A traditional Irish symbol, often found on gold rings, that means love, loyalty and friendship. Each of these ideas are represented by the heart, crown and pair of hands that are distinctive in this Celtic design. The Claddagh is a a famous icon of Irish identity around the world. There are many legends about the origins of the ring which is said to date back to the 1700s and the fishing village of Claddagh in Galway. The Claddagh ring is sometimes used as a friendship ring but can more often be seen as an engagement or wedding ring. The Claddagh ring can have different meanings when worn in different ways. For example when worn on the left hand with the point of the heart towards the fingertips, the wearer is said to be engaged.