The Story of Claddagh | Rings & Jewellery
The Claddagh ring is believed to have originated with the Joyce family, one of the tribes of Galway. According to legend, local fisherman Richard Joyce was set to marry his beloved when he was captured by Algerian pirates and sold into slavery. Under a Moorish goldsmith, he learned the art of crafting fine jewellery.
Years later, upon his release, Joyce refused offers to stay and returned to Galway, where his sweetheart had waited faithfully for him. As a symbol of his enduring love, he crafted the first Claddagh ring and presented it to her.
Forged with the skills he had honed during his captivity, the ring bore the heartfelt message: "With these hands, I give you my heart, and I crown it with my love." The couple wed, and the Claddagh ring became a timeless emblem of love, loyalty, and friendship.
Claddagh Ring Meaning
Irish Claddagh ring ('Fáinne Chladaigh' in Irish), is used in Ireland as an engagement, friendship and wedding ring. The Claddagh symbol is an iconic, timeless Irish design consisting of two clasped hands holding a crowned heart, where the heart means love, the hands symbolise friendship, and the crown represents loyalty.
The Claddagh Area
The Claddagh is a historic area located just beyond Galway’s old city walls, across the river from the Spanish Arch. Once a traditional fishing village, its residents—governed by an elected 'King of the Claddagh'—were forbidden from using 'spade or hoe' and relied solely on the sea. For centuries, the community was the main supplier of seafood to Galway city. The Claddagh is also famed as the birthplace of the legendary Irish Claddagh ring, a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship.
How to Wear Your Claddagh Ring
You can add your chapter to the Claddagh story by how you wear it. Anyone - whether single, engaged, or married - can wear a Claddagh ring. However, one unique feature of this iconic ring is that its meaning changes depending on how the wearer displays it.
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