Claddagh Heart Necklace

Solid Sterling Silver  Love Irish jewelry? This lovely Claddagh is beautifully detailed with a band of three Celtic knots and an intricately detailed crown - a lovely expression of your love and loyalty! Highly polished sterling silver with a sterling silver chain - 3/4" x 3/4" pendant size in solid sterling silver on an 18" chain. Hallmarked 925 Legend has it that a hardworking young man from the village of Claddagh in Galway, by the name of Richard Joyce, was kidnapped while fishing at sea by pirates. He was sold into slavery to a goldsmith in Africa. During his many years working with his Master he learned the craft and became an accomplished artisan. He designed the Claddagh ring for the sweetheart he had left behind in Ireland, and who he longed to return to. He designed the crown as a symbol of his loyalty, the heart as a symbol of his love, and the hands holding the heart as a symbol of his everlasting friendship. When he was freed and returned to Ireland he found his sweetheart had waited for him. They were soon married and never separated again! Richard Joyce's design for his sweetheart has endured!