Claddagh

In the early 16th century, an Irishman named Richard Joyce was fishing off the coast of Galway, Ireland. One week before he was to be married his fishing boat capsized. Captured by pirates and sold into slavery to a Moorish goldsmith, he crafted a special ring for his one true love. The ring was fashioned of three symbols: hands signifying friendship, a heart signifying love, with a crown on top for loyalty. When released from slavery, Richard returned to Ireland and found his true love waiting for him. They married and settled in the village of Claddagh [kla-dah]. Ever since, the Claddagh ring has been worn as a sign of love, loyalty, and friendship.

Today, while wearing the ring, it is understood that the heart pointed toward you means your heart is taken. If the heart is worn pointing away from you, that means your heart is free. Worn on the left ring finger, heart pointed towards you represents a wedding band. Although traditionally used as a wedding band, the Claddagh ring has come to be worn as a friendship ring. The true Irish Claddagh bears a mark of authenticity, which cannot be imitated. A genuine Irish Claddagh ring is one that is handcrafted in Ireland, assayed in Dublin Castle, and hallmarked by the Irish Assay office.

• 10k Gold Heart Claddagh Ring

  $188.00

• 14k Yellow Gold Claddagh Ring

  $1,680.00

• Gold Vermeil Claddagh Drop Earrings

  $150.00

• Gold Vermeil Claddagh Necklace

  $200.00

• Gold Vermeil Claddagh Necklace

  $215.00

• Gold Vermeil Claddagh Stud Earrings

  $150.00

• Gold Vermeil Claddagh Stud Earrings

  $100.00

• Gold Vermeil Contemporary Claddagh Ring 

  $145.00

• Light Weight Claddagh Ring

  $89.95

• Pewter Claddagh Cake Knife

  $68.95

• Small Heart Shaped Claddagh Jewelry Box

  $34.95

• Small Pewter Claddagh Jewelry Box

  $46.95