The story of the first Claddagh Ring would make a wonderful romance novel or an unforgettable film. It would stand as a testament to the power of love and faithfulness. Why does the Claddagh story remain so meaningful and charming, thousands of years after its first telling? Once you learn more about the crafting of the very first ring, you will be able to understand for yourself. The Claddagh Story: The first Celtic wedding rings and bands were the creation of Richard Joyce, an Irish fisherman who lived during the seventeenth century. He sailed the high seas all over the world, and he was working near Montserrat when his ship was boarded by pirates and raided. Joyce was kidnapped, and taken to a Moorish goldsmith in Algiers, where he was forced to work in slavery. Joyce was soon a highly skilled goldsmith, able to craft delicate objects of beauty out of the precious metal. His skills in the shop were highly prized by his master.

The goldsmith soon took a liking to Richard, clever and quick as he was, and trained him as an apprentice to be a master craftsman. Year later in 1689, when King William III demanded the release of all British subjects from Algiers, Richard turned down the offer of marriage to the old goldsmith’s daughter and half of the old man’s fortune for the sweet winds of home and his true love in Galway. Though it had been 14 years since his disappearance, he found his true love waiting faithfully for his return. Overcome with joy, he presented her with a ring that he had designed and forged while an apprentice, the now famous Royal Claddagh, and soon the two were married. It is said that Richard settled in Galway with his bride and there became a successful goldsmith, his most famous work, the Claddagh. Though no one can say for sure where the Celtic wedding rings originated or who first designed it, the earliest Claddaghs to be traced bear the mark “RI”, Richard Joyce, the master goldsmith. An Irish Tradition: The Claddagh ring is a variant of older rings called “Fede”, or faith rings which date to Roman times and were popular in the Middle Ages throughout Europe. Since the 17th Century, it was traditionally worn as a Celtic wedding or engagement ring, handed down from mother to daughter for generations.

For many Irish who left Ireland during Great Famine of the 19th Century, the Claddagh was the only reminder left of their homeland. Rich in Meaning and Significance: But you don’t have to be Irish to appreciate the meaning and beauty of Celtic wedding bands. This traditional Irish wedding ring is now worn all over the world. It has become a fashionable exchange of dear friends and lovers, men and women alike. The meaning of the ring is what gives it significance. The hands, crown and heart symbolize the trinity of Love, Loyalty and Friendship, or in Gaelic, “Gra Dilseacht agus Cairdeas” (pronounced ‘Graw Deel-shocked, ogis Korr-diss’). Put another way: “Let love and friendship reign forever”. It is this rich and beautiful meaning that makes the Claddagh perfect for many occasions, whether it be a gift to a cherished friend of loved one, a Mother’s ring, a Promise ring or worn traditionally as an engagement or wedding ring. Wearing a Claddagh: The Claddagh ring is one of the most elegant and meaningful rings ever created and is beautiful no matter how it is worn. However, if the tradition of the Claddagh is followed, then the way in which the Claddagh is worn declares the wearers relationship status in their quest for love. If worn on the right hand, it is a sign of friendship: with the heart pointed out toward the fingertip, the wearer is free for the courting, their heart open and available; with the heart pointed in toward the wrist, the wearer is spoken for or being courted. But the left hand is the prized position for the Claddagh; worn with the heart facing in toward the wrist, the wearer has found their true love and is engaged or happily married, saying, “With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love.”