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The Claddagh Ring
Special symbols are required for special
occasions, and there are none more special than those of the
Claddagh wedding ring. The design features two hands
clasping a heart surmounted by a crown and are the perfect
expression of wedding vows. The elements of this
symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the
heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown).
Often accompanied by the phrase “With these
hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my love”, the Claddagh
ring dates back centuries and is a rich and evocative ring. As a
wedding token, it has no equal, and serves as a constant reminder of
the vows taken on your wedding day.
The Legend of Claddagh
Legend has it that a young Irish man called
Richard Joyce from the village of Claddagh (pronounced “Clah-dah”),
was on his way to work for a period of time in the West Indies, when
he was kidnapped by a band of Mediterranean pirates and sold to a
Moorish goldsmith. This goldsmith took him under his wing and over
many long years helped him perfect the skills of a master craftsman.
In 1689, King William III negotiated the return of the many captured
slaves, ensuring the safe release of Richard Joyce. The goldsmith he
worked for desperately wanted to keep Richard with him, and offered
Joyce his daughter and half his wealth if he stayed, but Joyce
denied his offer to return home and marry his true love. It was on
this occasion that he presented his beloved with an exquisite
Claddagh ring as an expression of his love for her. Since then the
ring has become a symbol of enduring commitment.
The Wearing of a Claddagh Ring
The
way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to
convey the wearer's romantic availability, or lack thereof.
Traditionally, if the ring is on the right hand with the design
facing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the
person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, and may
in fact be single and looking for a relationship. When worn on the
right hand but with the design facing inward toward the body, this
indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that
"someone has captured their heart".
A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger,
facing outward away from the body, generally indicates that the
wearer is engaged. When the ring is on the left hand ring finger and
facing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person
wearing the ring is married. The crown and heart facing inwards on
this hand declare to all that the love of your life has been found
and you shall never be parted. What better ring for a marriage!
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