Two Hands ◆ One Heart The Story of The Claddagh Ring The ring, depicting two hands clutching a heart complete with crown, epitomizes the expression of lasting love and eternal friendship. The heart symbolizes Love, the hands Friendship and the crown Fidelity. The Story The romantic story of the mystical and beautiful Claddagh Ring began over 300 years ago, in the ancient fishing village of Claddagh just outside the walls of the city of Galway on the west coast of Ireland. Legend tells us a fishing boat from the village was captured by pirates and the crew taken and sold as slaves. One of the crew, Richard Joyce (who was to have been married that very week,) was sold to a Turkish Gold Smith. During his captive years never forgetting his girl back home, he made a ring of gold for her. After many years Richard eventually earned his freedom and returned to Claddagh. To his great Joy he found his girl had never given up hope of seeing him again. He gave her the ring and they were married never to be separated. The Tradition Worn on the right hand, crown turned inwards, your heart is yet to be occupied. Worn on the right hand, crown turned outwards shows a special commitment to someone. Worn on the left hand, Crown turned outwards, Let our love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated.
Story Courtesy of Claddagh.net
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