<P> An account written in 1906 by William Dillon, a Galway jeweller, claimed that the "Claddagh" ring was worn in the Aran Isles, Connemara and beyond . Knowledge of the ring and its customs spread within Ireland and Britain during the Victorian period, and this is when its name became established . Galway jewellers began to market it beyond the local area in the 19th century . Further recognition came in the 20th century . Learned to be a beautiful ring . </P> <P> In his 1911 book Rings for the Finger, American mineralogist George Frederick Kunz addresses the importance of gold wedding rings in Ireland but does not mention the Claddagh ring . He does, however, include a photo of one, captioned with its correct name . Furthermore, it is unclear exactly how or when the ring was brought to the United States . </P> <P> The Claddagh's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart and usually surmounted by a crown . These elements symbolize the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). A "Fenian" Claddagh ring, without a crown, is a slightly different take on the design but has not achieved the level of popularity of the crowned version . Claddagh rings are relatively popular among the Irish and those of Irish heritage, such as Irish Americans, as cultural symbols and as friendship, engagement and wedding rings . </P> <P> While Claddagh rings are sometimes used as friendship rings, they are most commonly used as engagement and wedding rings . Mothers sometimes give these rings to daughters when they come of age . There are several mottos and wishes associated with the ring, such as: "Let love and friendship reign ." In Ireland, the United States, Canada, and other parts of the Irish diaspora, the Claddagh is sometimes handed down mother - to - eldest daughter or grandmother - to - granddaughter . </P>

What does two hands holding a heart with a crown mean