Everyone knows that Galway, Ireland is the birthplace of the Claddagh Ring. However not everyone knows that this romantic symbol of Irish love originated first with the Romans.
Claddagh Rings are world renowned, and are worn by both men and women, single or taken. Irish Claddagh rings are named for the ancient fishing village of Claddagh, near Galway, Ireland, dating back to the 17th century. The Claddagh ring in Irish is fáinne Chladaigh and is a traditional Irish ring which represents love, loyalty, and friendship. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. The Irish Cladddagh ring, as currently known, was first produced in the 17th century.
The design for the claddagh ring originated with the Roman Empire during the Renaissance period. The Claddagh ring is really a fede ring and have a long history dating back to Roman times. The name “fede” derives from the Italian phrase mani in fede meaning loosely “hands joined in faith” or “hands joined in loyalty”. The clasped hands were viewed as promise ring used as an engagement ring or wedding ring in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The Irish Claddagh ring is a version of the fede ring has roots deeply seeded in long standing Irish tradition.
Long ago it was traditional in Ireland for mothers and grandmothers to pass down claddagh rings to their daughters and granddaughters. Today Irish Claddagh Rings are traditional given by a loved one or partner as a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. These days claddagh rings are given and worn for a variety of reasons:
Claddagh Engagement Rings and Promise
You show your commitment to love your partner with a Claddagh Engagement Ring or promise ring. Traditionally a claddagh engagement ring is worn on the left hand with the heart facing outward to symbolize engagement and pointed inward for marriage. Claddagh engagement rings have proclaiming love, loyalty and friendship for centuries. Truly any Irish Claddagh Ring can be worn as an Irish Promise Ring or Claddagh Engagement Ring.
Friendship and Sisterhood
Sisters and best friends can give each other a claddagh as a symbol of the great friendship, their loyalty y to each and the love that binds them in eternal friendship.
A Symbol of Irish Pride
Claddagh are often worn by people of Irish heritage as a symbol of Irish pride and to show a genuine love of Ireland. You probably know Irish superstition says it is bad luck to purchase a Claddagh ring for yourself. Everyone knows Irish tradition says a Claddagh Ring must be given as a token of love or received as a gift. But to heck with Irish superstition.
Today’s choices in Claddagh rings and Claddagh Jewelry
Known the worldwide as a sign of love the claddagh symbol has inspired a variety of jewelry designs. The claddagh design can be found in Claddagh inspired bracelets, claddagh earrings, and claddagh necklaces. So, whether you choice a claddagh necklace or claddagh ring for the special someone you are almost guaranteed they with treasure the symbolic token of love forever.
So, are you ready to shop for that Claddagh Ring? See Claddagh rings and Claddagh Jewelry at The Irish Jewelry Company
ith a beautiful Irish lass was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh. Many years passed while in captivity and he wondered if his true love had waited for his return. As the years wore on, he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a ring for his true love. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands as a symbol of friendship. Can you just picture the tiny first rustic 
irish culture and traditions 