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Traditional Irish ring

A Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring in which a heart represents love, the crown stands for loyalty, and two clasped hands symbolize friendship. The design and customs associated with it originated in Claddagh, County Galway. Its modern form was first produced in the 17th century.

The Claddagh ring belongs to a group of European finger rings called fede rings. The name derives from the Italian phrase mani in fede ("hands [joined] in faith" or "hands [joined] in loyalty"). This group dates to Ancient Rome, where the gesture of clasping hands meant pledging vows. Cut or cast in bezels, they were used as engagement and wedding rings in medieval and Renaissance Europe to signify "plighted troth". In recent years it has been embellished with interlace designs and combined with other Celtic and Irish symbols, corresponding with its popularity as an emblem of Irish identity.

The Claddagh ring can been seen on the fingers of political figures, Hollywood icons, and literary figures. Public figures including John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton have worn the Claddagh ring. Kennedy and his wife received theirs on a trip to Galway in 1963. Reagan and Clinton both received the rings as a gift from Ireland. Royalty, such as Queen Victoria, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandria were seen wearing the Claddagh ring after 1849 when they traveled to Ireland. After visiting Ireland with his wife, Walt Disney was seen wearing the Claddagh ring. It is also apparent on the Partners Statue in Disney World. On the statue his ring was facing outward, although he was married. The ring can be found on actors such as Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne, who received their rings during the movie "The Quiet Man". Peter O'Toole and Daniel Day Lewis were frequently seen wearing the Claddagh ring, as well as Mia Farrow and Gabriel Byrne. Jim Morrison and Patricia Kennealy completed their Celtic wedding with Claddagh rings.