THE CLADDAGH RING

The history of the Claddagh ring dates back to the early 16th century and to the village of Claddagh Co, Galway, Ireland.

Legend tells us that a small fishing boat from the village was captured by pirates and the crew taken slaves. One of the crew, a man named Richard Joyce was to have been married the same week of the capture and his bride-to-be was inconsolable. As the years went by neither married. Richard Joyce was put to work at the trade of goldsmithing, never forgetting his girl back home. He made a ring for her with a "heart for love, a crown for loyalty and two hands for friendship". With these hands, I give my heart.

Eventually, after 8 years he escaped his captors and returned to the village and to his great joy he found she had never given up hope of seeing him again. Their love was as strong as ever. He gave her the ring he made for her. They married shortly afterwards, never to be separated again.

Claddagh Rings