A Claddagh ring (Irish: fáinne an Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring with three main parts: a heart that stands for love, a crown that stands for loyalty, and two hands that are joined together to show friendship. The design and traditions of the ring began in Claddagh, a place in County Galway. The modern version of the ring was first made in the 17th century. Claddagh rings were used as engagement and wedding rings in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The oldest examples of the Claddagh ring that still exist today were created by Bartholomew Fallon.

Description

The Claddagh ring is part of a group of European finger rings called fede rings. The name comes from the Italian phrase mani in fede, which means "hands joined in faith" or "hands joined in loyalty." This type of ring dates back to Ancient Rome, where people would clasp hands together to show they were making promises. These rings were made with bezels and used as engagement and wedding rings in medieval and Renaissance Europe to represent promises of marriage.

In recent years, the Claddagh ring has been decorated with interlace patterns and combined with other Celtic and Irish symbols. This change reflects its growing role as a symbol of Irish identity.

Origins

Galway has made Claddagh rings since at least 1700, but the name "Claddagh ring" was not used until the 1830s. While there are many stories about how the ring began, it is likely that the ring was first created in or near the small fishing village of Claddagh in Galway.

Bartholomew Fallon was a goldsmith in Galway during the 17th century. He made Claddagh rings until about 1700. His name first appeared in the will of a jeweller named Dominick Martin, dated January 26, 1676. In this will, Martin left Fallon some of his tools. Fallon continued working as a goldsmith until 1700. His rings are among the oldest surviving examples of the Claddagh ring, and many of them have his signature.

There are many stories about how the Claddagh ring began, especially about Richard Joyce, a silversmith from Galway around 1700. It is said that Joyce was captured and enslaved by Algerian pirates around 1675 while traveling to the West Indies. He was sold to a Moorish goldsmith who taught him the craft. Later, King William III sent an ambassador to Algeria to ask for the release of British people held there, including Joyce. After 14 years, Joyce was freed and returned to Galway. He brought back a ring he had made during his time in captivity, which became known as the Claddagh. He gave the ring to his sweetheart, married, and became a successful goldsmith. His initials appear on one of the earliest surviving Claddagh rings. Three other rings made around the same time bear the mark of goldsmith Thomas Meade.

In the Victorian era, historian Sir William Jones wrote about the Claddagh ring in his book Finger-Ring Lore, citing Chambers' Book of Days as the source. In 1906, William Dillon, a Galway jeweller, wrote that the Claddagh ring was worn in the Aran Isles, Connemara, and other areas. During the Victorian period, knowledge of the ring and its customs spread in Ireland and Britain, and its name became widely known. Galway jewellers began selling the ring outside the local area in the 19th century. More recognition came in the 20th century.

Usage and symbolism

The Claddagh ring has a unique design with two hands holding a heart and often a crown on top. These parts represent love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). A Fenian Claddagh ring, which does not have a crown, is a different version of the design but is not as popular as the one with a crown. Claddagh rings are widely used by people of Irish heritage, including Irish Americans, as symbols of culture and as rings for friendship, engagement, and marriage.

Claddagh rings are often used as engagement and wedding rings, though they can also be given as friendship rings. Some mothers give these rings to their daughters when they reach adulthood. Phrases like "Let love and friendship reign" are sometimes connected to the ring. In Ireland, the United States, Canada, and other places where Irish people live, the Claddagh ring is sometimes passed from mother to eldest daughter or from grandmother to granddaughter.

According to Irish author Colin Murphy, the way a Claddagh ring is worn can show the wearer’s relationship status:

• On the right hand with the heart pointing toward the fingertips: the person is single and may be looking for love.
• On the right hand with the heart pointing toward the wrist: the person is in a relationship.
• On the left ring finger with the heart pointing toward the fingertips: the person is engaged.
• On the left ring finger with the heart pointing toward the wrist: the person is married.

In Ireland and among Irish communities worldwide, there are other local traditions about which hand or finger the ring is worn on. Stories about the Claddagh ring are not ancient but are based on oral tradition. There is very little written information in Irish about the ring, which makes it hard to find official or non-commercial sources that explain how the ring was traditionally worn.

Modern usage

The Claddagh ring is often worn by important people, famous actors, and well-known writers. American presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton have worn the ring. Kennedy and his wife received theirs during a visit to Galway in 1963. Reagan and Clinton both received the rings as gifts from Ireland. British royalty, including Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, and Queen Alexandra, wore the Claddagh ring after 1849 when they traveled to Ireland. Walt Disney wore the ring after visiting Ireland with his wife. The ring is also shown on the Partners statue at Disney World. On the statue, Disney’s ring faces outward, even though he was married.

Actors such as Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne received their rings during the movie The Quiet Man. Peter O'Toole and Daniel Day-Lewis have often worn the Claddagh ring, as have Mia Farrow and Gabriel Byrne. Jim Morrison and Patricia Kennealy used Claddagh rings for their Celtic wedding ceremony. Liam and Noel Gallagher, members of the English rock band Oasis, have worn matching Claddagh rings over the years because they have Irish heritage.

In the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Claddagh ring appears when Angel gives one to Buffy as a birthday gift.