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The Claddagh dates back more than 300 years to the small
fishing village of Claddagh in Ireland. The Claddagh is very
symbolic and is most frequently worn as a ring. The Claddagh
ring was first produced during the reign of Queen Mary II in the
17th century.
The Claddagh design features two hands clasping a heart
topped with a crown. The hands signify friendship and
togetherness, the heart symbolizes love and the crown stands for
loyalty. Even the way the Claddagh ring is worn has meaning --
signifying if the wearer is single, in a serious relationship,
engaged or married.
With the exodus of many from Ireland during the Irish Potato
Famine in the years 1845-1849, the Claddagh was brought
throughout the world with the Irish emigrants. Today the
Claddagh is very familiar to many and is most commonly
associated with those of Irish ancestry.
If you are looking for an Irish ornament that is both
beautiful and meaningful, we can think of no better selection
than our popular Claddagh ornament.
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