The Irish ‘Claddagh Rings’ are the most culturally rich pieces of jewelry ever recorded in history. The ring denotes as a token of friendship, love, or marriage. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located just on the outskirts of Galway city. The meaning, importance and history of the Claddagh ring have a rich primeval past that dates back to over 17th century.
The Claddagh rings belong to the category of rings known as “fede rings,” which is derived from the Italian words “mani in fede,” meaning “hands in loyalty.” It is considered that the ring was influenced by a style of ring produced in ancient Roman era, depicting clasped hands, symbolizing a pledge of vow to something or someone. The Claddagh ring grew to popularity since Victorian days.
The Claddagh Rings’ History
The Claddagh Ring’s history and tradition originated in the 17th century in a small fishing village called Claddagh, Ireland. The tradition of Claddagh Rings have lived on since then and have grown more deeper and stronger in the present era in various parts of the world.
There are numerous legends associated with the origin of the Claddagh Finger Rings mostly revolving around Galway Jewelers of ancient days. But the two major theories explaining the origins of the Irish Claddagh Rings are:
First Theory: Margaret Joyce married Domingo de Ronam a wealthy Spaniard and inherited a huge amount of money when he died. She used her legacy to built bridges in the province of Connacht. Later in 1956, she married Oliver Og French, the Mayor of Galway. The first Claddagh Ring was rewarded for her charity works and was dropped into her lap by an eagle.
Second Theory: Richard Joyce, an inhabitant of Galway was captured by the Algerians and sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. When King William III ordered the release of all slaves in 1689, he gained his freedom too. Though, the Moorish goldsmith offered Richard Joyce a major portion of his wealth and also his only daughter in marriage, if he agreed to stay in Algiers, Richard opted to return to his native city with the first Claddagh Ring for his lady love.
It is not a matter of concern which principle you believe in, or if you have confidence in neither of them, as the Claddagh rings and jewelry have a background and significance applicable to the present days.
The Claddagh Ring’ Symbolism
The appearance of the Claddagh ring showcases a heart held between two hands on each side, along with an overhead crown topping it. According to culture, the three components explain three elements of love: the heart as the seat of love, the crown as a symbol of devotion, and the hands as a symbol of friendship. As the Claddagh design continues to be a favorite gifting option in romantic love as well as friendship, it has further more gained popularity as a symbol of one’s delight and pride in Irish history.
In a nutshell the significance of the Claddagh ring could be abridged as, ‘Let Love and Friendship Reign Forever.’
Claddagh Ring: As a Wedding Band or Engagement Ring & Positioning
The Claddagh ring is one of the most popular wedding band designs in Irish culture. Traditionally the ring is passes down from older female relative to the younger one, like from a mother to her daughter. Today these Irish wedding bands have become popular in other countries too.
The Claddagh rings are not restricted to be used as mere engagement rings or wedding bands. They are also commonly used as a friendship ring too. The position of a Claddagh ring conveys an important message regarding the wearer’s relationship status to the onlookers.
- When a Claddagh ring is worn on the right hand finger with the heart pointed outward towards the fingertips, it denotes the person is single and available for a romantic love and dedicated relationship.
- If the Claddagh ring is there on the right hand, but with the heart pointing towards the wrist of the wearer, it means the person is in a permanent relationship.
- After the engagement, the Claddagh engagement ring is shifted on the left hand’s ring finger, pointing towards the fingertips to announce, the wearer is off the market for being approached.
- Upon wedding, the Claddagh wedding band is turned once again, with the heart pointing towards the wearer’s wrist, serving as a visual clue that you are married and unavailable.
Contemporary Claddagh Designs
In modern days, the Claddagh design is not entailed only with engagement rings and wedding bands. It can be identified as pendants, earrings, brooches, as well as bracelets. This allows you to portray the symbol regardless of your personal style. The traditional Claddagh rings are encarved out of gold, but today are available in various precious metals like silver, platinum, rose gold etc along with encrusted gems of various varieties like loose diamonds, sapphire, ruby etc. There are Claddagh puzzle rings also available, showcasing the various elements in different levels, which has to be positioned collectively on the finger to recreate the original archaic design.