Custom Made Irish Claddagh Ring
Written by Kevin Crane
First designed in the 17th century by Richard Joyce, a master goldsmith in the village of Claddagh, Ireland, the Claddagh ring is distinctively two hands clasping a heart with a crown. The crown represents Loyalty, the hands Friendship, the heart Love. These rings have become a large part of Irish heritage and tradition. They are part of a larger group of distinctive rings, called Fede, or faith, rings that are always two clasped hands. Fede rings have been seen since Roman times.
Claddagh rings have been worn by Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandria, and King Edward VII. President Ronald Reagan received one as a gift from the people of Galway in 1984.
•When worn on the right hand, with the heart facing out, the wearer is not involved in a courtship.
•When worn on the right hand, with the heart facing in, the wearer is involved in a courtship.
•When worn on the left hand, with the heart facing in, the wearer is happily married for evermore.
This is a living tradition and we still create them here in Seattle. to the left is a hand made, 18 Karat white gold Claddagh ring set with a round modern brilliant cut diamond was made by Crane Jewelers in Seattle.
We can custom design them with variety of symbols, with and without gemstones. They can appear to be an antique or quite modern.