text: what is the meaning of a claddagh irish band??   "the claddagh rings consists of two hands holding between them, or presenting, a heart.  over the heart is a design representing a crown or fleur de lis.  the phrase or posy, that usually accompanies the ring is: "let love and friendship reign." "  "the original expression which accompanied the passage of the "claddagh" was:  "with these hands i give you my heart and i crown it with my love.""  see the meaning and the history of the claddagh at the site below.