The Story of the Claddagh Ring

The iconic Claddagh ring design featuring two hands clasping a crowned heart to represent friendship, love, and loyalty is traditionally attributed to Richard Joyce of Galway around 1700.

Drawing stylistic parallels to ancient Roman fede rings, the Claddagh has long served as a symbol of engagement and remains popular today. Although the style became synonymous with the village of Claddagh during the mid-19th century, historical evidence shows it was worn more broadly.

The Claddagh ring also carries a unique Irish tradition for signalling your relationship status based on which hand it is placed on and which direction the heart faces.

Single: Worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward.

In a Relationship: Worn on the right hand with the heart facing inward.

Married: Worn on the left hand.

This beautiful token of love has evolved into a global phenomenon worn by millions today.