Many fables surround the Claddagh, one of Ireland’s unique treasures; two hands cradling a crowned heart. The heart symbolizes love, the hands friendship and the crown loyalty. Wear the ring on the right hand, crown turned inwards, indicates that love is being considered. Worn on the left hand, the crown turned outward signifies all your heart is truly spoken for. It is believed that Richard Joyce made the original Claddagh ring around 1690. He lived in a little fishing village called “Claddagh” near Galway City. The vast exodus of refugees helped the popularity of the Claddagh from Ireland to places all over the world during the Great Potato Famine of 1847-49.