About this Piece
This Claddagh & Trinity Knot Disc Bangle combines two loved symbols of Ireland and its heritage. The bangle is a Celtic twist which gently flows to create two Trinity knots, one each side of the centre piece. The disc holder at the top of the bangle is encircled with tiny clear Cubic Zirconia stones.
The bangle comes with three interchangeable discs. One is of the Trinity knot surrounded by tiny hearts, the second, a Claddagh heart and the third, a traditional Claddagh edged with rope work.
Metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Plating: Rhodium
Weight: 10 grams approx.
Band Width: Top 18.5mm, Bottom 4.7 mm approx.
Disc Holder Diameter: 13 mm approx.
Stone Details: Clear Cubic Zirconia stones.
Fit: Standard 7 1/2″ wrist.
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.
History of the Celtic Trinity
The leaf-life trinity knot, or triquetra (from the Latin 'three-cornered), was used by early Christians to represent the Holy Trinity, though the symbol has its roots in earlier pre-Christian religions, possibly existing thousands of years beforehand. Being such as versatile symbol, the triquetra has countless interpretations - the number three was an important number in Celtic symbolism, so possible meanings also include the unity of the earth/sea/sky, the three stages of life, or various triple-deities.
It came to prominence during the period of 'insular art' in the early middle ages, which combined early Christian and Celtic art. Some of its most famous incarnations are found within the artwork of the Book of Kells. It was popularized again during the Celtic revival of the 19th Century.
