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The Story of the Claddagh | |
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In the early 16th century an Irish fishing boat capsized off the coast of Ireland. The crew was rescued by pirates and promptly sold into slavery. Richard Joyce, one of the Irish crewmen, was to be married that same week, but alas he was forced to leave his beloved behind. |
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Richard was sold to a goldsmith who taught him the trade of goldsmithing. Richard shaped a unique ring for the girl he left behind. The ring was fashioned of three symbols - the hands signifying - friendship, the crown - loyalty, and the heart - love. Years passed and Richard escaped captivity and returned home to find, to his great joy, that the girl he loved had never married. Richard and his love married and settled in the village of Claddagh. The village of Claddagh no longer exists, but since that time the Claddagh Ring has been worn a a sign of Love, Loyalty and Friendship. Worn on the left hand with the heart facing toward one's heart, it is a betrothal and wedding ring. And worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward it is a sign of friendship. |
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