Page 15 - Giv'er Miramichi magazine - Summer 2019

History of the Claddagh Ring

by L&A Goldsmith
Few pieces of jewellery can rival his return to Galway. Unbeknownst
Claddagh rings when it comes to to the goldsmith, Richard had stolen
tradition and significance. When you specks of gold from the workshop
wear one you are displaying a each day which he fashioned into a
wonderful piece of Irish history. ring. This was given to his
The Claddagh ring meaning is all sweetheart whom he married. He
about love, loyalty and friendship. later setup a goldsmiths shop of his
The two hands represent friendship, own, and as the story goes he created
the heart symbolizes love and the the Claddagh ring with the initials RJ
crown on the top is for loyalty on it.
Unsurprisingly, one of the main
legends of the ring comes from a How To Wear a Claddagh Ring
classic love story - although there are The Claddagh Ring has been the
several different tales attributed to it. traditional wedding ring in Irish
The Claddagh gets its name from culture since the 17th century. There
The Claddagh, a tiny old fishing are four basic meanings depending
village located outside of Galway on how the ring is worn:
City in an area where the famous “With my two hands I give you my Single: wear the ring on your right
Corrib River opens out into the heart and crown it with my loyalty.” hand with the heart facing outwards.
Atlantic. Although there are different Relationship: wear it on your right
stories as to the origin of the ring, it hand with the heart pointed inwards.
was almost certainly created in or near the village of Engaged: wear it on your left hand with the heart pointing
Claddagh. outwards.
Richard Joyce, a sailor from the fishing village of Married: wear it on your left hand with the heart facing
Claddagh, was kidnapped by pirates in the 17th century and inward.
sold into slavery. He was purchased by a goldsmith who The many meanings of Claddagh rings allow them to be
trained him in the craft. In 1689, King William II demanded worn to celebrate many occasions including weddings and,
the release of all slaves who were part of his kingdom. During of course, engagements. Alternatively, you can add your own
his time as a slave, Richard had impressed his master to the unique twist. While these rings celebrate Irish traditions, their
point where he was offered half his wealth and his daughter’s beautiful and timeless design means they continue to look
hand in marriage. But the truth was his true love was awaiting fabulous in the modern age.

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