| CELTIC JEWELRY Order of Sacred Tara Designs |
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Claddagh without a stone
Claddagh with Amethyst |
CLADDAGH NECKLACES |
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| The Claddagh is one of the most famous designs from Ireland known throughout the world. The story behind this symbol of love is quite rich and lengthy, considering there are a few different stories circulating. Comprised of two hands clasping a heart and surmounted by a crown, the CLaddagh RIng belongs to a group of finger rings called "FEDE" or "Faith rings" which predate Roman times. The first and most often repeated story says that a Richard Joyce of Galway was captured by Algerian corsairs and sold to a Moorish goldsmith who trained him in the craft. In 1689, he was released from slavery as a result of a demand from King William III. THe Moor offered him his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth, if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home where a young woman had never stopped faithfully waiting for him, her true love, to return. He presented her with a gold ring - a symbol of their enduring love. Two hands to represent their friendship, the crown to signify their loyalty and lasting fidelity, and the sign of the heart to symbolize their eternal love for each other. They soon married, never to be separated again. Some of the earliest Claddagh rings to be traced bear his mark and the initial letters of his name, RI (Richard Joyce).
To the companions and Guardians of the Order of Sacred Tara, the Claddagh represents an important pledge we take. The right hand represents Dagda -- the father of the gods. The left hand is Dana -- the mother of the gods. Beathauile represents the Crown and the heart is the heart of all humankind. NECKLACE NECKLACE with Amethyst stone |
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