Claddagh Jewellery
Traditional Claddagh jewellery from Galway, Ireland, featuring the iconic Claddagh symbol of love (the heart), loyalty (the crown) and friendship (the hands).
According to legend; the Claddagh Ring was first created by Richard Joyce, a member of the Joyce family (one of the historic Fourteen Tribes of Galway) and a native of the fishing village of Claddagh. In 1675, Joyce was captured by pirates and sold into slavery in North Africa, where he learned the craft of working with gold and silver. After many years in captivity, he was finally granted his freedom. Despite being offered wealth, opportunity and even the hand of his master's daughter in marriage; Joyce chose to return home to Galway and to the woman he had left behind. Legend tells that he fashioned the first Claddagh Ring as a symbol of his enduring love and devotion. Upon his return, the couple were reunited and married; and Joyce later established a jewellery business on Quay Street in Galway, where the Claddagh tradition would continue for generations.
First sold on Quay Street, where our jewellery continues to be designed today, our Claddagh collections are crafted in our workshop in the West of Ireland and include a distinctive range of sterling silver gold-plated pieces inspired by this timeless Irish tradition.
Historically in Galway, Claddagh rings were often treasured family heirlooms, passed down through generations, particularly from mothers to daughters as a meaningful form of personal wealth and sentimental inheritance. Like many precious belongings during times of hardship; such as the Great Famine in Ireland, pieces of jewellery were sometimes sold or exchanged to help families survive difficult periods. As a result, surviving Claddagh rings from earlier generations became even more cherished, carrying not only their symbolic meaning, but also the memory of the families and stories they belonged to.
Traditionally, the Claddagh Ring is worn in a way that reflects the wearer’s relationship status; based on the direction the heart is facing. When the heart is worn facing outwards, it is said to signify that the wearer’s heart is open and they are single. When the heart is turned inwards, it is traditionally understood to signify that the wearer’s heart is taken and belongs to someone special. In this way, the Claddagh remains a meaningful and symbolic piece of jewellery that tells a personal story through how it is worn.
The Claddagh ring has been worn and admired by people around the world; from Irish heritage families to internationally recognised public figures, actors and musicians. Over the years it has been associated with figures such as John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy, who received Claddagh rings during their visit to Galway, as well as actors including Daniel Day-Lewis, Gabriel Byrne, Mia Farrow, Jim Morrison and members of Oasis. It has also appeared in popular culture, including in Buffy the Vampire Slayer; where it was used as a symbolic expression of love and connection.
Today, Claddagh jewellery is worn and treasured by both women and men around the world as a symbol of love, loyalty, friendship, family and Irish heritage. The Claddagh Ring; in particular, is unique in that the way it is worn can traditionally indicate the wearer's relationship status.
All of our Claddagh Jewellery is:
• Designed in our shop on Quay Street in Galway, Ireland (birthplace of the Claddagh Ring and home of the original Claddagh jewellers)
• Crafted in our workshop in the West of Ireland
• Hypoallergenic and Nickel-Free
• Presented in elegant jewellery boxes, making each piece a thoughtful gift or a timeless addition to your own collection
Please consult our Size Guide for the perfect fit
Feel free to contact us with any issues or queries