The Claddagh Ring
Claddagh history begins with a group of rings called, "Fede rings", meaning, "faith rings". Dating back to Roman times, faith rings are distinguished by two hands representing trust and faith.
However, the Claddagh ring is a unique version of this design in which the two hands are holding a heart topped by a crown.
The traditional Irish wedding ring since the 17th century, the Claddagh ring is one of the most familiar symbols of Irish heritage. This intricately crafted tribute to friendship, loyalty and everlasting love is one of the most enduring emblems of all that love can be.
However, the ring also has a story thought to be true to explain the the origin of the ring.
The most common tale of Claddagh history begins with a young man from Galway by the name of Richard Joyce (no relation to the writer James Joyce!) leaving his true love to make his fortune in the West Indies. As he sailed toward his goal, his ship was captured by a band of pirates and he was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith.
Through the many years of service to the goldsmith, Richard perfected the art of jewelry making himself, eventually becoming a master craftsman and earning the respect and admiration of his master. When King William III negotiated the freedom of the slaves in 1689, the Moor offered Richard the hand of his daughter and a healthy dowry on top of that. But Richard refused....for his heart still lay in Ireland.
Returning to Galway, Richard found that his sweetheart had remained true to him through all those years. In a fitting tribute to his true love, he fashioned the Claddagh ring. The two hands represented their friendship. The crown signified their loyalty. The heart symbolized their love. Richard wedded his beloved and presented the first Claddagh to her as her wedding ring. And the two lived happily ever after....never to be apart again.
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