The name 'Claddagh' was the name of a small fishing village in County Galway, West Ireland where a man named Richard Joyce was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in North Africa. Joyce was trained as a goldsmith and created the Claddagh as the symbol of his beloved village. Once released, Joyce (and the Claddagh) returned to Galway as a master goldsmith.
As popular as ever, Claddagh rings are still worn as a symbol of friendship, engagement or wedding rings.
Tradition says they are to be worn as follows:
- Friendship - the ring is worn anywhere on the right hand.
- Engagement - the ring is worn on the third finger of your left hand with the tip of the heart pointing outwards.
- Married - the ring is worn on the third finger of your left hand with the tip of the heart pointing towards your own heart.
So that is the gist of the Claddagh Ring Story. The original Claddagh Rings looked a lot like this silver Claddagh ring.
But now so many variations are available. Very popular are stone set Claddagh Rings you can choose from diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, virtually any birthstone, and even pearls.
Many engaged couples are also buying Claddagh Rings to be used as wedding bands. Claddagh Wedding Bands are available in many variations of metals and styles to fit every budget and to please every heart.
