The Claddagh (Clada) ring takes it’s name from an ancient fishing village sited just west of Galway City, because it was worn predominantly by these people.

The Claddagh village was governed by it’s own independently elected Mayor or King. Whose boat was identified by a white sail instead of the red-brown or black sails of the rest of the fishing fleet.

The origins of the first Claddagh ring is uncertain, but the earliest known maker of the Claddagh ring a Richard Joyce. He was captured by Algerian corsairs, sold into to a Moorish goldsmith and trained in the craft.

In 1689 he was released from slavery as a result of a demand from King William III. The Moor offered him his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined, returned home to Galway and brought with him the concept of the Claddagh ring.

Traditionally the Claddagh ring was worn as a friendship and wedding ring. When it was worn on the third finger of the right hand with the heart of the ring pointing away from the wearer's heart, it indicated that the wearer was still single, and suitors were open to consideration. Placed the same way on the left hand indicated that although the wearer was single she was betrothed to another. When the ring was worn on the left hand with the heart pointing towards the wearer's heart, (heart to heart), the wearer was committed or married.

The Heart symbolises “Love”, the Hands “Friendship” and the Crown “Loyalty”, the phrase that usually accompanies the ring is:

“LET LOVE AND FRIENSHIP REGIN”

“BÍODH GRÁ AGUS CARADAS I RÉIM”