The Magic and Meaning of a First Claddagh

When choosing a first ring a traditional Irish Claddagh ring is a brilliant idea that's hard to beat.

Simplicity, legend, deep meaning, a beautiful design, versatility and timelessness... there are layers and layers of reasons why there is quite simply no better ring if you're looking for a beautiful piece that's not just decorative but also resonates on a deeper level with stories, sentiment and sparkle!

It's the perfect first piece of jewelry and it's likely that it will be immediately treasured, especially when the story is told making it stand out as more than just a ring.

It's a celebration of Celtic and Irish culture; it's a worldwide symbol of love and loyalty and friendship; it's a great first piece of jewelry, no matter what the age of the recipient; it's the perfect first piece of jewelry for a child and it's a beautiful way to say 'I love you' in a formal or an informal way.

The Claddagh is often a family heirloom, as the legend attached to it goes back over 300 years and like that legend, pieces of jewelry are often passed on through the generations, each time adding to the story of that family.

And it's not just a ring... if you want to be even more creative, the first Claddagh can be a pendant, earrings or in other types of jewelry.

So why is there such magic and meaning in a first Claddagh? Originating from the small fishing village of Claddagh in County Galway, Ireland, this ring has a heart in the centre, hands for friendship and a crown for loyalty. There are many stories, myths and traditions that come with this piece of jewelry but at the heart of it all is love and symbolism and hope.

In Ireland, it's often gifted by parents or godparents or uncles or aunts as the first piece of jewelry for a child, for example this baby silver Claddagh pendant in solid sterling silver - deal for a child's first Claddagh. 

A gold ring is also a lovely option, for example this Baby yellow gold Claddagh ring which is a really classic piece.

The Claddagh is known as a really popular ring for self-gifting and the first shop tourists often stop into when visiting Ireland will be to source that much coveted Irish Claddagh ring for themselves. Earrings can also be a good idea and these Baby silver Claddagh stud earrings are a beautiful choice for everyway wear.

A birthstone Claddagh ring is another perfect option as a first Claddagh as the centrepiece of the heart can be inserted as the jewel of choice for any particular birth month.  From diamonds to emeralds, aquamarine to amethyst, bright jewels look lovely against the silver or gold embedded in the Claddagh.

So what is the story of the Claddagh? There are many different variations but legend has it that shortly before he was due to get married, Richard Joyce, a fisherman from Galway, was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria. He came into the possession of a Moorish goldsmith who was very wealthy and sensing his potential, began to train him into this valuable craft of jewelry making.

In time, Richard Joyce became a master craftsman and fully proficient in making all sorts of jewelry. He never stopped thinking of a girl he had left behind in Ireland and who still had a piece of his heart. Thinking of her and pining for her, he made the first ever Claddagh ring, hoping against hope that one day he would be able to present it to her. This kept him going through very dark times. The heart at the centre depicted his love for her; the crown depicted his loyalty and his fidelity to her and her only and the hands on the sides were to symbolize friendship. 

When Richard became a free man after King William III ordered all his subjects held in slavery to be released, the first thing Richard thought of was to try to get back to his first love. His Master, who had built up a great working relationship with him and held him in high regard didn't want him to leave and tried to persuade him to stay, offering his only daughter in marriage plus half of his wealth. But, rather than staying in Algiers, Joyce only had one ambition - to get back to his sweetheart. Legend has it that she had waited for him all this time and when he arrived back with the precious Claddagh for her - they were reunited and swiftly married!

The Claddagh legend has proven to be one of the greatest love stories of all time but is also a tale of hard work, patience and perseverance - the perfect messages to be wrapped up in a beautiful piece - that first Claddagh that is likely to be treasured for years!