The Claddagh Ring shows two hands holding a heart which wears a crown. Its meaning is explained in a single phrase — “Let Love and Friendship reign” — an ideal poesy for a wedding ring used by a small community for over four hundred years. In this guide, the original makers of the Claddagh Ring — crafting it in Galway since 1750 — explain the meaning of the Claddagh Ring, how to wear it, and the peculiar history behind its unique design.
What Is a Claddagh Ring?
The Claddagh Ring is an Irish ring believed to have originated in the fishing village situated near the “shore” or “Claddagh” of Galway Bay. The Claddagh, outside the City Walls of Galway and further separated by the River Corrib, was an exclusive community of fisher-folk ruled by a periodically-elected “King” whose sole distinguishing mark was his right to use a white sail on his fishing hooker. The ring — two hands holding a crowned heart — was used as a wedding ring by this small community for over four hundred years.
The Claddagh Ring Meaning and Significance
The meaning of the Claddagh symbol — two hands holding a heart which wears a crown — is explained in the phrase:
The significance of the Claddagh Ring goes beyond its design. The ring grows daily in popularity because of its unique design, peculiar history, sentimental appeal and close association with the ancient Claddagh of Galway on the River Corrib.
How to Wear a Claddagh Ring
The tradition of how to wear the Claddagh Ring is very distinctive. The direction the ring points tells whether the wearer's heart is taken or free:
In love or married
If the owner of the ring wears it with the crown pointing towards the fingernail, he or she is said to be in love or married.
Single or unattached
To wear the ring with the heart pointing to the fingernail, he or she is said to be unattached to anyone.
The History of the Claddagh Ring
The distinctive design of the Claddagh Ring is associated with one of the Tribes of Galway, the Joyce family. You can read the full story on our History of The Claddagh Ring page.
The Legend of Margaret Joyce
Margaret Joyce married Domingo de Rona, a wealthy Spaniard, who, when he died, left her his fortune, which she used to build bridges in the Province of Connacht. Margaret, who later married Oliver Of Ffrench, Mayor of Galway 1596, was providentially rewarded for her good works and charity by an eagle which dropped a gold ring into her lap.
Richard Joyce, the Goldsmith Behind the Claddagh Ring
This fanciful legend had a more factual opponent in the story of Richard Joyce. Richard, en route to the West Indies, was captured by Algerian corsairs and sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith who trained him. Released from slavery in 1689, at the demand of William III of England, Joyce returned to Galway and set up as a goldsmith. His work, marked with an anchor signifying Hope and the initials R.I., still exists. The Claddagh Ring motif is attributed to him.
Royalty and Famous Wearers of the Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh Ring became popular outside the Claddagh about the middle of the last century, especially as it was the only ring made in Ireland worn by Queen Victoria and later by Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII. These rings were made and supplied by Dillon of Galway, to whom the Royal Patent was granted — a tradition carried on to this day.
In 1962, on the occasion of the visit of Our Lady's Choral Society to Monaco, a brooch and cuff-links in 18 carat gold, embodying the Claddagh motif and set with Connemara marble, were presented to Their Serene Highnesses, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco.
Famous clients at Claddagh Ring include John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Walt Disney, Princess Grace Kelly, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Gabriel Byrne, Mia Farrow, Barry Fitzgerald, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, director John Huston, athlete Sonia O'Sullivan, King George V, King Edward, Lady Dudley, actress Maureen O'Hara and Winston Churchill.
The Original Claddagh Ring — Stamped, Hallmarked, Guaranteed
Many firms make different versions of the Claddagh Ring. Thomas Dillon's, established in 1750, is the only firm still in existence since 1750 making the Original Ring — and the only Jewellers with the right to have “ORIGINAL” stamped on our claddagh rings, as we are the original manufacturers of the rings.
- Each Claddagh Ring is a Stamped Original
- The Authentic Irish Claddagh Ring (Hallmarked)
- Certificate of Authenticity with each purchase
- Lifetime Guarantee on all Original Claddagh Rings
- Members of Guild of Master Craftsmen
- FREE Gift Wrapping and Gift Card
Handcrafted by the oldest jewellers in Ireland, our rings are made in sterling silver and in 9ct, 14ct and 18ct yellow, white and rose gold, with diamonds set only in 18ct. We ship world-wide, with tax free shopping outside the EU.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Claddagh ring?
The Claddagh Ring shows two hands holding a heart which wears a crown. It is believed to have originated in the fishing village situated near the “shore” or “Claddagh” of Galway Bay, where it was used as a wedding ring for over four hundred years.
What does the Claddagh ring mean?
The motif of the Claddagh Ring is explained in the phrase “Let Love and Friendship reign” — an ideal poesy for a wedding ring.
What are the rules for wearing a Claddagh ring?
The tradition is very distinctive. Worn with the crown pointing towards the fingernail, the wearer is said to be in love or married. Worn with the heart pointing to the fingernail, the wearer is said to be unattached to anyone.
How do you wear a Claddagh ring when you are married or in love?
If the owner of the ring wears it with the crown pointing towards the fingernail, he or she is said to be in love or married.
How do you wear a Claddagh ring when you are single?
To wear the ring with the heart pointing to the fingernail, he or she is said to be unattached to anyone.
Who made the first Claddagh ring?
The Claddagh Ring motif is attributed to Richard Joyce, a Galway goldsmith. Captured by Algerian corsairs and trained by a Moorish goldsmith, he was released from slavery in 1689 and returned to Galway to set up as a goldsmith. His work, marked with an anchor signifying Hope and the initials R.I., still exists.
Who has worn the Claddagh ring?
Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII wore Claddagh Rings made and supplied by Dillon of Galway, to whom the Royal Patent was granted. Famous clients include John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Walt Disney, Princess Grace Kelly, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Maureen O'Hara and Winston Churchill.
What metals are Claddagh rings made in?
Our rings are made in sterling silver and in 9ct, 14ct and 18ct yellow, white and rose gold. We carry rings with diamonds only set in 18ct.
Where can I buy an original, authentic Claddagh ring?
Thomas Dillon's, established in 1750, is the only firm still in existence since 1750 making the Original Ring, and the only Jewellers with the right to have “ORIGINAL” stamped on our claddagh rings. Each ring is hallmarked and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Visit us at No. 1 Quay Street, Galway, Ireland, shop online — we ship world-wide — or contact us.
Visit the Home of the Original Claddagh Ring in Galway
The museum at Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold has been described as “the smallest museum in Europe with the biggest gift shop”. It proudly houses some of the very first claddagh rings made in 1700–1800 by goldsmiths Nicholas Burge, Richard Joyce and George Robinson, and displays the “worlds smallest claddagh ring”, which is on the top of a tailor's pin. Read more about our company and our story.
Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold
No. 1 Quay Street, Galway, Ireland
+353-91-566365
info@claddaghring.ie