Sterling Silver Claddagh Pendant Necklace
Meaning of the Claddagh Symbol Design:
The Claddagh: the crown represents loyalty, the heart represents love, and the hands represent friendship. It is widely known as a symbol for great friendship.
An original symbol of the "Fisher Kings" of the Galway town of Claddagh, Ireland, (pronounced clada) the design was first fashioned into the traditional symbol 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 Carribean 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 faithfully waiting for her true love to return. Upon which time when he presented her with the now famous Royal Claddagh Necklace - 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.
Neckless Pendant Size:10×12 mm
925 Sterling Silver chain 18" 1mm
Branded Gift Box
Jewellery Polish Cloth