Irish Claddagh Rings

The Claddagh: two hands cradling a crowned heart, the heart for love, the hands for friendship and the crown for loyalty.

The name 'Claddagh' was the name of a small fishing village in County Galway; West Ireland where a man named Richard Joyce was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery. Legend says he was captured the same week he was to be married.  Joyce was trained as a goldsmith and created the Claddagh for the woman he was to marry. Once released, Joyce (and the Claddagh) returned to Galway and to his great joy he was reunited with his great love never to be separated again.

Tradition says the Claddagh ring is to be worn as follows:

• If you are currently single and not dating, the Claddagh Ring should be worn on your right hand with the crown facing inward.
• If you are in a relationship but not engaged, you should wear the Claddagh Ring on your right hand with the heart facing inward.
• If you are engagement - the ring is worn on third finger of your left hand with the tip of the heart pointing outwards.
• If you are married - the ring is worn on the third finger of your left hand with the tip of the heart pointing towards your own heart.