The Claddagh Ring

The history of the claddagh ring dates back to the early 16th century, and to the village of Claddagh, Co. Galway, Ireland.
Legend tells us that a small fishing boat from the village was captured by pirates and the crew taken as slaves. One of the crew, a man named Richard Joyce, was to have been married the same week of the capture, and his bride-to-be was inconsolable. As the years went by neither married. Richard Joyce was put to work at the trade of Goldsmithing, never forgetting his girl back home. He made a ring for her, with a heart for love, a crown for loyalty, and two hands for friendship.
Eventually, after eight years he escaped his captors and returned to Ireland, to the village, and to his great joy he found she had never given up hope of seeing him again -- their love was as strong as ever. He gave her the ring he had made for her. They married shortly afterwards, never to be separated again.

Worn on the right hand, crown turned inwards, your heart is yet unoccupied. Worn on the right hand, crown turned outwards, shows a special commitment to someone. Worn on the left hand, crown outwards, let our love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated.