A Trip to Ireland Is Incomplete With out a Visit Paid to the Renowned Claddagh Ring Museum of Galway
If you forget to visit the Claddagh Ring Museum of Galway while in Ireland, you will have missed seeing the original versions of this world-famous ring. These were crafted beginning on the latter half of the 17th century. Today, the ring is made by many jewelers for people coming from all over the world. Galway has expanded to included the village after which the ring was named. Claddagh, formerly a small fishing village, is now the costliest residential neighborhood in the city.
It was probably jeweler Richard Joyce who made the first Claddagh ring
Although the history of the Claddagh ring consists mostly of fables, one real evidence exists that indicate the originator of the ring to have been a Richard Joyce, a former captive of an Algerian pirate who was later sold as a slave to an Algerian jeweler. He spent most of his time in captivity learning the techniques of his master for fashioning Claddagh rings. When he was finally released he returned to Galway and put up his own goldsmith shop where he made the first Claddagh ring.
The Claddagh Ring Museum is where you can find the oldest known Claddagh Rings
The works of lewelers Richard Joyce, Nicholas Burge and George Robinson are showcased at Galway’s Museum of Claddagh rings. Within the premises of the museum can be found gift shops where souvenirs of having visited the museum are on sale. In the museum itself, various types of jewelry with Claddagh symbols attached to them are showcased. Guests can also have their own rings custom-made for them.
The Claddagh rings’ increasing popularity
Over the years, the appeal of the Claddagh ring has grown to include no only Irish folks but also people from all over the globe. Hundreds of antique Claddagh rings are being collected by people who are fascinated by its symbolism. More and more people are using them as wedding rings. In most families, these rings have become heirlooms and are often passed on from mother to daughter or from father to son.
The images used in the Claddagh ring
Three images make up the Claddagh ring. The two hands holding the crowned heart are symbols of gift-giving and friendship. The heart is an emblem for love while the crown is taken to represent the loyalty of the lover to the beloved. As a whole, the three images depict how friendship, love and loyalty are necessary for creating and maintaining lasting bonds between people.
When worn on the right hand with the heart turned towards the wearer the ring implies that the wearer is involved but not committed and that the he is still able to select other options. When the heart faces outwards, the wearer is not involved and not committed to anyone. When worn on the left hand, the ring implies that the wearer is engaged or married.
Doc. No:1206-LM-ULT5-dc11
If you forget to visit the Claddagh Ring Museum of Galway while in Ireland, you will have missed seeing the original versions of this world-famous ring. These were crafted beginning on the latter half of the 17th century. Today, the ring is made by many jewelers for people coming from all over the world. Galway has expanded to included the village after which the ring was named. Claddagh, formerly a small fishing village, is now the costliest residential neighborhood in the city.
It was probably jeweler Richard Joyce who made the first Claddagh ring
Although the history of the Claddagh ring consists mostly of fables, one real evidence exists that indicate the originator of the ring to have been a Richard Joyce, a former captive of an Algerian pirate who was later sold as a slave to an Algerian jeweler. He spent most of his time in captivity learning the techniques of his master for fashioning Claddagh rings. When he was finally released he returned to Galway and put up his own goldsmith shop where he made the first Claddagh ring.
The Claddagh Ring Museum is where you can find the oldest known Claddagh Rings
The works of lewelers Richard Joyce, Nicholas Burge and George Robinson are showcased at Galway’s Museum of Claddagh rings. Within the premises of the museum can be found gift shops where souvenirs of having visited the museum are on sale. In the museum itself, various types of jewelry with Claddagh symbols attached to them are showcased. Guests can also have their own rings custom-made for them.
The Claddagh rings’ increasing popularity
Over the years, the appeal of the Claddagh ring has grown to include no only Irish folks but also people from all over the globe. Hundreds of antique Claddagh rings are being collected by people who are fascinated by its symbolism. More and more people are using them as wedding rings. In most families, these rings have become heirlooms and are often passed on from mother to daughter or from father to son.
The images used in the Claddagh ring
Three images make up the Claddagh ring. The two hands holding the crowned heart are symbols of gift-giving and friendship. The heart is an emblem for love while the crown is taken to represent the loyalty of the lover to the beloved. As a whole, the three images depict how friendship, love and loyalty are necessary for creating and maintaining lasting bonds between people.
When worn on the right hand with the heart turned towards the wearer the ring implies that the wearer is involved but not committed and that the he is still able to select other options. When the heart faces outwards, the wearer is not involved and not committed to anyone. When worn on the left hand, the ring implies that the wearer is engaged or married.
Doc. No:1206-LM-ULT5-dc11