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Claddagh
rings available for ladies,
gents, and
children, in
solid sterling silver;
9ct,
14ct, and
18ct gold;
platinum;
and the increasingly popular new style Claddagh in ultra modern
Aircraft
grade titanium.
Free delivery worldwide in time for Christmas. Full after
sales
guarantee, hassle free returns, and worry free exchange of ring sizes. Rush
courier delivery is also available. A
complete ring sizing order guide is available,
especially for anyone trying to plan a surprise.
Under Irish law dating back to 1637 all jewellery of precious metals must be
stamped with the official hallmark - the traditional letter symbol for the
year it was crafted, a fineness mark guaranteeing the purity of the gold,
silver or platinum,
and the official insignia of the Irish Assay Office in Dublin Castle. Only Claddagh rings made in Ireland can carry this hallmark.
A guarantee
of authenticity and fineness, identifying the
legal
precious-metal hallmark, and unique Claddagh story notes from Royal Claddagh
are included with every
ring.
As a gift from Ireland the Royal Claddagh ring is unsurpassed and
continues a centuries old symbolism of hands, heart and crown - "in love and
friendship let us reign" - handed down the generations from mother to
daughter. Worn on the right hand with the heart facing out,
the ring signifies that the wearer's heart is yet to be won, until worn with
the heart inside for love, and on the left hand as a wedding ring. Royal Claddagh
rings are uniquely named after the monarchs of day - dedicated as it was to
King William of Orange for his intervention in freeing the slaves in North
Africa; one of whom, Richard Joyce, was to return home to Galway and bring
with him his now famous ring design ...
"... a young man of the name of Joyes, a native of Galway, who, fourteen years before, was captured on his passage to the West Indies, by an Algerine Corsair; on his arrival at Algiers, he was purchased by a wealthy Turk who followed the profession of a goldsmith, and who observing his slave,
Joyes, to be tractable and ingenious, instructed him in his trade in which he speedily became an adept. The Moor, as soon as he heard of his release, offered him, in case he should remain, his only daughter in marriage, and with her, half his property, but all these, with other tempting and advantageous proposals, Joyes resolutely declined; on his return to Galway he married, and followed the business of a goldsmith with considerable success, and , having acquired a handsome
independence ..."
James Hardiman, The History of the Town and County of the Town of Galway, 1820. |