| The story of the first Claddagh Ring would make a | | | | working skills of his Irish servant, and it is believed that |
| wonderful romance novel or an unforgettable film. It | | | | he enticed Joyce to stay, with riches, and even with |
| would stand as a testament to the power of love and | | | | the offer of his own daughter's hand in marriage. But |
| faithfulness. | | | | Joyce could not be swayed. He blessed King William |
| Why does the Claddagh story remain so meaningful | | | | for granting him his freedom, and he soon sailed for |
| and charming, thousands of years after its first telling? | | | | Ireland, with a very special piece of jewelry in his |
| Once you learn more about the crafting of the very | | | | pocket. |
| first ring, you will be able to understand for yourself... | | | | While Joyce had worked in the shop, he had found a |
| The Claddagh Story | | | | way to illustrate his love for Margaret, without saying a |
| The first Claddagh Ring was the creation of Richard | | | | word. He had fashioned a special ring, which featured |
| Joyce, an Irish fisherman who lived during the | | | | two tiny hands, gently holding onto a crowned heart, as |
| seventeenth century. He sailed the high seas all over | | | | a symbol of his undying love and loyalty. |
| the world, and he was working near Montserrat when | | | | When Joyce returned to Galway, he was thrilled to |
| his ship was boarded by pirates and raided. Joyce | | | | find his love waiting for him. She had never given up |
| was kidnapped, and taken to a Moorish goldsmith in | | | | hope, just as he had remained steadfast in his ardor. |
| Algiers, where he was forced to work in slavery. | | | | He presented her with the golden ring he made in her |
| Joyce was soon a highly skilled goldsmith, able to craft | | | | honor, now known as the Royal Claddagh Ring, and |
| delicate objects of beauty out of the precious metal. | | | | they were together forever after. Never again would |
| His skills in the shop were highly prized by his master. | | | | misfortune part Richard Joyce from the one he loved. |
| Joyce longed for his native Ireland, and spent years | | | | Today's Claddagh Rings |
| pining for the woman he left behind in the city of | | | | Today, the Claddagh Ring is often used as a token of |
| Galway. Her name was Margaret, and she was his | | | | love and affection. It is worn by both brides and |
| one true love. | | | | grooms on their wedding day, but it can be worn by |
| When King William III denounced slavery in the West | | | | single people as well. The Claddagh Ring is designed to |
| Indies and ordered all citizens of the British Crown | | | | adapt to its wearer. There are clever ways to show |
| being held released, Joyce gained his freedom. The | | | | your romantic availability, or lack thereof, depending |
| goldsmith did not wish to lose the master metal | | | | upon how you choose to wear your ring. |