We all have a little Irish spirit in all of us, and we love many things Irish: Guinness, Baileys, Lucky charms, Daniel Day Lewis and of course U2!

But as for jewelry, a big favorite is the Irish Claddagh Ring–mostly because of the meaning and significance.

It’s not just in the crown, heart and clasping hands, but also extends to the hand on which the ring is worn and the direction in which the heart on the ring points.

The Claddagh Ring is one of the most culturally rich pieces of jewelry recorded in history. The meaning, significance and history of the Claddagh ring has a rich ancient past that dates back to over 300 years. The design of the Claddagh ring and even the way the ring is worn are all deeply rooted in Irish tradition.

“a traditional Irish ring given which represents love, loyalty and friendship …hands represent friendship, heart represents love, crown represents loyalty..”

The history of the Claddagh Irish ring highlights the deeper meaning and significance of the ring. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located just outside the old city walls of Galway, now part of Galway City. The ring as we know it was first produced in the 17th century.

Claddagh rings are often used as friendship rings, but are most commonly used as engagement/wedding rings. In Ireland, America and other places, the Claddagh is handed down mother-to-daughter or grandmother-to-granddaughter. The way a Claddagh ring was worn on the hand was usually intended to convey the wearer’s relationship status, according to Irish author Colin Murphy:

“On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is single and may be looking for love. (This is most commonly the case when a young woman has first received the ring from a relative, unless she is already engaged).
On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is in a relationship (suggesting their heart has been “captured”).
On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is engaged.     On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is married.”

The meaning of the Claddagh ring is what gives the ring it’s significance. Over the years the Claddagh ring has had designs with minor variations, but the basic meaning and significance of the Irish Claddagh ring has been retained.

The hands of the ring are shown holding the heart and the hands denote friendship and togetherness, the heart itself signifies love and the crown in the Claddagh ring stands for loyalty. It is this meaning of the Claddagh rings that make them an ideal choice for all occasions: wedding rings, birth stone rings, engagement rings, mothers day rings and rings for just about any other occasion.

The deep and true meaning of the Irish Claddagh rings has also put them into a group of rings referred to as the faith rings. The Claddagh ring with it’s realistic and worthy meaning makes an ideal gift to give and to receive.

In a nutshell the the Claddagh ring says: Let Love and Friendship Reign Forever.