The Irish Claddagh Ring is perhaps the most famous piece of Irish Jewelry there is today. Â Its popularity is has become world renowned. Â Â
A short history of the Claddagh ring.
Long ago a young man was captured and sold into slavery from the fishing village of Claddagh. Many years passed and he wondered if his true love would wait for him. Over the years he stole tiny bits of gold from his master to make her a ring. He fashioned a heart for love, a crown for loyalty and hands as a symbol of friendship. After many years he finally returned home to Claddagh. Upon his return and to his joy he discovered his true love had waited for him. He gave her the ring as a symbol of their love, loyalty and friendship forever known now as the Claddagh ring.
And just like that with a few hundred years of embellishment and a wee bit of the telephone game at play the romantic story of the Claddagh Ring was born. Now there are several variations of the claddagh ring legend but we think this version of the myth is most recognizable worldwide. T
here are even more variations on the Claddagh ring design. Some early designs from over 200 years ago depict the claddagh with a narrow or slender heart. Other older design depicts the hands as more pronounced and firmly grabbing the heart.
Today there are many interpretations of the beloved Claddagh Ring design that began in the 1600’s. Reputable online Irish jewelers like T
he Irish Jewelry Company, world famous for their unique Irish jewelry and Claddagh Rings offer a huge selection to choose from.
Traditional Irish Claddagh Ring
The Irish Claddagh Ring is a traditional Irish ring exchanged as a token of love. Irish Claddagh rings are a beautiful symbol of love and affection for another. This unique ring originated in the ancient Irish village of The Claddagh in Galway, Ireland. Now known as the home of claddagh jewelry.
So what do claddagh rings mean?
Irish or not, if you want to give a token of your friendship, love and loyalty that has meaning, the Claddagh rings may be the choice for you. Claddagh rings are often mistakenly spelt Clatter Ring or Clodagh Ring, like it sounds (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring. The Claddagh ring means eternal love, loyalty, and friendship. Claddagh rings consists of a heart with a crown held by t
wo hands symbolizing love, loyalty, and friendship. Claddagh Rings have become a world-renowned symbol of love.
Brief History of the Fenian Claddagh Ring
This version of the Claddagh Ring with two hands holding a heart and no crown was made in Dublin in the 1800's. It became known as the Fenian Claddagh Ring or the Dublin Claddagh Ring. The Fenian Claddagh Ring belongs to a style of European finger rings called fede rings used as engagement rings in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The name fede comes from the Italian phrase "mani fede" meaning hands joined in faith.
Mothers Claddagh Ring Meaning
The mothers claddagh ring is an unassuming stylized mother and child embrace. It is representative of the Madonna and child combined with a traditional Irish Claddagh is a testament to the enduring bond between a mother, her child, faith, and their Irish heritage.
Birthstone Claddagh Ring
Birthstone Claddagh Ring are brilliant. Be inspired. Choose a birthstone claddagh ring to mark a special occasion like a graduation, birthday, anniversary or to express your personal philosophy.
Birthstones are gemstones that accompany a specific birth month. Each month has its own unique birthstone and each birthstone has a unique birthstone meaning and historical significance. Birthstone Claddagh Rings are given as a birthday gift. Birthstones are precious or semi-precious gemstones, even created gems that are associated with each month. Birthstones are considered lucky for their months and for those who believe in such things their healing powers are heightened during these times.
Trinity Claddagh Ring
Our Trinity Claddagh Ring is beautiful and graceful. The Trinity Claddagh Ring is a modern new twist on the combination of the traditional claddagh ring and trinity knot that takes Irish jewelry to a new level of great design. The Irish claddagh ring is the symbol of friendship, love, and loyalty. The trinity knot is the modern Irish love knot. Combining the two Irish symbols into the beautiful Trinity Claddagh Ring is simply brilliant.
The Claddagh Infinity Ring
Claddagh Infinity Ring captures the essence of the infinity sign and Claddaghs. The Irish claddagh ring is a symbol of eternal friendship, love, and loyalty. An infinity symbol represents all that is eternal and timeless. Combining the two symbols into a claddagh infinity ring is brilliant. The inside of the ring has the phase "Anam Cara" inscribed. Anam cara meaning "friend of my soul", soul mate. Anam cara is the Celtic spiritual belief of souls connecting and bonding. When you give an Infinity Claddagh Ring you pledge your infinite Irish love and loyalty.
The romantic Irish Claddagh ring design can be expressed and reinterpreted in so many different ways. Which one of our Claddagh rings is just right for you?
Shop The Irish Jewelry Company for the best selection of Traditional Claddagh Rings and Unique Claddagh Rings.
