The Claddagh Ring!

If there are two souvenirs I wanted while in Ireland, it was an Irish flag and a Claddagh ring.  The Claddagh ring was something I was completely unfamiliar with before studying abroad.  The ring is quite unique and symbolizes friendship, loyalty, and love.  Many people wear these as wedding rings in Ireland.  I was gifted my ring a few days ago as a 21st birthday/Easter present. The slip of paper that came with my ring explains the story behind the ring better than I could:

"The hands of friendship, crown of loyalty and the heart symbolising love.  The tradition dates back to the 16th century when a native of Galway City, Richard Joyce was captured by Algerian Corsairs on his way to the West Indies. When he eventually returned he settled in the small village of Claddagh just outside the city of Galway where he crafted the first Claddagh ring."

The interesting part is how the ring is worn...

My Claddagh ring!

Worn on left ring finger with the crown pointing towards your fingertips indicates you are spoken for, or married.

Worn on right ring finger with the crown pointing towards your fingertips suggests you are in a relationship, or that love is being considered. 

Worn on the right ring finger with the crown pointing towards your wrist, however, means that you are single, or that your heart is not spoken for. 

You can find these rings in many gift shops and at almost any jeweler. However, I was told that I should get the ring from Galway where it originated (more authentic). There are a number of different styles one can choose from-some are very simple and some can get quite extravagant with engravings and different coloured gems inside the heart and around the band.  Most all are sterling silver.