What’s the Meaning of a Claddagh Ring?

In use for over 400 years the exact origins of the Claddagh design have long since faded into the mists of time. From Claddagh, a small Gaelic speaking fishing community just outside Galway, Ireland, the design consists of two hands supporting a crowned heart. The hand symbolizes friendship, the crown loyalty and the heart love. A simple but powerful symbol it has inspired people the world over. When worn with the heart facing outward, your heart is open to the love of others. When turned so that the heart faces you it signifies that your heart is taken. During a traditional Irish wedding, the Claddagh rings are turned by the wedded couple.