GALWAY, Ireland — Over the years the Claddagh ring — which shows two hands clasping a crowned heart — has been a love token, a friendship ring and, in modern times, a symbol of Ireland itself.

Learn about the meaning and cultural significance of the Irish Claddagh ring directly from jewelers, and see how you're supposed to wear it.

They mentioned Claddagh, this fishing village, and the peculiar custom of wedding rings being passed from mother to daughter,' Laura said.

Claddagh rings are popular with Irish Americans who want to represent their heritage and over 200 were found among the ruins of the 9/11 tragedy© Getty Images ...

Another tale recounts how scores of Claddagh natives pawned the gold rings for passage to America during the potato famine, while modern myth alleges that hundreds of the rings were recovered from ...