The Claddagh

The Irish Claddagh Symbol is named for the Irish coastal town of Claddagh (pronounced "clah-dah"), where the ring design is attributed to an ancient local legend about a townsman kidnapped into slavery who returns to present a ring to his true love. It is one of the most popular romantic tales of Ireland.

Today the Claddagh is a universal symbol of lasting love, eternal friendship and loyalty.

The Claddagh is often placed on betrothal bands to represent holding a lover's heart in one's hands. "With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love."

Traditionally, the Claddagh ring has been considered a marriage heirloom. A mother would pass the family Claddagh ring to her daughter on her daughter's wedding day.

Claddagh Symbolism:

• The crown symbolizes loyalty.
• The hands symbolize friendship.
• The heart symbolizes love.
• Sometimes combined with a cross to symbolize faith.