Sterling Claddagh Cross Pedant
The perfect gift for a lady or gent to celebrate the love of Jesus in the Celtic style. This Claddagh cross is hand crafted out of sterling silver and in like new condition. NO cracks or breaks to metal work and the bail is in perfect working order and allows for a 4mm chain. All the way from Ohio to Texas in search of a new home.
* Solid Sterling Silver (stamped)
* No Maker's Mark
* Measures approx. 1 1/2" inches tall x 3/4" inches wide
* 2.85 grams
* circa 2000's* CHAIN NOT INCLUDED
The Claddagh Ring is believed to have originated in the fishing village situated near the “shore” or “Claddagh” of Galway Bay.
The claddagh has two hands holding a heart which wears a crown. This motif is explained in the phrase: “Let Love and Friendship reign”, and ideal poesy for a wedding ring used by a small community for over four hundred years.
This distinctive design is associated with one of the Tribes of Galway, the Joyce family. Margaret Joyce married Domingo de Rona, a wealthy Spaniard, who, when he died, left her his fortune, which she subsequently used to build bridges in the Province of Connacht.
Margaret, who later married Oliver Of French, Mayor of Galway 1596, was providentially rewarded for her good works and charity by an eagle which dropped a gold ring into her lap.
This fanciful legend had a more factual opponent in the story of Richard Joyce, or Joyces.
Richard in route to the West Indies, was captured by Algerian corsairs and sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith who trained him.
Released from slavery in 1689, at the demand of William III of England, Joyce, in spite of substantial inducement to stay, returned to Galway and set up as a goldsmith. His work marked with an anchor signifying Hope and initials R.I. still exists.
The Claddagh Ring motif is attributed to him.
The Claddagh Ring became popular outside the Claddagh about the middle of the last century, especially as it was the only ring made in Ireland worn by Queen Victoria and later by Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII.