The Claddagh
(Clada) ring takes it’s name from an ancient
fishing village sited just west of Galway City, because
it was worn predominantly by these people.
The Claddagh village was governed by it’s own
independently elected Mayor or King. Whose boat was
identified by a white sail instead of the red-brown
or black sails of the rest of the fishing fleet.
The origins of the first Claddagh
ring is uncertain, but the earliest known maker
of the Claddagh
ring a Richard Joyce. He was captured by Algerian
corsairs, sold into to a Moorish goldsmith and trained
in the craft.
In 1689 he was released from slavery as a result of
a demand from King William III. The Moor offered him
his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth if
he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined, returned
home to Galway and brought with him the concept of the
Claddagh
ring.
Traditionally the Claddagh
ring was worn as a friendship and wedding
ring. When it was worn on the third finger of the
right hand with the heart of the ring pointing away
from the wearer's heart, it indicated that the wearer
was still single, and suitors were open to consideration.
Placed the same way on the left hand indicated that
although the wearer was single she was betrothed to
another. When the ring was worn on the left hand with
the heart pointing towards the wearer's heart, (heart
to heart), the wearer was committed or married.
The Heart symbolises “Love”, the Hands “Friendship”
and the Crown “Loyalty”, the phrase that
usually accompanies the ring is:
“LET LOVE AND FRIENSHIP REGIN”
“BÍODH GRÁ AGUS CARADAS I RÉIM”
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