The most popular story of how the Claddagh ring came about is of Richard Joyce. Richard was sold into slavery with the Moors by Algerian pirates. While he was a slave he worked with a Moorish goldsmith who taught Richard his craft. In 1689 at the request of King William III Richard was freed. Despite attempts from his teacher, he even offered his daughter’s hand in marriage, Richard went home to Ireland. It is said that once Richard returned he created the first Claddagh jewelry. The earliest rings found bear his manufacturing mark RI.
The popularity of the Claddaugh ring still runs strong. Partly because it’s motto “Let love and friendship reign” is timeless. Each part of the ring has meaning, the hands signify friendship and togetherness, the heart love, and the crown loyalty. Even how you wear the ring is sigficiant. If a person wears the ring on their right hand with the heart facing outwards it means that their heart has not been given. If a person wears it on their right hand with the crown facing out it means that love is being considered. Worn on the left hand with the heart facing in means that the wearer has found love and shall never be parted.
