage.
How to wear a Claddagh ring
The meaning of the Claddagh goes beyond the hands that hold the heart adorned with a crown. The way the claddagh itself is worn is a tell-tale sign of one’s relationship status. Wearing in the right hand with the crown facing out, away from you indicates that the user is single. Wearing on the right hand with the crown facing inward towards you, it symbolizes that the wearer is being courted in a relationship. Wearing on the left hand with the crown facing out, away from you indicates a romantic engagement. Wearing a Claddagh ring on the left hand with the crown facing inward, facing you on the left hand indicates marriage.