What’s all the fuss about the Claddagh Ring?...
The story of the claddagh Ring, its origin, how to wear it and my take on this centuries old Ring.
The Claddagh ring is an Irish ring, traditionally exchanged as a token of love. Often worn as an engagement or wedding ring due to the three beautiful symbols. The crown represents loyalty, the heart represents love and the hands represent friendship. These are three sacred elements to any relationship, whether its marriage or friendship.
The Claddagh Ring dates from the 17th century and originated in the little village of Claddagh in County Galway, Ireland. There are a number of stories which claim the origin of the Claddagh ring but the most plausible of these is that of the Joyce family.
It is said that Richard Joyce was a silversmith working in the 1700’s and his initials (his maker’s mark) are on the earliest known surviving Claddagh ring. The story goes that Joyce had been captured by Algerians and sold to a Moorish goldsmith.
The goldsmith needed an apprentice and noticing Joyce’s talent he taught him the trade. In 1689, he was released from slavery when William III sent an ambassador to Algeria demanding the release of all British subjects. Upon hearing this, Joyce’s captor offered him half of his wealth and his only daughter in marriage if he would remain in Algeria. Joyce declined the offer, eager to return to his native Galway. When he returned to Galway, he established his own jewelry business and set about creating his most famous design, the Claddagh ring.
The other popular story of the history of the Claddagh is also linked to the Joyce name. Margaret Joyce, a Galway native, inherited her wealth from her husband Domingo de Rona. He was a wealthy Spanish merchant who traded with the city of Galway. When he died, she returned to Galway and used her fortune to build bridges in Galway and Sligo. She also went on to marry the Mayor of Galway, Oliver Og French, in 1596. It is said the first Irish Claddagh ring was dropped into her lap by an eagle in reward for all her good work and charity.
What is the correct way to wear an Irish Claddagh Ring?
Whichever story you believe, there is no doubt that the Claddagh is the ultimate symbol of love. Long before Facebook, people wore the famous Claddagh design to proclaim their relationship status. Much like Facebook, relationship status can be updated quickly and as easily! There are a number of ways your ring can be worn to convey your relationship status.
Here’s a short guide on how to wear a Claddagh ring so you can avoid any awkward moments or give off mixed signals to those in the know!
4 Ways to Wear your Claddagh
Right hand with the point of the heart facing towards the hand: The heart is turned in towards the wearer meaning their heart is taken and they are in a relationship.
Right hand with the point of the heart away from the hand: The heart is turned out away from the wearer meaning their heart is open to love and they are not in a relationship.
Left hand with the point of the heart pointing away from hand: the wearer is engaged or in a lifelong partnership.
Left hand with the point of the heart pointing to the hand: the wearer is married!
Inspiration
I was inspired by the Claddagh ring and its powerful symbolism that is now recognised globally due to all the Irish emigrants. The folk lore that surrounds it is fascinating, which ever story you believe! This ring has held its meaning and identity for centuries now. I took it upon myself to see if I could redesign a more modern version of the ring and came up with three separate stacking rings that combine to make the Claddagh.
Each symbol is so powerful I wanted to give the Claddagh ring a new stance and showcase each meaning in a separate ring, so that you have the option of wearing them altogether or collecting the rings individually. The Tiny Crown Ring, may be tiny but in my opinion it is a showstopper. The golden nuggets create a crown that fits perfectly into the heart ring. This detailed ring does look stunning on its own though and would be perfect as a wedding band. The diamond in the ring symbolises the value we place on loyalty. We should always be loyal and genuine to ourselves and to others.
The Tiny Heart Ring is beautiful in its simplicity and can be worn on its own, as an engagement ring, or paired with either accompanying rings. The symbol of love should be used for loving ourselves as well as others so its time to shout about that and wear your love with pride!
Finally, the Tiny Hands Ring. The design of this ring is quite obscure, symbolising the coming together of two people, the diamond at the tip of the ring shows the strength of the friendship and the bond can never be broken. I love the design of this ring, once you know, you know. The Tiny Hands ring could be given as a gift to a friend that has been through everything with you, or to your partner, symbolising the strength of friendship within your love.
So wether you stack these rings high and create the full version of the traditional Claddagh Ring or choose which symbol means the most to you, there is something for everyone. Add your story to legends and myths that surround this historical and beautiful ring, all the way from Claddagh in County Galway, Ireland.
