Sterling Silver Claddagh Ring
This stunningly beautiful Claddagh ring will bring a smile to any lover of Celtic jewelry. With the inscription of the traditional Celtic, Claddagh message, 'love loyalty friendship' this piece will remind the wearer of the importance of each value in day to day life. The small but supportive, silver hands hold the heart tenderly, but with strength, balancing the crowning loyalty of the historical trinity.
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- Metal: Sterling Silver
- Weight: 1.8 grams
- Height: 10mm
- Handmade in Ireland
- Hallmarked at the Assay Office at Dublin Castle
History of the Claddagh
The Claddagh (or Cladach, meaning 'the shore') features a crowned heart held by two hands - the heart represents love, the hands represent friendship, while the crown stands for loyalty. As far back as medieval times, engagement rings had been inscribed with clasped hands to signify one's fidelity, while the heart and crown were eventually added in the 18th century.
The Claddagh is named for the former fishing village that's now part of Galway city in the West of Ireland, where iconic Claddagh rings have since been produced for hundreds of years. Legend has it that in 1695, a local teenage silversmith called Richard Joyce became enslaved by Algerian pirates, and invented the Claddagh ring while in captivity.
Whatever the true origin, the Claddagh has since exploded in popularity among those desiring to celebrate their Irish heritage, appearing on many forms of jewelry and art from weddings rings to casual gifts of friendship.
