This sweet pendant features the Irish Claddagh symbol, and can be worn by anyone. The two hearts hold a silver crowned heart which is inlayed with black onyx. A perfect symbol of love, friendship and loyalty! NOTE: This is a traditional, small size. Please see photos and measurements.
L: 0.6 inches; 1.8 cm; With loop 0.8 inches ; 2.2 cm
W: 0.5 inches; 1.3 cm
Weight: 1.3 g; 0.05 oz
Mark: Inside loop is an illegible mark (see photo)
irishfamilyhistorycentre.com tells us:
"The Claddagh ring comes from the fishing village of Claddagh, just outside of Galway City. The name Claddagh comes from the Irish word cladach, which describes a flat stony beach or shore.
One legend tells how Richard Joyce, a fisherman from Galway, crafted the first Claddagh ring around the 17th century. The story begins with pirates abducting the fishermen in the Joyce family while they were sailing near the West Indies.
The men were then sold into slavery in Africa, and Richard Joyce was made to work for a Moorish goldsmith. He took a small piece of gold each day and eventually used them to create the first Claddagh ring.
Joyce designed a simple ring with two clasped hands holding a heart and topped with a crown. These symbols represented Joyce’s hope that his loved ones would remain loyal while he was away.
Upon his return to Ireland, Joyce gave the ring to his sweetheart, who wore it to symbolise their everlasting love. Over time, the Claddagh ring became a cherished symbol of Irish culture and heritage.
A second myth of the original Claddagh ring dates back to the 16th century when an Irish woman named Margaret Joyce married a Spanish man named Domingo de Rona. Her husband died and left her his riches, and she used them to construct bridges in Sligo and Galway. As a reward for these good deeds, an eagle dropped the first Claddagh ring in her lap.
No matter how the original came to be, the Claddagh ring certainly possesses a magical quality. It has made a remarkable journey through history and remains an iconic piece of Irish jewellery to this day.
Over the years, each component of this ring has taken on a specific meaning. The two hands on the Claddagh ring represent friendship. The heart signifies love, and the crown is a symbol of loyalty.
Together, these virtues form the perfect relationship: one based on friendship, love, and loyalty. This is why the Claddagh ring is a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings. Here are some reasons you may wish to wear a Claddagh ring, depending on which of the virtues you’d like it to represent.
- Love: As the heart is a symbol of love, you may wear the ring to represent love for a partner, family member, friend, or even yourself.
- Friendship: Since the hands signify friendship, you can wear the ring to indicate friendship as one of your top priorities.
- Loyalty: As the crown implies loyalty, you may wear the ring to signify loyalty or commitment to your family, friends, or partner."
Please Take Note of Jane Daisy General, LLC, Information below.
Please contact us at janedaisygeneral @ gmail.com with any questions.
~ All Jane Daisy General jewelry is pre-loved and pre-owned, vintage or antique, and will display normal, gentle wear indicative of its pre-loved status.
~ All Jane Daisy General jewelry is sent in fun, free gift packaging.
~ *NB*: Any damage beyond gentle wear will be included in the description or visible in the photographs. Please see detailed photographs.
~ Jane Daisy General was created for the love of jewelry. We are thrilled to share these treasures in a wide price-range, setting prices so everyone can find something to match an outfit, treat themselves, find a unique gift … or just because!