Claddagh Ring: A Token of Love, Friendship, And Loyalty By Jenn Jamie At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Words mean a lot, but when expressing love, loyalty, and friendship, tangible tokens lend an air of excitement to the unfolding drama. Flowers, jewelries, and a host of other things will do it nicely. But if you want your token to be more eloquent and lasting, an Irish Claddagh ring with its meaning and symbolism will convey your sentiments persuasively. To the Irish, it is a celebrated token of such feelings. To the rest of the world, it is a fascinating declaration of your regard toward another. On a romantic note, by giving this ring you could be saying “I give you my heart crowned with my love.” It could also be taken to mean “may love and friendship reign.”

Design of the Ring

Out of a myriad of rings in countless arrays of artistic designs, how can you tell a Claddagh ring from others? A Claddagh ring can be easily recognized with its distinctive design consisting of the basic elements of a crown on top of two hands holding a single heart. Be they silver Claddagh rings, gold ones, or the jewel-encrusted variety, all are clearly identified as Claddagh because of that feature.

Ways of Wearing the Ring

You can tell by the way the Claddagh ring is worn if the person is free or not, romantically speaking. When worn on one’s right hand and the heart outwardly pointing toward the fingernail, it means the wearer is not in any serious relationship—and therefore free. If it is found on one’s right hand but with the heart inwardly pointing toward the knuckle, the word is out that the person’s heart is no longer available. A Claddagh ring on the left hand with the heart pointing outward signifies that the person is engaged. Finally, when already married, the ring is worn on one’s left hand with the heart pointing inward.

Tales of the Ring

Although no one can tell of the exact origin of the Claddagh ring, there are quite a few tales that surround it. One of the most popular and perhaps closer to the historical truth is the one about a man named Richard Joyce who left his native Galway for West Indies to work but with the intention of going back home eventually to marry his beloved. On the voyage, the ship he was sailing on was captured by pirates and he was sold in Algiers as a slave to a rich Moorish goldsmith who eventually trained him in this craft. When William III ascended to the throne of England, he demanded that the Moors release all British subjects. All the while Richard had turned out to be an accomplished goldsmith such that his master was reluctant to lose him being such an asset to the business. So the Moor offered him the hand of his only daughter and part of his wealth to entice Richard to stay. But to no avail. Richard declined the offer and went home to Galway to marry his beloved. Upon his return, he gave her a ring that he forged during his stay in Algiers to symbolize his love, a ring which became now known as the Claddagh ring.

So celebrate love, loyalty, and friendship by giving your loved ones a Claddagh ring. With an array of designs to choose from at Irish Indeed! there is certainly one that will best suit him or her. Sterling silver Claddagh rings, white or yellow gold, or a combination, inlaid with semiprecious and precious stones, the range of choices will amaze you.

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