The Claddagh design has three components: the hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. The exact origin of this design is not established but one likely explanation involves the abduction of Richard Joyce (a native of Claddagh in Ireland…a town that no longer exists) on the high seas. He was enslaved and apprenticed to a silversmith. Joyce learned the trade well and finally managed to escape. He returned to Claddagh to find that his betrothed had never given up hope and was still waiting for him. His joy gave him the inspiration to develop the Claddagh design…a now universal symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. “Gra’, Dilseacht agus Cairdeas” are the Gaelic terms that refer to the Claddagh elements for the purists among you (pronounced “graw, dealshocked orgis cordiss”).
When the Claddagh is worn as a ring, the hand on which it is worn and direction of the heart on the Claddagh has consequence. When the Claddagh is worn on the right hand with heart pointed out, it indicates that one’s heart is unoccupied. Worn on the right hand with the heart pointed in indicates the wearer is in a relationship. Worn on the left hand with the heart pointed out, it means the person is engaged. Worn on the left hand with the heart pointed in, it means the person is married.
