The claddagh ring is a traditional irish ring, given in friendship or worn as a wedding ring. The design and customs associated with it originated in the irish fishing village of claddagh, located just outside the old walls of the city of galway. The ring was first produced in the 17th century during thereign of queen mary ii, though elements of the design are much older.

The claddaghs distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually mounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). The expression which was associated with these symbols inthe giving of the ring was let love and friendship reign.

The way that a claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearers romantic availability, or lack thereof. Traditionally, if the ring is on the right hand with the heart facing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, or that no one has captured their heart. A claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger, facing outward away from the body, generally indicates that the wearer is engaged. When the ring in on the left hand ring finger and facing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person wearing the ring is married.

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