S/S BIRTHSTONE RING

The meaning of the word Claddagh in the exact sense refers to a small fishing village in Ireland. The Claddagh ring was first created in this fishing village and was therefore called the 'Claddagh Ring'. Every aspect of the Claddagh ring has a deeper meaning and significance.  

In it's original version, the Claddagh ring has a heart held by two hands. A crown is shown on the top of the heart. The first Claddagh ring was made as a show of love between two hearts that were oceans apart. The heart denotes love, the hands show friendship and togetherness. Finally, the crown signifies loyalty. Richard Joyce, a slave from the Claddagh village was supposed to have created the first Claddagh ring for his lover. The meaning of the Claddagh ring is therefore woven around this story. Richard returned to his lover in Claddagh when he was released from slavery. Certain narrations claim that Richard escaped from slavery and returned to his lover bringing with him the first Claddagh ring.  

As a jewel signifying love, friendship and loyalty, the Claddagh ring has become immensely popular as a wedding ring, a birthstone ring and even a valentine's ring. It is ironic that the popularity of this Irish ring has grown at a time when, the virtues of love and true friendship are growing rarer by the day.  

If you believe and follow the tradition that surrounds the claddagh ring then, you should know that the way you wear your claddagh ring sends a message about your status and relationship. The meaning of the claddagh ring extends beyond the visible features of this classic Irish ring. The meaning of the claddagh ring as worn by you shows a different status when worn on the right or left hand, further it also depends on whether the heart in the ring faces upwards (towards your fingernail) or downwards facing the knuckles of your hand.

The Claddagh ring is one of the most meaningful pieces of jewelry every created. The story and deeper meaning of the Claddagh ring is significant in every way. This traditional Irish ring is exquisite and elegant no matter how it is worn. However, for those of you who wish to follow the ancient way in which Claddagh rings were worn, read this section carefully.  

Shows that your heart is open or available if, your Claddagh ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing your finger nail (outwards). But, wearing Claddagh rings on your right hand with the heart facing your wrist (inwards), is a sign of friendship prior to the wedding. It thus shows that your heart is taken. You will notice that how you wear your Claddagh ring on your right hand can send different messages about your relationship status.  

There are certain cases when the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand too. In case of having a relationship that is just about to reach a wedding the Claddagh ring is worn with the heart facing the wrist. This shows that your heart has been taken. The Claddagh ring is also worn in exactly this way during the wedding ceremony. You could say that the moment the relationship grows and leads to a commitment of marriage, the left hand is ideal for wearing the Claddagh ring.

Traditionally, the Claddagh ring has been worn as a wedding ring for a few hundred years. The fact that the Irish Claddagh ring is the most popular wedding ring in Ireland is well known. However, a lesser known tradition is that the mother gives her ring to the daughter on her wedding day. The Claddagh ring is thus passed on from the mother to her daughter.