Myth Busting the Claddagh

There are plenty of myths surrounding the Claddagh ring. With our fifty years in Irish jewellery, we’ve certainly heard our share of creative questions about the Claddagh. Read on for our advice on a number of the legends surrounding the iconic symbol of Irishness, such as whether it’s bad luck to purchase your own Claddagh ring, whether you have to be Irish to wear one,whether or not you can gift a friend a Claddagh and if we'd advise wearing a Claddagh if you're "Single".

If there's a question about the Claddagh that you don't see answered here, feel free to comment below and we'll let know our thoughts!

But First, a Brief History of the Claddagh:

The Claddagh -- click here to perfect your pronunciation -- comes from the West of Ireland, particularly, a fishing village in County Galway. “Claddagh” is the anglicized Gaelic, or Irish, for “Cladach” which means “seashore”.

The Hands, Heart, and Crown of the design represent Friendship, Love, and Loyalty.

While the first Claddagh was given as an early Wedding ring, the Claddagh is not exclusively a Romantic piece of jewellery. The style of design is preferred by both men and women for any number of reasons, such as a celebration of romantic love, an enduring friendship, or perhaps as a souvenir of a trip to Ireland or desire to showcase Irish heritage.

Many people wear Claddagh’s for deeply personal reasons from any type of gifter -- and yes, even themselves.

Is it Bad Luck to Buy Yourself a Claddagh?

Not at all! Many choose to purchase a Claddagh for themselves on a visit to Ireland. And some choose to purchase one in the hope to someday travel. Additionally, some purchase themselves Claddaghs regardless of travel but as a way to demonstrate their pride in their Irish heritage.

For example, famous American creator Walt Disney and his wife purchased Claddagh rings during their 1946 visit to Ireland. Walt’s Grandfather emigrated to North America from Kilkenny, Ireland in the 19th Century. Walt was always demonstrably proud of his Irish heritage.

While there are many ways to demonstrate Irish pride, the Claddagh ring is a classic choice. There are many styles and metal choices available which make it one of the most diverse icons of Irishness for a lady or gentleman.

Do You Have to be Irish to Wear a Claddagh?

Nope. As we covered above people wear the Claddagh for several reasons like heritage or interest. Historians aren’t precisely sure when the tradition moved from beyond the West Coast of Ireland to the rest of the world, but we’re certainly glad that it has. Being able to share the legacy of the Claddagh with the Irish and Irish enthusiasts abroad means that the tradition continues to capture hearts and imaginations.

Can I Give a Claddagh to a Friend?

Yes of course! We’ve had customers choose Claddagh rings for friends, sisters, daughters, grandsons, etc. Claddagh rings are given as tokens of enduring relationships -- platonic or romantic -- all around the world as part of the proud Irish diaspora.

Can I Wear a Claddagh Ring if I'm Single?

The traditions implying the significance of how to wear a Claddagh ring to represent a particular status are entirely up to the wearer. So whether you've purchased the ring for yourself, been given a Claddagh by a close friend or are sporting one as an Engagement ring -- the way you wear it is ultimately up to you.

Remember earlier when we talked about how Walt Disney liked wearing a Claddagh? Legend has it that he preferred to wear it in a different orientation than would suggest his married status. This theory has such roots that even his statue in Walt Disney World has his Claddagh pointing the “wrong” direction!