Michaela’s Muses: the Claddagh Ring

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Michaela Helean Michaela Helean Michaela Helean Observer Staff Writer
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I recently got gifted with a Claddagh ring. I now wear it on my left hand with the crown facing out (the significance of that will be explained).

According to Claddagh Rings Jewelry and some family legends I have been told, the Claddagh ring is a symbol of love and friendship originating from the fishing village of Claddagh near Galway City, Ireland. First used as a symbol by the “Fishing Kings of Claddagh” in the 17th century, the design of the ring features a heart encircled by two hands with a crown above.

  • The heart of the ring symbolized love
  • The hands signified friendship
  • The crown loyalty.

This original design has since evolved over time, but the sentiment remains the same.

There are four ways to wear the Claddagh:

  1. On the right hand with the crown facing out: This means one is not committed to a relationship.
  2. On the right hand with the crown facing in: This means one is in a relationship.
  3. On the left hand with the crown facing out: This means one is engaged to be married.
  4. On the left hand with the crown facing in: This means one is married.

Its creation is attributed to Richard Joyce, a Galway villager who had been sold into slavery and trained as a goldsmith. According to tradition, the Claddagh ring is worn to signify the wish that love and friendship should reign supreme. Its interpretation differs depending on how it is worn, and its popularity has spread across the world.

The story of the original Claddagh ring goes that Joyce had been set to be married when his ship was captured by Algerian pirates and he was sold as a slave. Trained as a goldsmith by his Moorish captors, Joyce crafted a ring for the woman he couldn’t forget. Upon his release in 1689, Joyce returned to Claddagh and gave her the ring

The ring has become popular outside Galway since the middle of the last century — its spread being helped by the vast exodus from the West during the great Famine in 1847-49.

While generally rings with intricate designs go to women, the Claddagh is a unisex ring.

Its meaning to me is far more than a jewelry piece on my finger. My family believes in investing and working on a relationship. This ring is an embodiment of that for me. As I have said in previous columns, marriage is more than just a day; love is, too.

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