The history of the Claddagh ring (pronounced “Clah-dah”) dates back to 1689, and is usually credited to master goldsmith Richard Joyce It is thought to have originated near the fishing village situated near the shore or "Claddagh" of Galway Bay.
The story of the creation of the Claddagh ring is a fanciful and romantic story. The week he was to be married, Joyce was taken captive by Algerian pirates while he was on a ship en route to the plantations of the West Indies. The crew was sold as slaves, and Joyce spent many years in captivity under the control of a Moorish goldsmith who taught him the craft of goldsmithing.
In 1689,William III came to the throne of England and agreed that all his subjects who where held in captivity by the Moors would be allowed return to their homes. Joyce was among those to be released. The Moorish goldsmith that had kept Joyce offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth if Joyce would stay in Algiers. He declined and subsequently returned to Claddagh to find the woman he had been scheduled to wed. He gave her one of the now-famous rings and they were married.
The ring belongs to a class of rings called "Fede" or "Faith rings", which date from ancient Rome and were popular in the Middle Ages throughout Europe. Whereas "Fede" rings have only two clasped hands, symbolizing faith or trust, Claddagh rings have two hands clasping a heart, symbolizing love or friendship, topped with a crown, symbolizing loyalty. In earlier times, the design was the symbol of the Fishing Kings of Claddagh; its meaning was 'in love and friendship let us reign'. Joyce’s depiction of the design on a ring became quite fashionable for exchange between friends or lovers.
The way a Claddagh ring is worn is very important, as it signifies many different things. If worn on the right hand with the heart turned outwards, it signifies that the wearer is unattached to anyone . Worn on the right hand with the heart turned inwards signifies that he or she is spoken for but not married.
When worn on the left hand the with the heart turned inward, the ring signifes that one’s heart is happily married and that the two will never be separated.
Whether worn as a wedding band, to signify friendship, or simply as a beautiful adornment, the Claddagh ring is a wonderful addition to any jewelry collection. Please visit our eBay store to see our full line of gold and silver Claddagh rings , Claddagh bracelets , Claddagh pendants,  and Claddagh earrings .