Claddagh Ring: Irish Claddagh Rings Are a Heart-warming Gift By Jenn Jamie At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Claddagh Ring: A Heart-warming Gift

Would it not be wonderful if a loved one or a friend gives you a gift and it turns out to be a Claddagh ring? Of all things to receive, you get lucky because the Claddagh ring is special. Although it is rich in Irish heritage, you don’t have to possess a drop of Irish blood to appreciate this gift. In the Irish tradition, it represents love, loyalty, and friendship. The giver’s message varies from the quixotic “I give you my heart crowned with my love” to the more hopeful sentiment of “May love and friendship reign forever.”

Unique Design

What makes the Claddagh ring stand out from other rings is its characteristic design which is easily recognizable. All Irish Claddagh rings, be they gold pieces, silver Claddagh rings, or adorned with precious gems, feature the basic design of a crown over two hands holding a single heart.

Ways of Wearing It

By looking at how a person wears a Claddagh ring you can tell whether he or she is available in matters of the heart. When placed on the right hand with the heart pointing outward away from the knuckles, it proclaims that the person’s heart is free and uncommitted. If the heart is pointing toward the knuckles, it shows that the wearer is involved in a serious relationship. When the Claddagh ring is on the left hand with the heart pointing away from the knuckles, it says that wearer is already engaged. If the ring is on the left hand and the heart points towards the bearer, it means that the person is married.

Background

The Claddagh ring is part of the Irish tradition. The different stories about its origin are fascinating but the most popular and perhaps closer to historical truth is the one about a man from Galway, Ireland, named Richard Joyce. He was captured by pirates while working in the West Indies and was sold to a Moorish goldsmith who showed him the art of making jewelries until he became quite good at it. He was so good that when King William III of England demanded the release of all British subjects under the Moors, his master had to entice him with the offer of his daughter's hand in marriage made more attractive with the addition of a substantial amount of wealth. But it did not make him waver from his long-held yearning to be with his beloved. Back home with his loved one, he gave her a ring that he himself created during his years as a slave. That particular ring started the tradition of the Claddagh ring.

When the Irish people immigrated to other places, they brought with them their rich heritage and the Irish Claddagh ring's tradition started to spread beyond the shores of Ireland.

At Irish Indeed! store you get to see a beautiful array of the Claddagh rings. Superbly crafted silver Claddagh rings, elegant gold pieces in white and yellow tones, and gaily studded pieces with brightly colored precious gems are available to satisfy everyone's discriminating taste.

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