The Legend of Claddagh Ring & History of Connemara Marble Stone
The Legend of Claddagh Ring & History of Connemara Marble Stone
The Legend of Claddagh Ring & Ireland’s Ancient Gemstone
The name "Claddagh" comes from the village of The Claddagh, a small fishing village that was once "on the edge" of Galway City over 300 years ago when an Irish goldsmith fashioned a ring for his sweetheart while in captivity. He was taken as a slave and designed the ring when he was away on the Barbary Coast. He was taken from his longtime love and wanted to create something in her honor. The two were married upon his return and the legend of the ring has been passed on for generations.
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| * Authentic Sterling Silver Ladies Heavy Claddagh Ring (source) |
"The Claddagh ring (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring which represents love, loyalty, and friendship. The age old message of the heart for love, the hands of friendship and the crown of loyalty is still as potent today and remains an iconic symbol of Ireland."
History of Connemara Marble Stone
... { Oscar Wilde is quoted as deeming Connemara a “savage beauty” which is incredibly accurate for anyone that has been lucky enough to visit the area } ...
The Rare and Beautiful Connemara Marble is found exclusively along Ireland’s rugged wild atlantic coast. Connemara is a famous region in the west of Ireland. It means “Inlets for the Sea” in the Irish language and has a tremendous rugged beauty. The marble has green of almost every hue in arresting layers and patterns, each piece unique.
Connemara marble was one of the rarest formed from sediment deposited in a shallow primal sea over 600 million years ago. It was transformed by the intense temperatures and pressures generated in the formation of the mountains of the West of Ireland and Scotland over 390 million years ago. The marble itself is formed when limestone is heated under pressure. While the colour is predominately green there are often shades of grey and brown seen throughout. It dates back to the Precambrian era.
" The beautiful bands in various shades of rich to pale green are formed of tiny crystals of serpentine, diopside, chlorite, calcite, and dolomite within the marble."
In 1822, the Joyce family from Galway opened up a quarry in Clifden called the Streamstown Marble quarry. The Joyce name was to become synonymous with Connemara Marble and have supplied some world famous buildings with the iconic marble. For those lucky enough to visit Galway they should seek out the Galway Cathedral in the city where you will see a beautiful example of Connemara Marble forming the floor and completing the beautiful cathedral. This floor is one of the largest examples of the marble in the world and was supplied by the Joyce family mentioned previously. It will ensure that the family name will live long in the folklore of Galway and cement their association with the local marble.
For US, an example closer to home can be seen in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania forming the walls of the Senate Chamber of the State Building. It is a testament to the beauty of the marble that it adorns a government building in the United States and further concretes the deep relationship and fondness between the two countries.
Marble from the Streamstown quarry is to be seen in Cathedrals and public buildings including the Westminster Cathedral and General Post Office in London and Oxford’s University Museum of Natural History.
Connemara Marble is also popular in jewelry, it is commonly seen inrosary beads, necklaces, earringsand rings. It is very popular owing to its rarity and beautiful colors while being quintessential Ireland. Connemara holds a particular fondness for those seeking the old-fashioned and quintessential Ireland.
The iconic Claddagh Ring featuring Ireland’s ancient gemstone
The enchanting tale of the Claddagh ring began in the tiny fishing village of the same name in County Galway over 300 years ago when an Irish goldsmith fashioned a ring for his sweetheart while in captivity. The age old message of the heart for love, the hands of friendship and the crown of loyalty is still as potent today and remains an iconic symbol of Ireland, so the Claddagh ring brings good luck to the wearer at all times!.
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The Verdict
"Absolutely lovely. The pale green of the marble and the brightness of the silver offset each other beautifully. I love wearing it and receive numerous compliments on it daily. Truly cannot beat the price on a piece of jewelry this high quality." — Amanda Schuckman
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● TIP ●
- If the ring is worn on the right hand, with the tip of the heart pointed towards the fingertips, the owner is currently single, and may be open to the idea of striking up a new romance.
- If the ring is worn on the right hand, with the tip of the heart pointed towards the wrist, its owner is in a committed relationship with someone special.
- If the ring is worn on the left hand, with the heart’s tip pointed towards the fingertips, the wearer has recently said a very exciting “yes!” Congratulations are in order. They’re engaged!
- If a Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand, with the tip of the heart pointed towards the wrist, the owner is happily married, and wants the world to know it.
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" When presented in the spirit of courtship, the Irish Claddagh ring meaning is an indicator that a relationship is going the distance. It makes a clever and thoughtful gift, whether a couple has been together for three weeks or three decades."
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| illustration : The color of connemara marble can be seen in the west of Ireland's mountains |
The Rare and Beautiful Connemara Marble is found exclusively along Ireland’s rugged wild atlantic coast. Connemara is a famous region in the west of Ireland. It means “Inlets for the Sea” in the Irish language and has a tremendous rugged beauty. The marble has green of almost every hue in arresting layers and patterns, each piece unique.
Connemara marble was one of the rarest formed from sediment deposited in a shallow primal sea over 600 million years ago. It was transformed by the intense temperatures and pressures generated in the formation of the mountains of the West of Ireland and Scotland over 390 million years ago. The marble itself is formed when limestone is heated under pressure. While the colour is predominately green there are often shades of grey and brown seen throughout. It dates back to the Precambrian era.
" The beautiful bands in various shades of rich to pale green are formed of tiny crystals of serpentine, diopside, chlorite, calcite, and dolomite within the marble."
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| illustration : example of connemara marble in Galway Cathedral |
In 1822, the Joyce family from Galway opened up a quarry in Clifden called the Streamstown Marble quarry. The Joyce name was to become synonymous with Connemara Marble and have supplied some world famous buildings with the iconic marble. For those lucky enough to visit Galway they should seek out the Galway Cathedral in the city where you will see a beautiful example of Connemara Marble forming the floor and completing the beautiful cathedral. This floor is one of the largest examples of the marble in the world and was supplied by the Joyce family mentioned previously. It will ensure that the family name will live long in the folklore of Galway and cement their association with the local marble.
 |
| illustration : Connemara Marble on the Floor at Galway Cathedral |
For US, an example closer to home can be seen in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania forming the walls of the Senate Chamber of the State Building. It is a testament to the beauty of the marble that it adorns a government building in the United States and further concretes the deep relationship and fondness between the two countries.
 |
| * Authentic Connemara Marble Silver Claddagh Drop Earrings (source) |
Connemara Marble is also popular in jewelry, it is commonly seen inrosary beads, necklaces, earringsand rings. It is very popular owing to its rarity and beautiful colors while being quintessential Ireland. Connemara holds a particular fondness for those seeking the old-fashioned and quintessential Ireland.
Connemara Marble is unique to Ireland and Ireland is unique to it. It's Ireland’s only natural gemstone. Each piece is also unique that you won’t find the same shade and pattern in any two pieces. Its color is that uniquely Irish blend of green and grey, from pale green to sage and moss.
What do these pieces from your Connemara Marble collection mean to you?
The green hills of the west of Ireland come to mind when I hold these unique cubed Connemara marble rosary beads. I can see the view from the quarry in Galway where the gemstones were mined. When you hold the bracelet, you feel that it was handcrafted by a master of his trade. It has that extra special Irish religious significance. When you view these pieces together, you appreciate how unique each piece of Connemara Marble really is. |
| * The Legend of Irish Jewelry : Authentic Silver Connemara Marble Claddagh Ring (source) |
" The gemstones we craft into jewelry was formed in Ireland over 900 Million years ago. Imagine wearing a piece of Ireland that’s millions of years old around your neck or on your finger! I think that’s why it’s so popular as a gift – you are giving someone a truly one of a kind piece of Ireland. " - Irishshop
The iconic Claddagh Ring featuring Ireland’s ancient gemstone
The enchanting tale of the Claddagh ring began in the tiny fishing village of the same name in County Galway over 300 years ago when an Irish goldsmith fashioned a ring for his sweetheart while in captivity. The age old message of the heart for love, the hands of friendship and the crown of loyalty is still as potent today and remains an iconic symbol of Ireland, so the Claddagh ring brings good luck to the wearer at all times!.
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"Claddagh ring that can encompass the importance of your history, your hopes for the future, the values you hold dearest and, of course, the significance of your personal preferences and taste."
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This stunning ladies Claddagh ring features Ireland’s ancient gemstone, Connemara Marble. 900 million years in the making, no two pieces are the same and the eye-catching green marble stone forms the centerpiece of this beautiful ring. The band features an exquisitely woven Celtic knot design and is beautifully crafted from sterling silver—Hallmarked at Dublin Castle, this is truly a piece of Irish jewelry of distinction. Show your Celtic heritage with pride or give a gift from Ireland to be treasured for a lifetime...
"Claddagh ring that can encompass the importance of your history, your hopes for the future, the values you hold dearest and, of course, the significance of your personal preferences and taste."
..
...
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The Verdict
"Absolutely lovely. The pale green of the marble and the brightness of the silver offset each other beautifully. I love wearing it and receive numerous compliments on it daily. Truly cannot beat the price on a piece of jewelry this high quality." — Amanda Schuckman
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*Love, Friendship, Loyalty*
The hands represent friendship, The heart represents love, and The crown represents loyalty — The heart, hands and crown combine beautifully to create Ireland's enduring symbol of love and commitment.
*Ireland's 900 Million Year Old Gemstone*
The heart is carved from stunning Connemara Marble and polished to perfection.
*Beautifully Detailed*
Expertly crafted in Ireland from sterling silver. Hallmarked at Dublin Castle.
" YOU CARRY YOUR HISTORY WITH YOU — IRELAND IS IN YOUR HEART "
● TIP ●
Four Styles of How to Wear a Claddagh Ring
(*Credit :- Irish author : Colin Murphy in The Feckin’ Book of Everything Irish)- If the ring is worn on the right hand, with the tip of the heart pointed towards the fingertips, the owner is currently single, and may be open to the idea of striking up a new romance.
- If the ring is worn on the right hand, with the tip of the heart pointed towards the wrist, its owner is in a committed relationship with someone special.
- If the ring is worn on the left hand, with the heart’s tip pointed towards the fingertips, the wearer has recently said a very exciting “yes!” Congratulations are in order. They’re engaged!
- If a Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand, with the tip of the heart pointed towards the wrist, the owner is happily married, and wants the world to know it.
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| THE IRISH STORE |
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" When presented in the spirit of courtship, the Irish Claddagh ring meaning is an indicator that a relationship is going the distance. It makes a clever and thoughtful gift, whether a couple has been together for three weeks or three decades."
