Irish Wedding Rings
November 22, 2009
The ring symbolizes love, friendship , and loyalty. The ring is named for an Irish fishing village. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty.
As a wedding ring it is worn on the left hand with the heart pointing inward to the wrist. As an engagement ring it is on the right hand with the heart pointing inward toward the wrist. For friendship it is worn on the right hand turned outward.
Joyce became the master of the craft. With is beloved back in Claddagh on his mind he fashioned the first Claddagh ring. The hands were to represent friendship, the heart was love, and the crown represented loyalty and fidelity.
Richard Joyce was once again free. Joyce refused the offer and instead returned home to Claddagh where he found his love waiting for him. Upon discovering this, Joyce gave his love the ring and they were married shortly thereafter.
The ring was dubbed The Claddagh because of the village Joyce and his Bride were from. The basic hands holding a crowned heart has never changed.
The design is the clasped hands of the ‘fede’ or faith rings. These rings date from Roman times and were popular in the Middle Ages. The ring is worn now by many to speak to their Irish heritage. It’s simple design and my heritage influenced my decision to purchase a Claddagh.
