The Claddagh's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted 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 in the giving of the ring was: "With my hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my love." Yet, the expression, "Let love and friendship reign forever" can be found as another meaning for the symbols.
The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer's romantic availability, or lack thereof. Traditionally, if the ring is on the right hand with the heart pointing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, and may in fact be single and looking for a relationship. When worn on the right hand but with the heart pointing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that "someone has captured their heart." A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger, pointing outward away from the body, generally indicates that the wearer is engaged.
The Claddagh ring belongs to a widespread group of finger rings called “Fede Rings” from the the Italian phrase mani in fede ("hands in trust" or "hands in faith"). They date from Roman times when the gesture of clasped right hands (dextrarum iunctio) symbolized marriage
Tags: Claddagh, ring