Vintage 9k Claddagh Pendant / Charm
 
Tell someone how much they mean to you with this Claddagh pendant.  It is the perfect size to be worn as a small pendant on a chain or as a charm to adorn a bracelet or or keychain.  It is crafted out of solid 9k yellow gold and has assay hallmark for Birmingham, England.  This little cutie has traveled overseas to find a new home.  The double hands clasping and heart and crown to the center are in good condition with NO cracks or breaks to the metal work.  The pendant loop has some scratching and, but NO breaks and can be worn securely.  There are maker's mark stamped to the backside, but I was not able to make them out.  For s history of the Claddagh, please read past the item specifics below.
 
* Solid 9k Yellow Gold (stamped)
* Maker's Mark - Undistinguishable
* Measures approx. 11/16" inch x 9/16" inch 
* .89 grams
* c.1980'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 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.
 
The tradition of how to wear this ring is very distinctive. If the owner of the ring wears it with the crown pointing towards the finger nail, he or she is said to be in love or married. To wear the ring with heart pointing to the finger nail, he or she is said to be unattached to anyone.