Claddagh ~ #RD110 Pendant (Shown) ~ $48.00 Ring RD111 ~ $34.00 Many myths and fables surround the Claddagh. However the most accurate would be the story of Richard Joyce who learnt his craft of goldsmithing in a rather romantic way. Whilst on a voyage in the Mediterranean he was taken captive by Algerian pirates and spent many years in captivity in Tunis. There he acquired his skill as an artificer in precious metals. When William III came to the throne of England in 1689, he concluded an agreement whereby all his subjects who were held captive by the moors were to be released. Joyce's master had become so attached to him that he offered him his most beautiful daughter if he would stay - Joyce refused and returned home. Several examples of Joyce's original works still exist in museums and private collections throughout Ireland. Where Joyce found the symbolism of the Claddagh we will never know - was it an original design or did he come across it in his travels? Now the Claddagh has become a world renown symbol of love, friendship and loyalty, worn with great pride by the Irish Diaspora throughout the world as a symbol of there Irish Heritage. How to wear the Claddagh Ring Worn on the right hand crown turned inwards - your heart is unspoken for Worn with the crown turned outwards - love is being considered. Worn on the left hand the crown turned outwards - your heart is spoken for.