The History of the Claddagh Ring

Where it all began

The Irish Claddagh ring has some uncertainty relating to its origins. What is not in doubt is the fact that the original Irish Claddagh ring was crafted in or near the little fishing village of the Claddagh in County Galway on the beautiful west coast of Ireland. This little village is still in existence today surrounded by the busy city of Galway. This ring has led to the creation of  complete range of claddagh and celtic jewelry.

The ring itself is made up of a heart clasped in two hands with a crown on top. The meaning of the three parts of the rings are the heart for love, the crown for loyalty, and the hands for friendship. This Irish wedding ring has been given in Ireland as both a friendship ring and a Irish wedding ring and is still very popular. The motto of the claddagh ring is "Let love and friendship reign". The ring was first crafted sometime in the 16th or 17th century but the story around its origin have become clouded with legend and myth.

The Richard Joyce Story

One of the most popular stories regarding the original Claddagh rings is that of Richard Joyce.  It is said that Richard was captured by Algerian pirates and sold into slavery with the Moors. Whilst in slavery he worked under a Moorish goldsmith who taught Richard his craft. In 1689 at the behest of King William 111 Richard was released from slavery. Despite many incentives from his Moorish master, including the hand of his daughter in marriage Richard returned to his native Ireland. It was when he returned that he is said to have fashioned the original Claddagh jewelry. The earliest traced of these rings bear his manufacturing mark RI.

Margaret Joyce and the Tribes of Galway.

This the second story of the origins of the Claddagh is probably a little bit more fanciful than the first. Galway like the other county of Ireland during this time, the 16th century, was ruled by clans or tribes, hence the name for Galway "the city of the tribes". One of the most important and influential tribes in the Galway area was that of the Joyce's. Margaret Joyce is said to have married a wealthy Spanish merchant, who upon his death left all his wealth to Margaret. She then went on to marry a Oliver French, a mayor of Galway from 1596. They used this money to build bridges in the Galway area and to help the common people. It is said that an eagle dropped a gold ring into her lap to reward her for all the good deeds that she had done.

Royal Approval.

This Irish ring started to receive notability when Queen Victoria of England started to wear one. This tradition linking the ring to royalty has been kept up since by King Edward V11 and Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco.

Wearing the Ring.

The way the ring is worn is of great importance as this is what gives it significance. Worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward it means that your heart has not been given. Worn on the same hand with the crown facing out it means that love is being considered. But worn on the left hand with heart facing in it means that love has been found and shall never be parted.