Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish Historical Romance

Irish Historical Romance

History of the Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh ring has to be the most famous Celtic jewelry design in the world. It is epitomized by a pair of hands holding a heart, and depending on who you ask, has a raft of historical meanings and significance. Much has been lost to the ages, but we do know a bit about the history of the style.

There are a number of supposed origins, of varying historical likelihoods, but only one is popularly believed to be true. Despite being regarded as Celtic, the Claddagh is only 400 years old. It is however, based on a much older Celtic design, which is why it's still attributed to them.

The first legend is that of a prince who fell in love with a common maid. This prince wanted to demonstrate his feelings for the maid and commissioned a piece of jewelry to be designed to reflect them. This Claddagh ring was to symbolize eternal friendship in the hands, the crown was his own, and the heart his love. When he showed the maid's father, he gave his blessing and the couple were married, the ring given to her as a wedding ring.

A second legend is that of Margareth Joyce, a wealthy woman who married a Spanish wine merchant called Domingo de Rona. She moved to Spain to be with him until his death. She then became a very wealthy woman, and returned to her roots in 1596. Once home, she married the mayor of Galway, Oliver Oggfrench, and used the proceeds from her first marriage to fund bridge building in the area. An eagle is said to have dropped the ring into her hand one day as thanks for her generosity.

The more likely origin is that of Richard Joyce.

Not far from Galway City in Ireland lies the village of Claddagh, which is where the ring allegedly originated. An Irishman, Richard Joyce, left Claddagh to find work in the West Indies. On the voyage his ship was taken by pirates and he was sold as a slave to an Algerian goldsmith. He worked for this goldsmith for many years, gaining great skill and reputation as a jeweler.

When William III took the English throne, he requested all prisoners of the Moors, of which Algiers was part, return all prisoners. Upon hearing the news, Richard's master begged him to stay, even offering him his daughter in exchange. Richard Joyce didn't want to stay, so came back to Ireland. He brought with him the skills he learned as a slave, and the idea for the Claddagh ring. Richard then set up his own shop and made the Claddagh ring for locals who were getting married.

Whatever the true origins of the ring, it certainly adds an element of romance to have something with such a colorful history. The design is perfectly able to stand on its own two feet, but to have a romantic provenance just makes it even more desirable.

Once only worn by Irish brides, the ring, and other facets of Irish culture spread wider during the Irish famine between 1847 and 1849. Many of them made their way to America, which is why parts of the country identify so strongly with Irish culture.

About the Author

Leigh Maher researches and writes about Celtic jewelry, and specialises in Celtic wedding rings, Celtic engagement rings and bridal jewelry. He also writes about wedding traditions, Celtic culture, and Ireland.

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