Claddagh rings
The claddagh ring dates back over three hundred years. It originates from a fishing village called the Claddagh. The word claddagh comes from an Irish term that means a “flat stony shore”. The correct spelling is Claddagh however there are other commonly used ways of spelling it. Cladagh, clladagh and calladagh.
The Claddagh rings distinctive design features are two hands clasping a heart and is usually surmounted by a crown. The crown can be plain or have jewels put onto it.
The meaning of the claddagh ring gives it it’s significance. The hands denote friendship. The heart signifies love and the crown stands for loyalty. The way the ring is worn also has important significance. Which hand you wear it on as well as the direction the crown is facing has meaning.
Engaged or married person would wear the ring on the left hand with the crown pointing away from their heart. A person considering love would wear the ring on the right hand with the crown pointing away from their heart. For a person who is not interested in starting a relationship the rings would be worn on the right hand with the crown pointing towards their heart.
The claddagh ring is worn by children as well. Irish children or children with an Irish decent often have a claddagh ring in their children’s jewllery collection. You do not have to be Irish to appreciate the meaning of the claddagh ring. While it is most commonly used for wedding and friendship rings it is also given from parents or grandparents to their children. I have even seen them in baby rings. I think it is a nice tribute to the beginning of a new life.
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