History of Claddagh Jewelry
Claddagh jewelry is modeled after the claddagh ring, which first surfaced in Ireland more than 400 years ago. The claddagh ring has a rich history; if you aren"t familiar already, the claddagh ring is shaped to resemble two hands grasping a heart with a crown on top. Legend & lore has several explanations for the creation of this unique and popular pattern.
One legend is that a man named Richard Joyce while on a voyage to the Mediterranean was captured by Armenian pirates, and spend years in captivity as a result. While held captive he learned the skills necessary to become an artificer of precious metals. Joyce eventually was returned to his homeland, despite protests from his owner, who had wished he would marry his daughter. Joyce pursued a career in crafting gold and silver jewelry.
Many myths abound as to how Joyce came up with the symbolism he used in his claddagh jewelry, but the true origins are not known.
Yet another legend follows a similar story; it tells the tale of Richard, a young man who was kidnapped by Spanish pirates one day while fishing with other men in his family. Richard and his family were sold into slavery off the North Coast of Africa. Just before being captured Richard had met his true love, and lived in fear that he would never see her again. Richard longed for his beloved, and each day to remember her he stole a minute amount of gold from the slave masters shop where he worked. After years had passed he was able to create a ring with the gold he gathered. Richard"s hope was that one day, if freed, he could present the day to his love. One day Richard was able to return to Ireland, and found his beloved awaiting him. He offered her the claddagh ring for her devotion and patience.
The second story regarding the origin of this style ring and other claddagh jewelry is much more highly regarded, because among other things claddagh jewelry has come to symbolize love and devotion.
Claddagh jewelry has become very popular in Ireland over the centuries, and many of the pieces fashioned after this style are often kept as heirlooms among family members. At the time of Joyce there was a Claddagh village, which remained as a self contained community until about 70 years ago. Jewelry fashioned in the claddagh style is considered part of Irish legend & lore, and remains an important part of Irish history. Today claddagh jewelry is worn as a symbol of Irish heritage, friendship, unity and love among people in all cultures.
Tradition has it that if a claddagh ring is worn on the right hand, with the crown turned inward the wearer is still searching for love; if the crown is worn facing outward love is in the air. For those that wear the ring on the left of course, a person is said to be spoken for.
Celtic Jewelry Traditions
 Celtic jewelry, like claddagh jewelry is rich in history and tradition. The term "Celtic" typically refers to people who are descendants of different provinces of western Europe, who lived during the time around the birth of Christ. Most Celtic history, legend & lore have been passed down from generation to generation via word of mouth, or through artwork and symbolism. Much celtic jewelry displays symbolism that represents life, death, the change of seasons, love and human spirit. Celtic jewelry is often embedded with many symbols that have been passed down from as early as the 8th century B.C.
By Antigone Arthur |
