In Ireland, there’s a tradition. Many Irish people wear a Claddagh ring. This is an Irish ring featuring 2 hands holding a crowned heart. According to custom, if you wear the ring on your right hand, with the crown facing inwards, you signify that your heart is free. If it’s worn on the right hand with the crown facing outwards, you’re telling the one you love that love is possible. And when you wear the ring on your left hand, crown outwards, your two hearts have become inseparable. Pretty, isn’t it?
A Claddagh ring – Royal Claddagh – cc
Ultra-famous, the Claddagh ring has become a veritable cultural symbol in Ireland. As famous as the harp or the Irish shamrock, this ring is a must-have, and its iconography can even be worn as a tattoo!
If the Irish are so attached to this ring, it’s above all because it’s the product of a terrible story…
For there is indeed a “legend” surrounding this Irish ring. A story that’s probably a little romanticized, dating back over 300 years. Shall we tell you about it? Here we go:
The story is set in the 18th century. At the time, Ireland was prey to conquerors who made a living from the slave trade. Many speculators and pirates disembarked in the villages to pillage, steal and capture Irish people, destined to become slaves.
In the west of the island, not far from Galway, lies a small fishing village called Claddagh. Life here is peaceful and tranquil… That is, until one of its residents, Richard Joyce, is kidnapped on the eve of his wedding. (Depending on the version, he may also have been captured by pirates while fishing off the coast. )
In both cases, the destination was the same.
Unhappy at being separated from his fiancée, Richard Joyce is unwillingly taken to Turkey, where he is sold into slavery to a Turkish goldsmith. From then on, Joyce had to help her master make jewelry. He is then trained, and works hard at his job to try and forget his beloved.
In time, he became a master goldsmith, and in tribute to his love for the woman he left on his island, he created a jewel: a ring symbolizing union, adorned with a crowned heart.
Once again, his return home is the subject of controversy.
While some say he escaped, others say that his master, sensitive to Richard’s sadness and in reward for the quality of his work, freed him and let him join his lands. Once in his village, he would find the woman who was to become his wife. He gave her the jewel, lived happily ever after and had many children!
As you may have gathered, The Ring of Claddagh is first and foremost a romantic story. It alone evokes love, passion, lack, loyalty, fidelity and friendship.
In Ireland, this ring is found just about everywhere. Many tourist stores sell them for a reasonable price (under €40). In 925 sterling silver or gold-plated… There’s something for every taste and every budget.
Note, however, that many jewelry stores also offer them. But now we’re playing in the big league. The materials are more noble, and the ring can be embellished with diamonds…etc. One thing’s for sure: the budget is likely to take a considerable bite out of your wallet… But it’s all a question of choice!
For those in the know, the 90s TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” helped make Claddagh’s ring known the world over. In the series, the heroine is given the famous ring by Angel, as a token of eternal love.
A gesture that made thousands of young people melt with envy, as they rushed to the stores to find a similar one! The Claddagh ring is unisex, so it can be worn by everyone.
What’s up? Do you want yours too?
Royal Claddagh - 
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