This romantic design was first sold over 300 years ago in the ancient fishing village of the Claddagh, outside the walls of the city of Galway Ireland. Passed down through the generations, this legend centers on a fisherman Richard Joyce and the ring he created. Shortly before he was due to be married, a Richard was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria. He became the property of a rich Moorish goldsmith, who sensing his potential trained him in his craft. In time Richard became a master craftsman and with thoughts of the girl he had left behind close to his heart, he fashioned the first Claddagh ring. A heart symbolizing love, the hands representing friendship and the crown for loyalty and fidelity. In 1689 after an agreement with King William III to release all his subjects held in slavery, Richard found himself once more a free man. His master, who had grown fond of him offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth, if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home to Galway. There he found that his sweetheart had waited for his return, and presenting her with the Claddagh ring they were married. RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Resin Craft Blanks. Measures: 3 5/8” wide x 2 3/8” tall.