Matching Rings For Couples: Meaning and Historiography
Claddagh Meaning
The Partner Bracelets, or Irish heart ring, is a symbol of three things that are love, loyalty, and friendship. While Claddagh rings (pronounced "klah-duh") come in different designs, they share the same three components: two hands clasping a heart topped with the crown. The heart of the Claddagh design is an expression of love, while the two hands represent friendship, and the crown represents loyalty. Pomellato Solitaire and Kluna Solitaire products that feature diamonds are a fantastic way to express friendship, loyalty, and love. These pieces add a bit of glamour to your story, while enhancing the beauty and significance.
Who should you give a Claddagh ring to?
While a ring is typically handed out by one partner in love to another but an Claddagh ring is not just for girlfriends, boyfriends, husbands or wives. This Irish ring can also be gifted as a token of love from family and friends. Anyone who wishes to express the importance of friendship and love that is a part of the Irish Claddagh design may present this ring as a present. Both men and women can wear the Claddagh ring (fainne Chladaigh in Irish). A Claddagh ring is something that has a significant meaning to the person who wears it.
It is perfectly acceptable to purchase an Claddagh ring as an Irish gift for yourself: you may be looking to showcase your Irish heritage, show your love for Ireland or simply love the charm of the Claddagh design. However, it is commonly given to symbolise love or friendship. Claddaghs can be given as gifts to show the bond between two people.
Claddagh rings are an excellent choice for wedding rings or engagement rings. When worn as a wedding ring the Claddagh rings symbolize the promise of marriage "With my hands I give you my heart and I will crown it with my love." In some families, mothers will give their daughters the Claddagh. In this way, Claddagh rings can be passed down through generations and end up as precious family heirlooms.
With a myriad of ways to wear a Claddagh ring, it could be presented as an Irish gift to any loved one, be it a husband, girlfriend, relative, or friend.
The History of the Claddagh Ring
The first Claddagh was designed in Galway around 400 years ago, in a small town of fishermen called Claddagh. Richard Joyce is considered to be the most likely candidate for the origin of the designer.
(In 2020, one of the oldest Claddagh rings was given back to the Galway City Museum, Co. Galway.)
How to Wear the Claddagh Ring
Rings can be worn on either your right or left hand, depending on the message you want to send out. If your heart is facing outward on your left hand, then you are engaged. The ring can signify that you are married if your heart is facing the opposite direction on this hand.
If you wear the ring with your right hand with the heart facing forward, it means you are single and still seeking love. Wearing the ring with the heart facing inward on your left hand indicates that you are in a relationship that is committed. You may, of course choose to disregard these rules and wear the ring however you like.
The ring also makes an ideal engagement ring and can be used to create a meaningful ceremony during the wedding ceremony. Your partner can shift your ring from left to right hand to signify the new marriage.
You can request a Claddagh ring custom made if you want a unique wedding band. Some of the most popular customizations are diamond bands or adding Celtic symbols.
Finally, both men and women can wear this Irish ring. Men typically choose Claddagh rings with larger bands and more elaborate designs.