Steeped in Tradition

Living in a city that is immersed in Irish tradition, it’s hard not to notice an increase in legacy pride during March – from bagpipes in Downtown pubs to the St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston. Aside from March, you’ll notice Irish tradition all year long around Boston in a small way all around the city, like the Claddagh ring. 

When it comes to tradition and significance, few pieces can rival the Claddagh ring’s emblem of love and friendship, enriched in romantic tradition. 

A Piece of Irish History 

“With These hands, I give you my heart and crown it with my love.”

Historians can date this ring back to the 17th century in the little village of Claddagh in Galway county, yet the original narrative of the ring is unclear. One thing that holds is the three figures that shape the band: 

     The crown represents loyalty 

     The hands represent friendship

     The heart represents love

How someone wears the ring also demonstrates relationship status. 

     1. On the left hand with the heart facing toward the hand, the wearer is married 

     2. On the left had with the heart facing away from the hand, the wearer is engaged 

     3. On the right hand with the heart facing in, the wearer is in a relationship

     4. On the right hand with the heart facing away from the hand, the wearer is looking for love

Shop our Claddagh rings.