Claddagh Rings

A concrete representation of undying friendship, love and loyalty, the Claddagh rings have a romantic story that lies behind. It all started some four centuries ago in a fishing community known as Claddagh. The town overlooks Galway Bay which is in close proximity to the district of the Tribes. In that very region lives a certain Richard Joyce who was good in the craft of smiting gold. He is believed to be the brainchild of the highly acknowledged design of the rings. Today, the Claddagh ring has turned out to be a part of the rich heritage of Ireland and has also been a favorite piece for collection.

Claddagh rings are believed to belong from a large group of jewelry typically intended to be worn on the fingers. They are dubbed as “Fede” or colloquially Faith rings, that can be traced back to the era where the Romans had powerful dominion. The pieces were determined through the bezel trim that forms two hands that are cupped. It is said that the figure means “plighted truth” or in other words, undying trust. These items were a major hit all over the continent of Europe in the Middle Ages. At this juncture, there are plenty of examples of a Claddagh ring of these kinds in the National Museum of Ireland located in Dublin’s Kildare Street.

When you see Claddagh rings being put on, you have to be aware that certain positions have a particular implication. If you are single who is in a hunt for a significant other, the opposite gender can determine if you are available because the ring is on your right hand. The figure should also be facing inward that signifies that your heart is not yet owned by any one. If you are greatly proud of the relationship you are currently in, the piece should be on your left hand. The figure should be facing outward saying that your heart shouts much love to the person you are with at the very moment.

According to the article written by Thomas Dillon that can be read in the Galway Archaeological Society Journal, Claddagh rings define the boundaries over which the ring is put on as from the Islands of Aran to the west and all over the Joyce Country and Connemara to Galway then heading east and south for not beyond the maximum of twelve miles. The entire place is one flocked by fishermen of the Claddagh community. It is believed then that the Claddagh ring obtained its name due to the nearness of the district to the city where dominant among the inhabitants are wearing the piece alone.

Thomas Dillon continued that several Claddagh rings were left with the care of a certain Mister Kiwan. However, when the Great Famine happened in 1846, the pieces were said to be relegated to the melting pot because there was no longer somebody responsible to either purchase or redeem the items. That is also the very reason also why there is difficulty in establishing the genuine origin of a Claddagh ring. Thomas Dillon also described in his article that there were some kinds that appeared like a mitre crown. They werefashioned from coins that were similar to the one from Brittany.

He further remarked that Claddagh rings had similarities with Spanish jewelry typically intended to be worn on the fingers. Thomas Dillon said that the piece was the only ring produced in Ireland that was put on by aristocrats such as Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra and King Edward, respectively. Such items were produced in Dillons of Galway where the patent for royalty was granted. Up to this juncture, the company makes Claddagh ring for elites in the society as the practice has been carried on to this day. The firm also creates Claddagh wedding rings that have been a favorite among soon-to-be couples.

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