Claddagh jewelry has its origins in two legends. According to the first version Domingo de Rona, a rich Spanish merchant that traded with Galway, married Margaret Joyce. While en route to his homeland Domingo died, leaving his widow a vast sum of money. She then returned to Galway and married Oliver Og French. She used her inheritance in public works projects building bridges from Galway to Sligo. The legend then says an eagle descended from the sky and gave her a claddagh ring.
According to the second legend Richard Joyce of Galway was captured at sea and sold as an apprentice to Moorish goldsmith. The king later ordered him released from service. The goldsmith offered half of his wealth and his daughters hand in marriage if he would remain. He declined and left for Galway. He took his trade and created the claddagh ring which bear his mark RI (Richard Joyce)
The claddagh ring has two hands clasping a heart with crown on top. If you wear the ring on your right hand with the crown turned inward, it means your heart is open and unoccupied. If the crown is turned outward it means you are courting and may be in love. If you wear it on your left hand with the crown facing outward, it means your heart is already taken by someone.
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