The Claddagh is Ireland’s most famous ring, is hugely popular around the world and never goes out of fashion. Here are five little known facts about Ireland’s favorite ring:
1. Claddagh: The Original ‘Goldfinger’
A shiny Claddagh ring was spotted on the finger of Shirley Eaton as famous Bond Girl Jill Masterson in the 1964 film Goldfinger. The third film in the James Bond series and also the third to star Sean Connery as the fictional M16 agent James Bond was based on the novel of the same name by Ian Fleming. The Claddagh ring was put on the map once more after the appearance in the film, which also starred Honor Blackman as Bond girl Pussy Galore.
2. Claddagh: The ‘Vampire’ Connection
The Claddagh ring is not normally associated with vampires, but it again received worldwide attention when writer / director Joss Whedon used the ring as a recurring device in the plot of the famous television series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It was given extra fanciful symbolism in the series: “My people - before I was changed - they exchanged this as a sign of devotion. It's a Claddagh ring. The hands represent friendship; the crown represents loyalty... and the heart... Well, you know... Wear it with the heart pointing towards you. It means you belong to somebody.”
3. Claddagh: And ‘Faith Rings’
Did you know that the Claddagh ring belongs to a widespread group of finger rings called ‘Fide Rings’ dating from the early Roman times? These rings were very popular in the Middle Ages across Europe. Early examples can be seen today in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. These faith rings can be identified as having the bezel cut or cast in the form of two clasped hands, symbolizing faith or “plighted troth”. The word Fide is Latin for ‘faith’.
4. Claddagh: Goes ‘Kladdagh’
The world’s eyes took a new look at the Claddagh ring back in June this year when Kanye West purchased a sterling silver Claddagh ring for his new wife, television star and model Kim Kardashian on their honeymoon in Ireland as they jetted out of Cork watched by the world’s paparazzi. It doesn’t get more bling than that!
5. Claddagh: From Mother to Daughter
Not many people know but the Claddagh was once used as a treasured ring for weddings. The custom was that the Claddagh ring should be given as a gift. In a poignant gesture, the Claddagh was often handed down to daughters by their mothers while reciting the beautiful verse: “With these hands I give you my heart and I crown it with my love”.
What’s your favorite Claddagh story?