| The history of Ireland is such a magical and | | | | reflection of his commitment to the woman, of the |
| interesting tale filled with the same characteristics as | | | | amount of time that was spent in creating the ring, |
| the history and legends surrounding the Claddagh ring | | | | and of the materials and expertise he held. Perhaps |
| that it may be hard to separate one from the other. | | | | the craftsmanship and fine details on the first ring are |
| In picking out some of the parallels, one is reminded | | | | what made it popular with so many people. It was |
| that these people love a little mystery in their | | | | very different from the other rings created during |
| characters, but the devotion to loyalty and keeping | | | | this historical period. |
| one's word whether in the affairs of the heart is | | | | Celtic Influence |
| foremost. Somehow, the stories of leprechauns and | | | | The Celtic influence in the early Claddagh rings are |
| pots of gold resonate with many people, but even | | | | very apparent, but they also contain the artistry of |
| more are attracted by the symbolism attached to | | | | the Moors. The Celtic influence can be seen in the |
| the Claddagh rings. | | | | choice of gold as the medium, yet not fine gold wire, |
| Social Life | | | | but a solid almost chunky appearance for the |
| The importance of family, extended family and | | | | decorative aspects of the ring. Etching or engraving |
| friends as the basis of social life as represented in | | | | on the band with Celtic symbols and designs was also |
| the clan structure is reflected in Irish village social life. | | | | a feature of the early Claddagh rings. The early rings |
| Many of the activities revolved around the church, | | | | did not include gem stones in the design. That came |
| the local pub and the celebrations of birth, death, | | | | with the growth in popularity of the original design. |
| courtship and marriage. For individuals growing up in a | | | | Spreading the Custom |
| relatively closed society, commitment to each other | | | | Claddagh rings continue to grow in popularity as more |
| was more visible than in society today. The | | | | people become aware of the beauty of the |
| presentation of the Claddagh ring was an outward | | | | craftsmanship and the symbolism of these rings. |
| symbol of a couple's growing commitment to each | | | | Modern celebrities, sports figures, musicians and |
| other. These commitments tended to be long term in | | | | movie stars alike have embraced Claddagh rings as a |
| a way that is the exception in today's society. | | | | way of pledging continuing devotion to one's partner. |
| Customs | | | | These rings are often used in Celtic handfasting |
| A Claddagh ring was worn as a representation of | | | | ceremonies since they do not carry quite the religious |
| commitment for both religious and secular motives. | | | | connotation as do more traditional engagement and |
| During the historical period when the first Claddagh | | | | wedding sets. Along with the surge of interest in all |
| ring was presented, rings were not uncommon, but | | | | things Celtic, the popularity of Claddagh rings has |
| they tended to be rather plain and unadorned. The | | | | continued to grow. |
| fine detailing of the ring presented by Joyce was a | | | | |
