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Icon: a New Era for Claddagh
In 1690 Richard Joyce, who had been sold into slavery in Tunis, was liberated. He returned to his native Claddagh, a fishing village in Galway and began practicing the skills he learnt during his years as a slave. This gifted silversmith fashioned the first Claddagh ring - basing his design on Celtic legends of the old Connacht Kings.
Today, two young designers have takes a fresh look at the symbols that graced those ancient adornments. They have deconstructed the elements that go to make up the promises that lie within the symbols; separated them into single, compelling entities - and, in so doing, have brought them to life again.
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The Hands - denoting Friendship and all that real friendship entails - concern, warmth, understanding, regard. |
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The Heart, which represents Love - together with the secret language of the heart. Worn facing outward, the wearer is still searching for love; worn facing in and the person has already found it. |
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And finally the Crown which, just as it did in the time of the Kings of Connacht, stands for Loyalty - a loyalty that endures, just as friendship and love endure. |
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The Hands - denoting Friendship and all that real friendship entails - concern, warmth, understanding, regard. |
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