| Claddagh rings are rich in tradition, but they have | | | | Claddagh ring into her lap one day. It is likely that |
| also made the transition to the modern world and | | | | many of the components of this legend have a |
| are popular with people from every walk and | | | | basis in fact. The Joyce name certainly appears in |
| class of life. The traditions of Claddagh rings have | | | | documents of the time; the Moorish influence is |
| elements that go back to Roman times, but they | | | | widespread in Ireland, and a number of structures |
| are best known for their connection to the tiny | | | | in Galway date from this era. |
| fishing village near Galway, Ireland. Some of the | | | | The Galway Connection |
| earliest rings from Ireland have designer initials | | | | The small village of Claddagh near Galway is the |
| from this area. Most prominent of these is Richard | | | | home of the Claddagh rings. The Claddagh rings |
| Joyce whom one tradition has as the originator of | | | | have been the traditional Irish wedding ring since |
| the design. Celebrations and notices in the area of | | | | the 17th century. The Fisher Kings of the |
| Claddagh and Galway claim the ring as their own. | | | | Claddagh used this symbol as a emblem of loyalty |
| Everything Irish | | | | to the crown. A lesser known version which is |
| Claddagh rings represent everything that is good | | | | missing the crown, never achieved the popularity |
| about Ireland. The sense of long relationships, | | | | of the original. The connection with Galway |
| loyalty to one's partner and family and the sweet | | | | remains an important aspect of the rings. The |
| romantic gesture are all part of what makes the | | | | romantic part of the ring's symbolism comes |
| Irish people so special. There have always been | | | | from the geographic part of Ireland surrounding |
| Irish people going off on fishing boats, off to war, | | | | the ancient city of Galway. |
| or off to find work in a new country, so the | | | | Faith Rings |
| concept of serious commitment to one's loved | | | | These rings were popular in the Middle Ages |
| one is not a decision entered into lightly. Claddagh | | | | throughout the European continent. Claddagh rings |
| rings represent the tradition of commitment found | | | | represented fidelity in keeping the promises made |
| in Ireland. | | | | to one's sweetheart. They also recognize the |
| Legend to a New Generation | | | | loyalty to the crown. Faith rings are part of a |
| A popular legend regarding the origins of Claddagh | | | | group of finger rings also known Fede rings. Faith |
| rings ties them to the family name of Joyce, but | | | | in this instance refers to the loyalty aspect of the |
| this time it is Margaret Joyce that is the named | | | | Claddagh rings. Friendship is the third aspect of the |
| person. The story goes that was the widow of a | | | | rings from Claddagh area. This is long term |
| wealthy Spanish merchant who returned to her | | | | friendship that doesn't give up on the other |
| native clan to marry the mayor of Galway. She | | | | person referred to in modern language as 'keep |
| funded several beneficial projects in the area. | | | | the faith. |
| Because of her charity, an eagle dropped the first | | | | |