Brooches are an excellent way to accessorise and add that final touch that will complete your look.
This Claddagh brooch is a finely detailed piece. Genuine Connemara Marble encased with a silver plated Claddagh design. It is a contemporary design steeped in Irish lore.
A gift of love, crafted in Ireland, the Claddagh echoes a tale of devotion retold over the centuries. Read the full story of the Claddagh below.
The story of how the Claddagh was created goes as follows :
It is said that Richard Joyce created the first Claddagh ring in the late 1600’s . A fisherman from the village of Claddagh, one day whilst out fishing off the cost of Galway he was captured by Algerian pirates.
After being captured 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, eager to return to his native Galway. On returning to Galway, Joyce found that his fiancée was waiting for him. He presented her with the Claddagh ring – a symbol of love, loyalty and friendship. They married soon after.
He was quick to establish himself as a goldsmith in Galway and went on to produce copies of the ring.
