What are Claddagh rings?

Claddagh rings are traditional Irish rings that symbolize love, loyalty, and friendship. Here's a detailed look at their origin and significance:

Origin and Symbolism: Origin: The Claddagh ring originated in the fishing village of Claddagh, near Galway in Ireland, around the 17th century. The most famous story associated with its creation involves Richard Joyce, a native of Claddagh who was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria. There, he learned the craft of goldsmithing. After his release, he returned to Claddagh with the first Claddagh ring he made, which he presented to his love, Margaret. Design: The ring features three distinct elements: Heart: Represents love. Hands: Represent friendship. Crown: Represents loyalty. Wearing the Ring: Worn on the right hand with the heart pointing outward, it signifies the wearer is single and possibly looking for love. On the right hand with the heart pointing inward, it means the wearer's heart is taken but not yet married. On the left hand with the heart pointing inward, it indicates marriage or that the wearer is in a committed relationship. Cultural Significance: Claddagh rings are not only used as engagement or wedding rings but also as symbols of friendship or family bonds. They are often passed down through generations in Irish families, embodying the continuity of love and loyalty over time. They are also recognized worldwide as Irish heritage symbols, often purchased by tourists in Ireland or by those of Irish descent as a way to connect with their cultural roots. Modern Usage: Today, Claddagh rings are made in various materials like gold, silver, and even with gemstones. They've also become a popular choice for non-Irish individuals who resonate with the symbolism of love, friendship, and loyalty. The design has inspired variations, but the traditional Claddagh ring remains a quintessential piece of Irish jewelry, celebrated for its deep cultural and emotional significance. In summary, Claddagh rings come from Ireland, specifically from the Claddagh area of Galway, and they carry a rich history of love, friendship, and loyalty, making them cherished symbols both in Ireland and around the world.

what is a Claddagh ring ?

Claddagh Ring History And Meaning

What Does The Claddagh Mean


The Irish Claddagh Rings are probably the most culturally rich pieces of jewelry ever recorded in history. The meaning, significance and history of the Cladagh ring has a rich ancient past that dates back to over 300 years. The design of the Cladag ring and even the way the ring is worn are all deeply rooted in Irish tradition. Kaisilver, strives to keep the Irish Cladagh ring tradition alive and creates the world's best Claddagh gold and silver rings. All gemstone options are available and great attention is paid to every detail. Today, the meaning of the Claddagh ring and the significance of wearing Claddagh rings has spread far and wide. The Cladaugh ring is made and worn far beyond the small fishing village in Ireland where the tradition started over 300 years ago.



Meaning of the Claddagh ring. What do the Cladagh rings mean?

The meaning of the claddagh ring is what gives the ring it's significance. Over the years the cladagh ring has brought up designs with minor variations, the basic meaning and significance of the Irish claddagh ring has however been retained. The hands of the ring are shown holding the heart and the hands denote friendship and togetherness, the heart itself signifies love and the crown in the claddagh ring stands for loyalty. It is this meaning of the claddagh rings that make them an ideal choice for all occassions, wedding rings, birth stone rings, engagement rings, mothers day rings and rings for just about any other occassion. The deep and true meaning of the Irish claddagh rings has also put them into a group of rings referred to as the faith rings. In today's materialistic world where love, friendship and loyalty are becoming increasingly rarer by the day, the claddagh ring with it's realistic and worthy meaning makes an ideal gift to give and to receive.

In a nutshell the meaning of the Claddagh ring could be summarized as, Let Love and Friendhsip Reign Forever.


History of the Claddagh ring. The Claddagh Irish tradition.

The history of the Claddagh ring dates back to over 300 years. A small fishing village in Ireland called the Claddagh was where the tradition of the Claddagh rings first started. The word Claddagh itself comes from the Irish term 'An Cladach' that means a 'flat stony shore'. This was a pretty and ancient village with winding streets and small thatched roofed mud houses. Modernisation has changed all that now but the tradition of the Claddagh ring lives on and has infact grown much stronger in many parts of the world.

There are two theories put up explaining the first occurence of the Cladagh Irish ring.

First Theory: Margaret Joyce inherited a huge amount of money from her late husband named Domingo de Rona. He was a wealthy Spanish merchant trading with Galway in Ireland. She later married the Mayor of Galway in 1596 (Oliver Og French)and used her inherited wealth to construct many bridges in Connacht. The first Cladagh ring was supposed to be her providential reward and was dropped by an eagle into her lap.

Second Theory: A native of Galway by the name of Richard Joyce was captured by the Algerians and sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. Later in 1689 William III of England demanded the release of all British subjects and Richard Joyce was released from slavery too. The Moorish goldsmith offered Richard Joyce a major portion of his wealth and also his only daughter in marriage, if he agreed to stay in Algiers. The story goes that, Richard Joyce refused all the tempting offers and returned to his native city with the first Claddagh ring.

These are the two major explanations for the history of the Claddagh ring. It does not matter which theory you believe in, or if you believe in neither, because everyone agrees that the Claddagh ring has a history and meaning that is significant to this day.


Wearing the Claddagh ring. Which hand to wear Cladag Rings.

The meaning and significance of the Claddagh ring is not just in the crown, heart and clasping hands, it also extends to the hand on which the ring is worn and the direction in which the crown on the ring points. In case of a married or engaged person Claddagh rings are worn on the left hand with the crown pointing away from the (the person wearing the ring) heart. For a person willing to consider love the ring is traditionally worn on the right hand with the crown pointing away from the heart. For a person not interested in starting a relationship the Cladagh ring is worn on the right hand with the crown pointing towards the heart.


The Irish Claddagh ring as a Wedding or Engagement Ring.

The Claddagh ring is one of the most popular Irish Wedding Rings. Traditionally the ring is passed down from a mother to her daughter. Today this Irish traditional ring is popular in many countries as a wedding ring or an engagement ring. Kaisilver has added an extra dimension to this issue by providing custom made high end claddagh rings in 18K Yellow or White Gold. These claddagh rings are available in all sizes with any gemstone of your choice. On the higher price range, Cladagh rings are also available with diamonds in the crown to add beauty and glitter to this ring. As expected, high end craftsmanship would be a must for all special occassion rings and Kaisilver provides just that. In the final phase of production every ring is hand finished to perfection. If you have read the above paragraphs on the deeper meaning, history and significance of the Irish cladagh ring, you will surely realize why this ring makes a perfect wedding or engagement ring.


Design variations for your Claddagh rings.

As the meaning and significance of the Irish Claddagh Rings spread across the world, jewelry designers tuned the design to appeal to a wider section of jewelry buyers. This brought up a few prominent design options for the Claddagh ring. In all these cases, the deeper meaning and Irish tradition are left intact. The first major variation was the Cladagh ring with two hearts instead of one. There was another variation without the crown, this design however retained the hands clasping the heart. It was Kaisilver who gave the ring it's artistic and classic appeal, by releasing the first high end claddagh rings with all gemstone options. The design, attention paid to every detail, the clarity and graceful fingers holding the heart are some of the features of the Kaisilver Claddagh rings that took the world by storm. The Kaisilver claddagh design ensures that your gemstone is firmly mounted and protected from side impacts from all sides. The healthy gold weight also ensures that the ring will retain it's shape and not twist and bend out of shape at the slightest excuse.


Male Claddagh Ring. Are male Cladagh rings available.

Claddagh rings are available for males too. As expected, the male Claddagh ring would be heavier than the claddag ring created for ladies. If the male Cladagh ring is made with a gemstone, the size of the gemstone would be much larger too. Because of the more active lifestyle followed by today's man and the fact that men are not as careful with their jewelry as ladies, a good gold weight for the male claddagh ring is a must. There is ofcourse no reason why the male Claddagh ring should not have the same high end craftsmanship. The design for a male ring should lay emphasis on being sturdy and durable, this can come without any compromise on good style and craftsmanship. If you are interested in a pair of rings for your wedding or engagement you can always custom order a pair of claddagh rings with gemstones of your choice.


Silver Cladagh Rings also available as high end rings.

For most jewelry buyers, the Claddagh ring is a symbol of love and friendship. The ring is worn for it's rich tradition and significance rather than as a display of wealth and luxury. With this background, it is really not necessary to always create Claddagh rings in gold alone. Sterling Silver Claddagh Rings can also be made with all gemstone options and with the same high end craftsmanship as the gold option. The classic and elegant look of sterling silver has attracted many jewelry lovers throughout the world, it is not just the lower price of silver that appeals to these silver jewellery lovers. The best way to create a sterling silver Cladag ring is to have it made without any Rhodium or other plating. This would allow the silver to tarnish as normal silver does. You can polish your silver ring with any recommended polish or fabric. This method gives your Claddagh Silver Ring a classic and antique feel which is ideal for a ring that has a 300 year old rich tradition.


Other Terms and Spellings used for the Cladagh Ring.

The claddagh ring has a history that goes back to over 300 years, few variations in designs have evolved over time. However what is amazing is the number of ways in which the claddagh ring is actually spelt. The correct spelling is 'claddagh' but a common spelling for this is 'cladagh' with a single 'd' and then the all famous 'clladagh' this lays double emphasis on the 'l' and goes light on the 'd'. We have numerous queries from buyers for 'cladaugh' rings, so this could be a popular spelling too. Finally is the spelling that is long and almost spells out every sound in every alphabet in the word, the 'calladagh' ring. So the next time you come across these spellings rest assured that they refer to the famous Irish Claddagh Ring.

Other Names For The Ring, these names have been derived by identifying the tradition or the features of the ring and so you have the 'clasped hands ring', a little more elaborate is the 'clasped hands and heart ring' or simply the 'hands and heart ring'. Because of a design variation that had two hearts in it, the ring also got the name of the 'double heart ring'. Linking it to it's origins gave it the name of the 'Irish heart ring' and also the 'Irish wedding ring'. Because of the significance of the ring the name 'faith ring' is used. The faith rings are infact a group of rings and the claddagh ring is often included in this group.



Enhancing The Meaning Of The Claddagh Ring

The history of the claddagh Irish ring highlights the deeper meaning and significance of the ring. If you are interested in this stunning jewel, there are a few options that you can choose that will help enhance the meaning of your ring. The first option is to make this ring as a birth stone ring and this is quite easy since we provide all gemstone options. If the ring is for a special occassion ring like a wedding or engagement, you can still have your birthstone set in the ring. Another option is to go for a pair of claddagh rings where, the lady's and men's ring have the same design and differ in gemstone size and overall ring dimensions. There is a growing trend towards exchanging birthstones where the lady wears a ring with the birthstone of the man and vice versa. This is expected to build a close bond between the couple (or friends) even when they are geographically hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Check Your Birthstone From These Charts
Month Born Zodiac Sign Birthstone
January Capricorn Garnet
February Aquarius Amethyst
March Pisces Aquamarine
April Aries Diamond Or White Zircon
May Taurus Emerald
June Gemini Pearl
July Cancer Ruby
August Leo Peridot
September Virgo Sapphire
October Libra Opal
November Scorpio Citrine or Topaz
December Sagittarius Turquoise


The claddagh ring history tells us of how special the occassion was when the first ring was made over 300 years ago. It is very likely that your claddagh ring is being worn to signify a special occassion like a birthday, an engagement or even a wedding. It is therefore an excellent idea to have the ring etched with a short message, a name or a date inside the band. The length of the message will depend on the overall size of the ring as, etching a long message on a small ring would cause the text to be virtually unreadable. We provide this etching service at no additional charge and our experts will advise you regarding the message size that is suitable for your ring.