Sterling Claddagh Pendant & Chain
Show someone how much you care with this hand crafted claddagh necklace. Both the pendant and chain are sterling silver and in perfect condition. The large loop chain design is unique and adds to the overall look. Nice and light so can be worn on a daily basis. This is a modern piece and the chain has been added new. To learn more about the Claddagh design and the healing powers of silver please read past the specifications.
* Solid Sterling Silver (stamped)
* No Maker's Mark
* Measures 1 1/4" inches from top of bail to bottom edge x 1 13/16" inches at widest section
* 16" inch chain included
* 5.70 grams
Silver assists in increasing perception and helps to regulate emotional and intuitive energies. It provides for a very strong connection between the physical and astral bodies. It can be used as a mirror to the soul, one to stimulate seeing oneself from outside of the body.Silver, when used with gemstones, is able to both attract and retain those qualities which are emitted by the stone. The silver provides a steadying influence. It performs a balancing act by drawing negativity from the body while transferring the positive energies of other minerals.
Silver is also known to enhance the powers of the moon and is excellent for use in energizing other stones during the full and new moons.
The original 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.