Claddagh ring

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The Claddagh Ring is a famous frendship ring originating from the Claddagh village located just outside the old walls of Galway city.

The ring's distinctive feature are two hands clasping a heart surmounted by a crown.

Traditionally if the ring is worn on the right hand with the crown turned inward then you are 'available'. If worn on the left hand with the crown turned outward then you are 'spoken for'.

''"An original symbol of the "Fisher Kings" of the Galway town of Claddagh, Ireland, was first fashioned into the traditional ring back in the 17th Century during the reign of Mary II.

''Legend has it that an Irish young man, Richard Joyce, bound for the West Indian slave plantations - no doubt the Irish Caribbean island of Montserrat - was kidnapped himself in rough seas by a band of Mediterranean pirates and sold to a Moorish goldsmith who over the many long years of his exile helped him perfect the skills of a master craftsman.

''When in 1689 King William III negotiated the return of the slaves, Joyce returned to Galway - despite, it said, the Moor's offer of the daughter's hand in marriage and a princely dowry of half of all his wealth.

''Back in Ireland a young women had never stopped faithful waiting for her true love to return. Upon which time when he presented her with the now famous Royal Claddagh gold ring - a symbol of their enduring love. Two hands to represent their friendship, the crown to signify their loyalty and lasting fidelity, and the sign of the heart to symbolise their eternal love for each other.

They soon married, never to be separated again." ' - http://www.claddagh.com