Description
Give an Irish gift to remember with this gorgeous Claddagh pendant and earrings set. Handcrafted in our workshop in Rathfarnham County Dublin. Connemara marble is one of the world’s oldest minerals and rarest marble in the world, was mined from our quarry in Lissoughter, Recess Co. Galway. No two pieces are identical, making each piece totally unique to you. Our Sterling Silver is hallmarked at the Dublin Assay office which is located in Dublin Castle.
The Claddagh Story
It is said that Richard Joyce created the first Claddagh ring in the late 1600’s. Joyce was a fisherman from the village of Claddagh. Whilst fishing off the cost of Galway he was captured by Algerian pirates.
He was sold on as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. The goldsmith needed an apprentice. Noticing Joyce’s talent, he taught him the trade.
Whilst in captivity he designed the Claddagh ring for his fiancée, in the hope that someday he would be released.
In 1689, Joyce was released when William III sent an ambassador to Algeria to demand the release of the captured slaves. Upon hearing this, his captor offered Joyce half of his wealth and his only daughter in marriage to remain in Algeria.
Joyce declined the offer because he was so eager to return to his native Galway. Returning home, Joyce found that his fiancée was waiting for him. He presented her with the Claddagh ring- a symbol of love, loyalty and friendship, and they were married soon after.
He was quick to establish himself as a goldsmith in Galway and went on to produce copies of the ring ; and examples of his work can be seen in the national museum, Dublin.
The pendant has a drop length of 3 cm and a width of 2cm.Weight 7.2 grams.
Presented on an 18″ chain.
Each earring hangs from a Shepherd’s hook and has a drop of 20 mm with a width of 15mm. Weight of the earrings is 5.9grams.
With this collection you shall receive a certificate of authentication which certifies that the marble is genuine Connemara Marble.
You may also like our Marble Heart Claddagh ring
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