The Claddagh Ring: A Meaningful Way to Say “I Do”
The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring often used as a wedding band or engagement ring. It was first created in the village of Claddagh, just outside of Galway in Ireland, during the 1600’s. Its design includes two hands clasping a heart, topped with a crown.
The design of the Claddagh ring is several hundred years old, but it is based upon much older designs. “Fede” rings, or rings that featured two clasped hands, were common from Greek and Roman times onward. They were given to symbolize love, fidelity, and friendship. The Claddagh ring follows this tradition. The heart stands for love; the hands for friendship; and the crown for loyalty.
The Fenian Claddagh, a more recent design that does not include the crown, was created in Dublin for Irish Republicans who objected to British rule. They objected to the crown, believing it symbolized fidelity to the British royals. The Fenian design never became as popular as traditional Claddaghs, and it is harder to find today.
The way a Claddagh ring is worn makes a statement about the wearer. Wearing the ring with the heart facing outward signifies that the wearer is romantically available. Wearing it with the heart facing inward means the wearer is “taken.”
There are several legends associated with the origins of the Claddagh ring. The first involves a lady from Galway named Margaret Joyce, who married a rich Spanish merchant. The merchant died, leaving his wife a great fortune. Margaret returned to Galway, remarried, and used her fortune to build bridges in the community. As a reward for her charity, an eagle dropped the first Claddagh ring in her lap.
The second tells of a prince who fell in love with a peasant girl. Her father was against the union, believing that the prince only wanted to take advantage of his daughter. To convince his sweetheart’s father of his good intentions, the prince created the Claddagh ring, explaining the symbolism to the girl as he gave it to her. Overhearing, the father came to believe the prince truly loved his daughter, and gave the couple his blessing.
The third legend tells of a man named Richard Joyce who was taken captive by Algerian pirates during a journey on the Mediterranean. Joyce was sold into slavery to a Turkish goldsmith, who taught Joyce the trade. Joyce soon became a master goldsmith himself. He had a sweetheart at home in Ireland, and while he was in captivity, Joyce created the first Claddagh ring, dreaming of being reunited with her.
Eventually, when William III was crowned in 1689, he forged an international treaty with the Algerians, stating that all his captive subjects would be released. The master goldsmith, however, was so attached to his slave that he offered him his daughter’s hand in marriage and half his fortune if he would stay. But Joyce, yearning to be reunited with his sweetheart in Ireland, refused. He returned to his home in Claddagh, gave his love the ring he made, and married her shortly thereafter. Later, he set up shop as a goldsmith and made many more Claddagh rings.
While the story of Richard Joyce may have been embellished, most historians believe that it is the closest to the truth. The earliest Claddagh rings are known to have been made by a goldsmith named Richard Joyce.
The ring was popular in the 17th and early 18th centuries, but over time it became more rare. It saw a revival, however, when Queen Victoria began wearing one. For a time, the Claddagh ring was associated with royalty; King Edward VII wore one, and Prince Rainier of Monaco exchanged Claddagh rings with Princess Grace.
Claddagh rings can be seen in popular culture, as well; Jim Morrison is known to have exchanged the rings with his wife, Patricia Kenealy-Morrison.
Today, Claddagh rings can be worn as wedding rings, or even as a beautiful diamond engagement ring with a gem in the center of the heart. They remain a unique and meaningful way to say “I do.” When you exchange Claddagh rings on your wedding day, you are following four hundred years of Irish tradition. These beautiful rings are truly a piece of living history.
