The Claddagh Ring

I find the concept of these endearing and fascinating.

They are an Irish symbol of love. The hands symbolize friendship, the heart love, and the crown loyalty.

Now, here comes something interesting:

the way in which the wearer wears the ring symbolizes his/her relationship status. 

• If the ring is worn (on the RIGHT hand) with the tip of the heart pointing away from the wearer, the wearer is not in a relationship.
• If the ring is worn (on the RIGHT hand)  so that the tip of the heart is pointing towards the wearer, then this means that the wearer is in a relationship. (Like the above picture)
• If the ring is worn (on the LEFT hand) with the tip of the heart pointing away from the wearer, the wearer is engaged.
• If the ring is worn (on the LEFT hand)  so that the tip of the heart is pointing towards the wearer, then this means that the wearer is married.

These rings were first produced during Queen Mary II's reign in the 17th century; however, their current design was formed during the late Roman period.