A Trip to Ireland Is Incomplete With out a Visit Paid to the Popular Claddagh Ring Museum of Galway

A Trip to Ireland Is Incomplete Without a Visit Paid to the Popular Claddagh Ring Museum of Galway

You haven’t seen Ireland if you miss visiting the place where the world-famous Claddagh rings originated. Galway City is just a short distance away from the place which gave its name to the ring, Claddagh. In the 17th century, Claddagh was a small fishing village which was outside the city walls of Galway. Today, Claddagh is near the center of the considerably expanded city of Galway and is one of the more expensive residential areas there.

The Claddagh ring was probably a creation of The 17th century jeweler Richard Joyce

Although the evidence regarding the origins of the Claddagh ring are scantly found, what we are sure of is that the initials RJ can be found in many of the oldest rings. Those letters are the initials of Richard Joyce, an Irishman who was captured by pirates and later sold to a wealthy Algerian jeweler as a slave. His master soon saw in Joyce the qualities that make a good jeweler and proceeded to teach him all he knew about jewelry crafting. Having been released from slavery, Joyce returned home to Galway and started his own jewelry-making business there by producing the first known Claddagh jewelry.

The oldest existing Claddagh rings are still on display at that museum

A number of original rings by Richard Joyce are shown in the museum together with rings crafted by other expert goldsmiths. A display showing the various stages involved in the creation of the Claddagh ring is also on display. The museum is actually a place where jewelry is also manufactured. Guests have the option of having their ring personalized perfectly customized to their measurements and preferences.

The Claddagh rings’ increasing popularity

Over the years, the appeal of the Claddagh ring has grown to include no only Irish folks but also people from all over the globe. Hundreds of antique Claddagh rings are being collected by people who are fascinated by its symbolism. More and more people are using them as wedding rings. In most families, these rings have become heirlooms and are often passed on from mother to daughter or from father to son.

The symbols of the Claddagh ring

There are three main symbols utilized in a Claddagh ring. The central image is that of the human heart, a representation of the love that is given by the lover to the loved one. After the heart, we find the symbol of the crown which stands for the loyalty of the lover for the loved one. Both heart and crown are held in a pair of hands which symbolize friendship. The three symbols taken as one represent undying friendship or love.

The way the ring is worn has significations. If a person wears the ring on his right hand with the heart turned outwards he is saying that he has no emotional attachments. If, on the other hand the heart is turned towards the wearer, he is saying that he is involved but not committed to anyone. If the ring is found on the left hand of the wearer, he means to say the he is already married or engaged.
Doc. No:1206-LM-ULT5-dc11