Have you ever seen someone wearing a gold or silver ring with the symbol of two hands holding a heart and wondered if it had a certain meaning? Well, as a matter of fact, it does have a special meaning and its name is the Claddagh ring. The Cladding's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown).
located just outside the old city walls of Galway. The ring, as currently known, was first produced in the 17th century.
The Claddagh ring is categorized with a group of European finger rings called Fede Rings. The name "fede" derives from the Italian phrase mani in fede “hands joined in faith" or "hands joined in loyalty.” These rings date from Roman times, when the gesture of clasped hands was a symbol of pledging vows, and they were used as engagement rings in medieval and Renaissance Europe.
Claddagh rings are relatively popular among the Irish and those of Irish heritage, such as Irish American as cultural symbols and as friendship, engagement and wedding rings. While Claddagh rings are sometimes used as friendship rings, they are most commonly used as engagement and wedding rings. Mothers sometimes give these rings to daughters when they come of age. There are several mottos and wishes associated with the ring, such as: "Let love and friendship reign. In Ireland, the United States, Canada, the Claddagh is sometimes handed down mother-to-eldest daughter or grandmother-to-granddaughter.
The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer's romantic availability, or lack thereof.
Traditionally, if the ring is on the right hand with the heart facing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, and may in fact be single and looking for a relationship: "their heart is open." When worn on the right hand but with the heart facing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that "someone has captured their heart".
A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger facing outward away from the body generally indicates that the wearer is engaged.
When the ring is on the left hand ring finger and facing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person wearing the ring is married."
Whether you are Irish, or maybe just appreciate something with rich history and meaning, than the Claddagh ring may be for you. Come to Sumpters and take a look at our selection of these sentimental rings just in time for St. Patrick’s Day!
www.sumptersjewelry.com
written by: Susan G
edited and designed by: Carolyn M
Good to know.
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