The Story of the Celtic Claddagh Ring

When you think of Celtic rings you tend think of the unique and exquisite designs, but do you know where these designs originated? Celtic rings come in an array of styles and patterns, which include knotwork, spirals, geometric shapes and designs.

One of the most popular and interesting Celtic rings is the Claddagh ring. The Celtic Claddagh ring is a beautiful piece of jewelry that is normally worn as a wedding or engagement ring and is passed down from generation to generation, but more than that the Claddagh ring has a very romantic history.

Claddagh is one of the oldest fishing villages in Ireland just a little ways from Galway City in western Ireland. The legend that surrounds this unique Celtic ring is one of the most romantic stories ever told. As the tale is told, Moorish pirates kidnapped Richard Joyce, a resident of Claddagh, while he was fishing. These pirates took him to Tunisia, where he was enslaved. During this time, he learned the art of a goldsmith.

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. . . the Story of the Claddagh Ring

Later, when King William III took over the throne in 1670, he issued an agreement that anyone that was held captive as a slave could return to their homes. Richard Joyce’s master at the time begged him to stay in Tunisia and marry one of his daughters, even offering him half of all of his wealth. But, Richard Joyce had a true love in Claddagh. He wished to return home to her. He did return and as it turned out she was still unmarried and waiting for her true love. With his new wife, they set up a goldsmith store. This is where Richard Joyce created the very first Claddagh Celtic ring. The first to use the Celtic Claddagh ring in a wedding ceremony was, of course, Richard Joyce and his one true love. At this time, the Celtic ring was the symbol of the “fishing Kings of Claddagh” and held the idea of "in love and friendship let us reign". The crown represents loyalty, the hands represent friendship and the heart represents love. The Celtic Claddagh ring became very popular and famous personalities such as Edward VII and Queen Victoria wore the Celtic Claddagh ring with pride. Today, the Claddagh ring has even been seen on television. The Celtic ring that Angel gave Buffy on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” was none other than the infamous Claddagh ring. The Celtic Claddagh ring should be worn on the right hand with heart pointing outward if you are not spoken for and with the heart pointing inwards if you have found your one true love.

Other Celtic ring designs are just as popular as the Celtic Claddagh ring. The reason these Celtic rings are so popular is because of the intricate and unique designs that are created with various patterns such as the spiral, the Celtic cross, and of course, the exquisite knotwork design. This knotwork design is what separates the Celtic ring from the rest. Artisans throughout history have used this knotwork in various ways from the architectural design in buildings to paintings by Leonardo de Vinci and Picasso.