“With my hands, I give you my heart, and crown it with loyalty”. This old Irish saying beautifully captures the essence of claddagh rings, a symbol of love and commitment.
Step into the spotlight with a claddagh ring, an iconic ring with enchanting design and heartfelt symbolism is a captivating piece of jewelry. Have you heard of this beauty before? If not, then don’t worry, we are here to tell you all about it. They are beautiful Irish rings known for their intricate designs that include a heart, hands, and crown. They are a statement of everlasting love and sentiments.
Whether you are looking to make an unforgettable impression of your timeless love or simply embrace its allure, a Claddagh ring is the perfect blend of modern elegance and deep rooted tradition. It has not only adorned the fingers of Hollywood celebrities and trendsetters but everyone out there who is a hopeless romantic. Let’s delve into the enchanting world of claddagh rings, and their heart-touching history. We’ll also uncover the profound meaning behind their unique design.
Claddagh Rings: Meaning
An exquisite beauty that is a symbol of love, friendship, and loyalty is not just a fashion jewel. Its timeless history and beautiful significance stand the test of time, weaving a beautiful tale of endurance, faith, loyalty, heritage, and friendship. The soul of this jewel is its iconic design that features three elements: the hands, the heart, and the crown. Each part of this design has its own unique and meaningful significance. Keep reading to find out.
Heart- Right in the center of the ring is a heart that is also a universal symbol of love. It beautifully symbolizes the affection and connection between two people who are in love.
Clasped Hands- Holding the heart, the hands represent friendship. The clasped hands signify the trust and the unsaid bond between friends and the people we love.
Crown- At the top of the heart sits a beautiful crown depicting loyalty and fidelity. After all, loyalty is what matters the most in any relationship, right? Faith and loyalty are what holds a relationship together.
Together, these three elements make a beautiful and meaningful ring. It is a captivating piece of Irish heritage and a legacy passed down through generations. Let this epitome of timeless love grace your hand and add a meaningful touch to your relationship.
A Glimpse into the Past
While many stories talk about the origin of claddagh rings, let’s talk about the most famous and promising one. The origin of the claddagh ring dates back to the 16th century. The story revolves around a man named Richard Joyce who belonged to the quaint fishing village of Claddagh.
According to the ancient tales, Richard was captured by a group of Algerian pirates and sold into slavery. During his years of captivity, he learned the art of goldsmithing. The separation from the woman who owned his heart led to the crafting of the first claddagh ring.
Upon his release, he returned to his lady love and presented her with the beautiful symbol of love. It is believed that she wore this cherished symbol of Irish culture for the rest of her life, clearly depicting the couple’s love, friendship, and loyalty to each other.
Soon after, this precious jewel also called the love ring became a popular piece of jewelry, especially for couples. Today, people are choosing it as a symbol of their everlasting love and timeless bond. So, if you are someone who is going to say “I do” sometime soon, seal your bond and begin your happily ever after with a claddagh ring.
Best Ways to Wear Claddagh Ring
There are no specific guidelines for wearing claddagh rings. However, they are believed to be a silent communicator of the wearer’s relationship status. So,choose the one that resonates with you and communicates your relationship status with elegance and grace.
On the Right Hand, Heart Facing Outwards
Wearing the ring on the right hand with the heart pointing outwards signifies that the wearer is single. It also depicts that the wearer is open to new relationships and meaningful bonds.
On the Right Hand, Heart Facing Inwards
This style indicates that the person is in a committed relationship. It basically signifies that the wearer has found their happily ever after.
On the Left Hand, Heart Facing Outwards
When a person wears the ring on the left hand, it means that they are engaged. At the same time, the heart facing outwards signifies that the couple has not tied the knot yet.
On the Left Hand, Heart Facing Inwards
The heart facing inward depicts that the wearer is married. The ring is reversed from outwards to inwards during the wedding ceremony.
Celebrity Influence
People around the world express their love with rings including Hollywood celebrities and fashion icons. This mesmerizing symbol of love, friendship, and loyalty has graced their fingers for its enchanting beauty and historic symbolism. Let’s present some of the biggest trendsetters of the claddagh ring.
Jennifer Aniston
The famous Rachel Green from the sitcom, “Friends” and her real life boyfriend Tate Donavan exchanged claddagh rings on the first anniversary of their relationship. The couple dated back in the year 1995. Though their relationship was short lived, the Irish love ring gained its popularity and made heads turn when Jennifer was spotted wearing it.
Walt Disney
Always proud of his Irish roots, Walt Disney adorned a claddagh ring gifted by his wife during their visit to Ireland. Although Walt Disney was born in America, that did not stop him from embracing his Irish culture. This historic beauty is one of the only two jewelry pieces that Mr. Disney wore during his lifetime.
The love, friendship, and loyalty ring was graced by him on his right hand finger as shown in the image below. This image is of his wax figure at Madame Tussauds, Orlando. Some of the legendary Irish movies created by him are The Happiest Millionaire and The Fighting Prince of Donegal.
The Allure of Claddagh Rings
Add a contemporary flair to your prized possession by incorporating beautiful diamonds and gemstones. While the traditional one was crafted in plain gold or silver, you can enhance its beauty by giving it a modern touch. Incorporate a dazzling array of gemstones and create an unforgettable engagement ring for your partner.
Diamond Claddagh Rings- Add a little sparkle to your unique relationship with the brilliance of diamonds. Slip this everlasting symbol of love and loyalty on your partner’s finger that signifies true love and a timeless bond. These rings are perfect for engagement and anniversary gifts as they add an extra layer of meaning to it.
Emerald Claddagh Rings- The rich green hues of an emerald gemstone complement perfectly the intricate design of the Irish ring. Emeralds are known as the stone of successful love making an ideal choice of gemstone for rings. Celebrate new beginnings with the beauty and meaningful significance of emerald claddagh rings.
Ruby Claddagh Rings- Rubies, a classic symbol of love and passion is a bold and striking choice for the mesmerizing piece of jewel. The combination of fiery red ruby in the center with sparkling diamonds flanked on the white gold or platinum band perfectly emphasizes the depth of strong emotions. Make a statement of luxury and royalty with this charming reminder of love.
Sapphire Claddagh Rings- Add a splash of colors to your enchanting beauty with sapphire gemstones. From shades of deep blue to vibrant yellow, pink, white, and orange, pick the one that makes you stand out from the crowd. A sapphire claddagh ring is a perfect gift for someone who values loyalty, depicting the ring’s core principle beautifully.
The Perfect Symbol of Love
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” rightly said by Audrey Hepburn and clearly depicted in the story of Richard Joyce. They are a true testament to the enduring power of friendship, love, and loyalty, cherished for centuries now. Whether you are looking for a unique engagement ring for your soul mate or you are drawn by its cultural heritage, this love ring is the perfect addition to your jewelry collection. Explore GemsNY’s beautiful collection of claddagh rings and embrace the charm and beautiful symbolism of this iconic jewelry.
