Claddagh

A beautiful Irish symbol of Love, Loyalty and Friendship, the Claddagh traces its origins back over 400 years to a coastal village in Galway and the Aran islands offshore. The Gaelic word, “Cladach,” itself means rocky beach or shore.

Love, Loyalty, Friendship

This iconic design builds on the tradition of ancient Roman “Fede” and Medieval “Gimmel” rings. With clasped hands as a symbol of pledging vows, these rings were used for engagements or weddings. But they are missing the Claddagh’s crowning flourish.

The beautiful symbolism of the Claddagh is encapsulated by the words Love, Loyalty and Friendship. The Heart representing Love, the hands symbolising Friendship and the Crown a pledge of Loyalty.

A Versatile Symbol

This lovely symbolism has seen the Claddagh achieve worldwide recognition as a unique Irish design. A Claddagh may be offered in celebration of romantic love, as a promise, engagement or wedding ring. Equally, the Claddagh can be worn as an emblem of an enduring and loyal friendship or as a beautiful symbol of Irish heritage.

How It Is Worn

Over the centuries a number of myths and legends have built up around how to wear the Claddagh. One of the most enduring customs has been wearing a Claddagh ring to signify whether or not your heart is taken.

Worn on the right hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is single and looking for love. If the wearer has the heart tip pointed toward the wrist, they are in a relationship.

Wearing a Claddagh on the left hand indicates things are a little more serious with the point of the heart toward the fingertips indicating the wearer is engaged. The heart toward the wrist signals that the wearer is married.