The claddagh ring is a traditional Irish piece of jewelry. It was given either as a token of friendship or as a token of love. It also served as an engagement ring. This ring has a certain shape: the rim is made in the form of two hands that hold a heart, which, in turn, is crowned with a crown. According to the belief, the hands are a symbol of friendship, the heart is a symbol of love, and the crown is a symbol of fidelity. The inscription “Grá, Dilseacht, agus Cairdeas” (love, fidelity and friendship) is also often engraved on the piece.
History of the appearance of the Claddagh ring
The legend of the appearance of the traditionally Irish ring goes back to the XVII century. Richard Joyce, a fisherman from the fishing village of Claddagh in the west of Ireland, traveled to the West Indies to work. As he was returning home to his beloved, the ship was captured by Algerian pirates. Richard was sold into slavery and so became an apprentice jeweler. Missing his beloved and his homeland, he made a piece of jewelry with that very design: hands holding a heart adorned with a crown.
In 1689, when all British slaves were freed under William III of Orange’s agreement with the Moors, Richard Joyce traveled to Ireland. His beloved waited for him: after the wedding, Richard Joyce engaged in the jewelry business in his homeland.
The truthfulness of this legend is confirmed by the fact that some of the oldest Claddagh rings are marked “R.I.” and a jeweler named Richard Ioyes really worked in Ireland. However, whether the story of slavery was true – to date it is impossible to say.
Nevertheless, the Claddagh ring enjoys well-deserved popularity to this day. Both in Ireland and far beyond its borders.
Varieties of claddagh rings
The design of the ring underwent various changes as it spread. For example, the Dublin version has no crown. It is particularly popular among Irish people in favor of Irish independence.
Figure 2. Dublin claddagh ring
The Fede ring, a traditional Roman and Greek ring in the shape of two hands joined in a handshake, is also considered by some experts to be a variation of the Claddagh ring.
Figure 3. The Fede ring
Of the earliest versions there were rings decorated with a crown-mitra. But, as a rule, now such a design is not used.
How to wear a claddagh ring
The position of the ring is believed to have a special symbolism:
Interestingly, in Ireland it is customary for rings to be passed down the maternal line, either from grandmother to granddaughter or from mother to daughter.