The Claddagh Ring
The Irish Claddagh Rings are probably the most culturally rich pieces of jewelry ever recorded in history. The meaning, significance and history of the Claddagh ring has a rich ancient past that dates back to over 300 years.A small fishing village in Galway, Ireland called the Claddagh was where the tradition of the Claddagh rings first started. The word Claddagh itself comes from the Irish term 'An Cladach' that means a 'flat stony shore'. The crown symbolizes Loyalty, the heart - Love and the hands represent Friendship.
The meaning and significance of the Claddagh ring is not just in the crown, heart and clasping hands, it also extends to the hand on which the ring is worn and the direction in which the crown on the ring points. Traditionally, in the case of a married or engaged person, Claddagh rings are worn on the left hand with the crown pointing towards the heart. For a person willing to consider love, the ring is traditionally worn on the right hand with the crown pointing away from the heart.
