The history of Claddagh rings is somewhat limited in fact, but it is more fun to review the legends that have grown up around the appearance of this fine example of beautiful craftsmanship representing the themes of loyalty, love, friendship and romance. The mystery whether there was actually a prince who loved a commoner so much that he could convince the maiden's father that his motives were honest and trustworthy is one of the interesting versions that have grown up around the origin of the ring. This version relies on a story that could be true and that people would like to be true, since the only magical and mysterious element in this Claddagh ring fairy tale is the magic of true love.

A Likely Origin

Another wonderful Claddagh ring story which also portrays true love is that of Richard Joyce or Joyes who spent 14 years learning the jeweler's craft as a slave. He did his work so well that his master was willing to let Joyce marry his only daughter. Instead, Joyce returned to his native village of Claddagh and presented his lady with the ring he had fashioned during the years of captivity. She had evidently remained just as faithful to him as he was to her and they were married, using the ring known thereafter as the Claddagh ring as a wedding ring.

Distance

Certainly in the Richard Joyce Claddagh ring story, the concept that true love and loyalty is not affected by distance from the other party is displayed as a perfect example of such love. In the mid 1700s when the Claddagh ring was designed, the distance between the West Indies and Ireland was enormous in many ways. There was a great distance in cultures, geography, living style and every other possible facet of the term. In the days of instant chat and cell phones, it is hard to imagine loving someone and being unable to contact them for years at a time.

Separation

Physical separation from a loved one is hard. To consider being separated for months or even years is nearly inconceivable in the modern world, yet Joyce and his lady willingly determined that they would be separated for a relatively short term in order to meet the financial needs brought about by their impending commitment to each other. The Claddagh ring that he designed and created during a time of separation that extended to years is a thing of beauty, yet it also represents a beautiful display of steadfast commitment to another person. It is a shining example that more couples should be willing to emulate.

Homecoming

Of course, the happy ending of the Claddagh ring story makes it popular as well. Joyce was able to be freed from his slave master, refusing all enticements of love, wealth, and respect to return to a totally unknown reception in Ireland's Claddagh village. The fact that the Claddagh ring design has survived and is well loved globally is a trophy to the success of happily ever after stories even today.