Famous in love stories and movies, the Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish band with elements that go back to Roman times. The ring consists of two hands holding a crowned heart and dates back to the 17th century where the design originated in the village of Claddagh by Galway.
According to tradition, each element of the ring is symbolic. The hands stand for friendship, the heart stands for love, and the crown stands for loyalty. The position of the ring on the hands is also important: when the ring is on the right ring finger with the heart out, it means the wearer is single and seeking love (or some reasonable approximation); when the ring is on the right hand with the heart turned in, it means the wearer is in a relationship, but not engaged. When the Claddagh ring jumps to the left ring finger things have gotten serious: the Claddagh with the heart outward indicates betrothal and when heart is turned inward, the wearer is married. Or at least that is what people say about the tradition. Every ring I have worn ceaselessly turned like a record on my finger. I’m sure all sorts of couples would end up in desperate needless fights if the Claddagh tradition was held too closely.
Although the folklore traditions in the paragraph above seem to be innovations of the nineteenth century, the ring descends (through a long lineage) from Roman “fede” rings which featured clasped or joined hands as symbolic of a sacred vow.
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March 26, 2012 at 9:00 PM
benbinbenben
i had my cladagh stolen by a maid in thailand, and by a maid i mean a maid, so there was never meant to be a happy ending, i have never seen for sale a claddagh as chunky again. i was involved a few years back in the making of one in gold with a large and precious emerald set in it for a british pop/rock star, with just 2 days to go the emerald an easily fractured stone, not unlike the island, did not like the tight grasp of the hands, and a frantic search involving fed ex and many phone calls brought us a new stone, and the ring was delivered as the lights came up for his /their show, and his marriage fell asunder shortly after.
i borrowed from your post the other days, and sent people your way, i’m sure if they followed they will have enjoyed your clean, aesthetic, and informative blog.
best wishes from a welsh man in malaysia.
March 28, 2012 at 10:41 AM
Wayne
Even though I’m sorry your ring got stolen in Thailand, I’m envious of you for having been there. That’s a good rock & roll anecdote (although it is cruel to make us try to guess the star). Do you still make jewelry in Malaysia?
March 28, 2012 at 9:08 PM
benbinbenben
the star was noel gallagher, i was working for ‘jess james’ in london at the time and rather like oasis the company is no more but unlike oasis. i’m no longer in jewellery, now putting together a range of loud, linen beach wear for men.
March 28, 2012 at 10:31 PM
Wayne
Thanks for the comprehensive answer. I look forward to seeing your beachwear. Let me know if you make a coral colored linen shirt!
March 28, 2012 at 10:43 PM
benbinbenben
oops, my unedited, half a thought reply went thru no idea how that occured, no plain shirts only patterned, for stock, but commissions are possible.