A Claddagh ring (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring in which a heart represents love, the crown stands for loyalty, and two clasped hands symbolize friendship.[1][2]
The design and customs associated with it originated in Claddagh, County Galway. Its modern form was first produced in the 17th century.[3]
- ^ George Frederick Kunz (1911). Rings for the Finger: From the Earliest Known Times, to the Present, with Full Descriptions of the Origin, Early Making, Materials, the Archaeology, History, for Affection, for Love, for Engagement, for Wedding, Commemorative, Mourning, Etc. Philadelphia; London: J. B. Lippincott Co.
- ^ William Jones (1877). Finger Ring Lore: Historical, Legendary, Anecdotal. London: Chatto and Windus. OCLC 181875403.
- ^ Shane Dawson (1994). "Galway Goldsmiths, Their Marks and Ware". Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society. JSTOR 25535635. 46:43–64.