Claddagh rings are all about making promises that you intend to keep. Some of the symbols incorporated into the design date back 500 years and have the meanings of hands as a gift, the heart as love, and the crown as loyalty. The Claddagh rings generally incorporate a wealth of intricate detail that yet manages to be delicate and graceful in design. The design features range in size from very small to fairly substantial so that no matter what size hands you have, you can find a ring that looks to be in scale with your hand size.



Popular Ring Legends

Each of the Claddagh rings legends has its followers, so that you can almost pick a legend that suits you, or even make up one of your own if you prefer. More than one of the legends are tied to the clan name Joyce or Joyes so that these may be the most likely basis for the stories that have grown up around the ring. Certainly whoever designed the original Claddagh ring had a great deal of skill as a goldsmith and a great understanding of the symbols of love.

How to Wear the Ring

The Claddagh rings can be worn in different positions, which generally conveys meaning to those who understand the symbolism. For example a Claddagh ring worn on the right hand with the design facing away from the body is considered single and available. If the right handed ring is turned so that the design faces inward toward the body, the wearer is generally in a serious relationship. When the ring is moved to the left hand with the design facing outward, away from the body, it generally portrays that the wearer is engaged to be married and a ring worn on the left hand with the design facing toward the heart is married.

Composition

Choose your Claddagh ring created in gold, silver or other precious metal. It can be purchased off the shelf in many fine jewelry stores, or you may prefer to visit a store that specializes in Celtic or Irish items. You can even have a Claddagh ring designed to suits your own tastes if you prefer. If you are looking for a more modern look, you will find ring designs with open areas incorporated into the design, so that the heart, for example is only hinted at. A few lines may suggest the shape of the holding hands or the crown can be set with precious gems.

Loyalty

Perhaps the most important of the promises represented by Claddagh rings is that of loyalty to friends and relationships. Just as gold is the metal that represents all the best in beauty and value, so keeping one's promises to another to love, honor and cherish the recipient is set out in the crown symbol on most traditional Claddagh rings. The basic rings have just as rich a symbolism as do the more modern designs. Considering a ring such as these in a design that incorporates gemstones may provide additional meaning and richness to the ring.