Claddagh Ring

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Ring-of-claddagh.jpg
Ring of Claddagh

The Claddagh Ring is a famous friendship ring originating from the Claddagh village located just outside the old walls of Galway city. The Claddagh design, an original symbol of the "Fisher Kings" of the Galway town of Claddagh, Ireland, was first fashioned into the traditional ring in the 17th Century during the reign of Mary II.

Contents

Significance

The ring's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of friendship (the hands), loyalty (the crown) and love (the heart) that are said to combine in a good marriage.

The way that a claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey some indication of the wearer's romantic availability. It is generally true that if the ring is on the right hand with the crown facing the base of the finger, the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship. A ring worn on the right hand with the crown facing away from the base of the finger then indicates someone in a serious relationship. According to some, a claddagh worn on the left hand in either orientation indicates that the wearer is married: others, however, distinguish between engagement and marriage (crown towards the base of the finger indicates being engaged; crown away from the base indicates marriage).

The Claddagh ring's legendary origins

Legend has it that an young Irish man, Richard Joyce, bound for the West Indian slave plantations - no doubt the Irish Caribbean island of Montserrat - was kidnapped himself by a band of Mediterranean pirates and sold to a Moorish goldsmith who apprenticed him to his craft. In 1689, through the negotiations of William III, Joyce was released and returned to Galway, despite, it is said, the Moor's offer of the daughter's hand in marriage and a princely dowry of half of al

Historical details

The Irish Famine of 1847-1849 caused many to emigrate from Ireland, and the Claddagh ring spread along with the emigrants to the United States and elsewhere. These rings are often considered heirlooms, and passed on from mother to daughter as well as between friends and lovers.

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