Claddagh Irish Ring

Days ago I showcased a silver ring I found in a park, but I did not make honor to it or its meaning out of ignorance. I described the ring as a "girlie" ring when indeed it is a Claddagh ring. It is an Irish ring with a long old tradition behind it. According toi the Wikipedia, "the ring was first produced in the 17th century during the reign of Queen Mary II, though elements of the design are much older."

Below is a brief description from the Wikipedia:

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 wearing of a Claddagh ring in modern usage is usually intended to convey the wearer's romantic availability, or lack thereof. The ring is worn on the right hand with the heart oriented away from the wearer, to show that the wearer is not romantically linked. When turned the other way, it shows that the wearer is in a relationship, or their heart has been "captured". When worn on the left hand with the heart oriented again away from the wearer, it implies the wearer is engaged; turned the other way, it indicates the wearer is married.[1]

and from another website:

The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer's romantic availability, or lack thereof.
1) Traditionally, if the claddagh 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, and may in fact be single and looking for a relationship: "their heart is open."
2) When worn on the right hand but with the heart facing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that "someone has captured their heart".
3) A Claddagh ring worn on the left hand ring finger facing outward away from the body generally indicates that the wearer is engaged.
4) When the ring is on the left hand ring finger and facing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person wearing the ring is married." [1]
Source: [1] Murphy, Colin, and Donal O'Dea (2006) The Feckin' Book of Everything Irish. New York, Barnes & Noble. p.126 ISBN 0-7607-8219-9

I learned and offer my apologies for my previous poor description 



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http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,18893.msg123240.html#msg123240

Thanks Xavier. Hey the silver coins keep coming to me. This afternoon I found my third Merc, a 1943. So I do have 6 silver coins altogether. I have also found some wheaties. I'll keep going out as much as I can before is too cold and see how I end up the hunting year. 

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http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,18893.msg123380.html#msg123380

No problem. It is amazing that a simple ring has such an extraordinary history behind it. It is indeed one of those traditions that perpetuate through generations. 

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http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,18893.msg123405.html#msg123405

Actually I think Im finding coins left behind by others for I have found them in different locations, not in a single one. Two different parks have given me 3 silver coins each. Just getting ready to go out again. Let's see what Halloween day has for me!  And yes, I'm taking my spare batteries

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http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,18893.msg123441.html#msg123441

Thanks. Silver seems to be following me on most hunts. Can't be more happy for it!

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