Claddagh rings have been around since the late 1600's. There are many stories surrounding how they came about but most stories contain the same location in Ireland, that being Galway.  I am of Scottish Irish descent and the Claddagh has always held a special place in my heart.  This is my interpretation of this ring.  The crown stands for loyalty, the heart represents love, and the clasping hands symbolize friendship.  The center stone of this big bold beauty, is a rather large purplish pink Star sapphire (one of my favorite stones).  It's probably somewhere around 20cts.   The rest of the ring is solid sterling silver.  The shank has the cutest ivy pattern that also relates to the Irish countryside. This shank morphs into the decorated sleeves of the hands that encircle this beautiful stone.  Wearing a Claddagh with the heart facing towards you symbolizes that you are in a relationship or that your heart is taken, but worn facing away from you means you are looking for love.  This ring is a size 7.