Sterling Silver Claddagh Earrings
Tell someone how much they mean to you with these Claddagh earrings. They are the perfect size to be worn daily. Crafted out of sterling silver with metal purity stamp on the back. They are all the way from Ohio in search of a new forever home. The double hands clasping and heart and crown to the center are in excellent condition with NO cracks or breaks to the metal work. The ear wires have NO bends or cracks. Perfect for that special lady you love! For s history of the Claddagh, please read past the item specifics below.
* Solid Sterling Silver (stamped)
* No Maker's Mark
* Measures approx. 1 7/16" inches long x 11/16" at widest section
* 3.54 grams
* c.1990's
The Claddagh Design is believed to have originated in the fishing village situated near the “shore” or “Claddagh” of Galway Bay. The Claddagh outside the City Walls, and further separated by the River Corrib, was an exclusive community or fisher-folk forbidden to use spade or hoe and ruled by a periodically-elected “King."
There are many legends about the origins of the ring, particularly concerning Richard Joyce, a silversmith from Galway circa 1700, who is said to have invented the Claddagh design as we know it.
Legend has it that Joyce was captured and enslaved by Algerian Corsairs around 1675 while on a passage to the West Indies; he was sold into slavery to a Moorish goldsmith who taught him the craft. King William III sent an ambassador to Algeria to demand the release of any and all British subjects who were enslaved in that country, which at the time would have included Richard Joyce. After fourteen years, Joyce was released and returned to Galway and brought along with him the ring he had fashioned while in captivity: what we've come to know as the Claddagh. He gave the ring to his sweetheart, married, and became a goldsmith with "considerable success".
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.