The Claddagh Story
The story of the Claddagh Ring begins 500 years ago on the west coast of Ireland in a tiny fishing village outside the ancient city walls of Galway Known as Claddagh.
Each morning the men would set sail into Galway Bay in their tiny curraghs with hopes of a great catch. In the bay the wind could be strong and the seas high but there where other dangers too. As was oh so common at that time, pirates stalked the bay. One fateful day family of fisherman was at sea. The men were captured by pirates and promptly sold into slavery. Richard the youngest of the lot was to be married that same week, but alas he was forced to leave the Claddagh and his beloved behind.
Richard was sold to a goldsmith on the north coast of Africa were he was forced to tend the fires. The goldsmith eventually took a liking to Richard and began teach him the trade of goldsmithing. A smart Irish lad and a quick study, Richard learned his trade very well. A day never passed that Richard did not yearn to be home in The Claddagh with the lass he left behind. The thoughts of love and home inspired Richard. Each day he hoarded a spec of gold from his master. When enough gold had been stored he made a ring, a beautiful ring, a ring with true meaning. His ring combined three symbols - at the center a
heart signifying his love, the heart embraced by
hands signifying his friendship and the two topped by a
crown to mark his loyalty to his love.
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The years passed and Richard either escaped captivity or was finally released, no knows for sure. What we do know is that he made his way across the oceans, across the continents, and finally back across the bay to the Claddagh. To Richards great joy when he arrived home he found that the girl he loved had never married. With tears of joy in his eyes he presented he the ring he had crafted half a world away and the two lived happily ever after.
But our story does not end there, because not only is it a lovely story but it is the birth of one of Ireland most endearing traditions. The tradition of the Claddagh, now known in every corner of the earth. A story and a tradition with such meaning that it captivates us these 500 years later. Since that time the Claddagh Ring has been worn as a sign of Love, Loyalty and Friendship.
Worn on the left hand with the heart facing towards one's heart, it is a betrothal and wedding ring. And worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward it is a sign of friendship.
The true Irish Claddagh bears a mark of authenticity, which cannot be imitated. A genuine Irish Claddagh is one that is handcrafted in Ireland, assayed in Dublin Castle and hallmarked by the Irish Assay master.
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