The Claddagh ring, also often called the "Claddagh Ring", is associated with several legends whose origins are unknown.
Symbolism of the ring
The Claddagh ring features two hands holding a heart, most often topped with a crown. It is often said that each of these three elements symbolises a quality: love for the heart, friendship for the hands, and loyalty for the crown. " Let love and friendship reign " ("Let love and friendship reign").
The different ways of wearing the ring are often used to indicate whether or not the wearer is available.
Traditionally, if the ring is worn on a finger of the right hand and the design faces outwards, with the point of the heart pointing towards the fingertips, it indicates that the wearer is not in a serious relationship. They are therefore probably single and looking for a relationship. If the ring is worn on the right hand with the point of the heart directed towards the body, it indicates that the person is taken, or that "someone has captured their heart". The ring worn on the ring finger of the left hand, with the point of the heart pointing towards the fingertips, generally indicates that the wearer is engaged. When the ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand, with the point of the heart directed towards the body, it means that the person is married.
