THE CLADDAGH RING, THE SYMBOL OF SYMBOLISM

When you are interested in collecting jewelry there is a wide range of different types of jewelry to point your interest at. There are some pieces of jewelry that have a special meaning to the owner or have a specific story which makes the piece a must have in your collection. One of these must have pieces is the very famous Claddagh Ring.

The Claddagh Ring is a very special ring which is often used as the ultimate symbol of love, friendship and/or loyalty. Knowing its symbolism the Claddagh Ring is the perfect gift for best friends and of course it would do well as a wedding ring. The design of the Claddagh Ring is a heart which is held by two hands and on the top of the heart a little crown gives it kind of a royal glow. The ring is available in all kinds of different materials such as silver, gold, platinum and titanium.

The history of the Claddagh Ring goes a long time back all the way into the 17th century. In this time, when Queen Mary II was in charge, the Claddagh Ring was produced for the first time, but the original design is much older and was originally meant to give the Galway town of Claddagh in Ireland an original symbol. Then the legend takes over. The story tells of Irish young men who was kidnapped by pirates on his way to the Irish Caribbean island of Montserrat and then sold to a Moorish goldsmith. During his stay with the goldsmith he learned everything about making jewelry. Back in Ireland his girlfriend was waiting for him to return and when he finally did, he brought her this beautiful ring. Two hands which represent their everlasting friendship, the crown to represent their undying loyalty and fidelity and the heart to represent their eternal love for each other. It would be no surprise to know they got married really soon and were never separated again. Although it is one of many legends and nobody knows if it’s true, it sure is a beautiful story.

Although the Claddagh Ring is usually used by people to express their feelings to one another it can also take duty as a very subtle way of letting people know that you are available. When you are wearing the ring on your right hand and the heart points away from you, it means that you heart is still open for business, but when the heart is pointing towards you it means you are romantically involved. When you wear the ring on your left hand with the heart pointing away from you, it means that you are engaged, but when the heart is pointing towards yourself, it means you are happily married.

Because of its ancient pure design and beautiful symbolism, the Claddagh Ring has had a lot of publicity. Not only was it seen a lot in motion pictures, a lot of stars like the symbolism and like to wear the ring a lot. The popular television shows Buffy, the Vampire Slayer has often used the ring as a plot device.

When reading story behind the ring and the symbolism that comes with it, makes you realize that the Claddagh Ring is not just any kind of ordinary jewelry, but a very special and powerful must have piece for your collection.
With a keen interest in belts, Jackie Reese researches and writes about wallets and all other types of mens leather belts. Click here for more information about money clips and here for front pocket wallet.