Silver Tiny Claddagh Earrings - ESS-507

• .925 Sterling silver • Nickel free • With sterling silver posts, for pierced ears only • Approximately 3/8" tall Traditionally, Claddaghs are expressions of love and friendship. Although the symbol is most often found in finger rings, it has been beautifully re-imagined in these lovely little sterling silver stud earrings. Like most traditional symbols, the origin of the Claddagh has been obscured by the passage of time. It is almost certainly from the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, near Galway. Some stories say that a Claddagh ring was found on the hand of a sailor of a Spanish galleon that went down near the Irish coast. Others say the design was brought back from the Crusades by a young man captured by the Saracens. Whatever its history, the Claddagh has become an enduring symbol of affection. The heart in the center of the design represents love, the hands that surround it represent friendship, and the crown at the top (if present) is symbolic of fidelity. How do I pronounce "Claddagh"? "Clah-dah" is pretty close, but purists add a little choky, guttural sound at the "gh" that really doesn't have a counterpart in English. Are claddaghs always gifted from a lover to their sweetheart? Often, but not always. It's also common for such jewelry to be handed down from a parent to a child.