The design of my wooden Claddagh rings is similar to that of rings popular throughout Europe during the middle ages. Originally one of a group of finger rings from Roman times called Fede (faith) rings, this design (two hands clasping a heart and crown) became the symbol of the "fisher kings" of Claddagh, a small village near Galway, Ireland. It is said that when the ring is worn on the right hand with the crown turned outward you are "heart-whole and fancy free." Worn on the left hand with the crown turned outward, the ring tells the world that you are truly spoken for. I make each ring to order from the finest hardwood. The Claddagh ring's body is built in three layers, each laid across the grain of the preceding layer, increasing the ring's durability threefold. After the face is laminated to the body, the claddagh design is hand carved into surface of the ring, which is then polished and rubbed with a mix of natural oils and beeswax. |