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Claddagh Engagement Rings

Claddagh engagement rings belong to a type of ring known as Fede or faith rings.These rings can be traced back to Roman times and are found throughout Europe.Claddagh engagement rings themselves are of Irish origin and were named after the fishing area of Claddagh near Galway from where legend has it that they originally came from.

The design of Claddagh engagement rings is of two hands clasping a heart, with a crown sitting above the heart.According to legend, the hands refer to two Celtic gods, Dagdu being the right hand and Anu the left hand, with the crown referring to the god Beathauile.The heart of Claddagh engagement rings refers to the heart of humanity.

Richard Joyce first created Claddagh engagement rings around 1689.He had left his love to seek his fortune when on his way to the West Indies he was kidnapped by Algerian pirates.It was during his confinement in Tangiers that he became a master goldsmith.He was released in 1689 when King William III brokered a deal with the Moors in which all of his subjects being held captive were released.Despite being offered marriage to the beautiful daughter of the wealthy tradesman who had held him captive, Joyce returned home to Ireland to the woman he loved and began making Claddagh engagement rings as part of his trade.

Claddagh engagement rings spread out of the area of Galway during the exodus that resulted from the Famine of 1847-1849.Today, Claddagh engagement rings have continued their growth in popularity.Helping to link those of Irish decent to their heritage and ancestors, Claddagh engagement rings have become living works of history.Even those who are not of Celtic or Irish heritage are turning to Claddagh engagement rings due to the beauty and romantic symbolism that is found within them.

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