Ireland: The Story Of The Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh Ring: An Irish Symbol of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship

Cultural Experiences/World Curriculum - By Ms. Mila Vasconcelos

Some discoveries happen by chance, but they stay with us forever. While visiting Dublin with my cousin, appreciating the beauty of castles, old stone streets, and stunning architecture, I discovered an interesting item —the Claddagh ring. As we wandered through shops filled with Celtic knots and traditional Irish designs, this particular piece of jewelry caught my attention. My cousin, recognizing my curiosity, gave me a quick explanation of its symbolism, but I knew right then and there that I had to find out more.

I’ve always been someone who collects rings with meaning. Recently, on my trip to Bali in December 2024, I forged my own silver ring, in honor of the Hindu Goddess Saraswati. And the friendship ones are kinda of my favorite accessory. It reminds me of so many good stories, and it is something that I can wear and think about my friends.

Portuguese Tiles ring shared with my friends from Porto, Carioca's Rio de Janeiro Love with my bestie in Brazil, and my teacher's rings combo: mood rings and Knowledge Owl from South Carolina, USA

The Claddagh ring has a distinctive design — a heart held by two hands, topped with a crown—was unlike any I had seen before. I soon learned that it represents the three most important values in relationships and friendships: Love (heart), Loyalty (crown), and Friendship (hands). Originating from the village of Claddagh in Galway, Ireland, this ring has been a symbol of Irish culture and heritage for centuries.

The story behind the ring is as interesting as its design. According to an old legend, Richard Joyce, a Galway fisherman, was captured by pirates and sold into slavery in North Africa. While in captivity, he learned the art of goldsmithing and, during his years in servitude, crafted a ring as a token of love for his sweetheart back home. When he was finally released, he returned to Galway and gave her the ring, symbolizing his enduring love, faithfulness, and devotion. Over time, the Claddagh ring became a symbol of Irish identity and a traditional gift passed down through generations.

Wearing a Claddagh ring carries a hidden message depending on how you wear it. Worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward, it means the wearer is single and open to love. Worn on the right hand with the heart facing inward, it signifies that the person is in a relationship. On the left hand, with the heart facing inward, it represents marriage or deep commitment. This layered meaning that this practice is a silent storyteller of the wearer’s heart.

Learning about the Claddagh ring was a beautiful surprise of my time in Dublin. It made me remember all the connections we created throughout history with people that we love and cherish, and we want to keep them with us, even being miles away. The Claddagh ring carries an extra layer of tradition, of course. It is a connection to history, tradition, and personal meaning. Every time I wear it, I am reminded not only of my trip to Ireland and my cousin, but of the good values it represents—love, loyalty, and friendship.

Back to the Art Room: What Do We Do?

After learning about the Claddagh ring’s rich symbolism—with its heart for love, hands for friendship, and crown for loyalty—it was time to bring this knowledge into the art room. My students explored how rings have been used symbolically across different cultures, and then set out to design their own symbolic rings using polymer clay.

Each student started by brainstorming a personal or cultural story that they wanted to embed into their design. Some drew inspiration from their own heritage, incorporating symbols of strength, unity, or protection, while others created rings based on modern interpretations of friendship, love, or commitment.

Steps of the Lesson:

1. Research & Sketching:

   • Students researched different symbolic rings across history and examined how their designs carried meaning.

   • They used the design app Canva to brainstorm their ideas and incorporate the elements in each ring, explaining their meanings. You can see some of the most creative ideas below.

     
     
     

     

     

     

     
     
     

2. Clay Sculpting & Forming the Rings:

   • Using polymer clay, students shaped their elements to add to the rings (I provided the base in metal).

   • They then sculpted small, intricate details to represent their chosen symbolism.

3. Adding Texture & Fine Details:

   • Students used clay tools and toothpicks to carve delicate textures, making their designs more intricate and unique.

   • Those who wanted extra refinement layered small clay pieces to create depth.

4. Baking & Finishing Touches:

   • Once sculpted, the rings were baked according to the polymer clay instructions.

   • After cooling, students used gloss sealers to enhance their designs, mimicking the look of real jewelry.

5. Presentation & Reflection:

   • Each student presented their ring and explained its symbolism, linking it back to our study of the Claddagh ring and the cultural significance of rings throughout history.

   • We discussed how rings carry personal and societal meaning, serving as symbols of commitment, identity, and tradition.

By the end of the lesson, the students created beautiful wearable art and engaged in an exploration of symbolism and storytelling through design. It was inspiring to see how each student translated their ideas into something they could actually wear—a reminder that art can be both personal and functional!

I hope you can get inspired by the meaning of the Claddagh Irish ring and build strong connections with friends and family, using symbolism as a way of expressing the love, friendship, and loyalty that you have for each other!

Ms. Mila Vasconcelos