Legend has it that the Claddagh symbol was originated by Richard Joyce, a Galway seafarer kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in North Africa where he learned the art of a goldsmith. When he was released, nothing could keep him from his beloved Galway where he returned to become a master goldsmith and where he created the Claddagh ring. For centuries this was used as a wedding ring by the fisher folk of Claddagh village, which nestled outside the walls of Galway city in the west of Ireland.

The Triquetra predates Christianity and was the Celtic symbol of the Goddess Odin. The symbol decorates our illuminated manuscripts such as The Book of Kells and is found on Celtic crosses and Celtic stones all around the country. The Trinity Knot has been adopted from ancient Celtic art by Christianity as a symbol of the Holy Trinity; Father, Son & Holy Spirit. To the Celts it is believed to have meant many things; mind, body, spirit; earth, sea and sky and beginning, middle and end – continuity.  The Trinity Knot is the most well known and loved of all Celtic knots and in modern times has been given as a token of promise; to love, to honour and to protect.

This is a large contemporary silver pendant with a curved teardrop shape. One half of the pendant has a stones set suspended Trinity knot, the second half, the traditional Claddagh symbol with rose gold heart. It comes with an 18″ spiga chain.

Made in Ireland