Claddagh Ring

In the seventeenth century in the Irish village of Claddagh, a very interesting ring was designed. This ring, which today is called the Claddagh ring, eventually became the traditional Irish engagement and wedding band. Its unique look makes it very distinctive from any other type of engagement ring, partially because of its symbolism and partially because of its traditional lack of gemstone.

The Claddagh consists of a metal band on which a group of symbols is placed: a heart being held on either side by a hand and topped with a crown. Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer will immediately recognize the Claddagh as the ring Buffy received from her main love interest, Angel. Each item on the ring has a specific meaning. The heart, of course, stands for love, while the two hands holding it stand for friendship. The crown above the heart is the symbol of loyalty. Combined, these three symbols create the motto of the Claddagh ring: “Let love and friendship reign.”

The way the ring is worn is also symbolic. In fact, many men and women (the Claddagh can be worn by both) wear a Claddagh most of their life as a way of announcing their relationship status. When worn on the right hand with the heart pointing outward, it means that the wearer is unattached and looking for a relationship. Revered on the right hand, it shows that the wearer is in a relationship or has had his/her heart captured. As an engagement ring, the Claddagh is worn on the left hand with the heart pointing outward. After the wedding, the wearer turns the Claddagh around so that the heart points in, a sign that their heart has been captured forever.

Still today, many Irish men and women wear a Claddagh ring as a symbol of their heritage and as engagement and wedding rings. Thanks to the popularity of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and other media that feature the Claddagh ring, many non-Irish have taken to wearing the ring and giving it as an engagement ring. Today, the Claddagh is more popular than ever and makes for an unique, different type of engagement ring while still representing years of tradition and meaning.