Adam's IRISH VERNACULAR 12 APRIL 2023

47 www.adams.ie 89 CLADDAGH RING, GALWAY, CIRCA 1800, designed in the manner of Austin French, the hands with fingernail details, size S1/2, stamped initials F and RDM. A gold Claddagh ring (from the Sotheby’s Luggala Estate Sale, January 2020, purchased for 3,750 GBP, est. 150-200 GBP) € 2,000 - 3,000 The motif of the heart, symbolic of love and friendship, is at the centre of the genesis of Claddagh ring design which originated in the early 18th century. The earliest Irish Claddagh ring examples date to 1700 and are associated with the Galway goldsmith Richard Joyce. The decorative device of two hands clasped in love and trust is found all over Europe, on brooches, and on rings, such as this example. This type of ring is commonly known as a ‘ fede’ (faith) ring to indicate pledging vows. These rings were often inscribed on the occasion of marriage, following the tradition in society to use objects of ornament as an outward expression of the private union of the couple. From the early 1800s it became a growing industry which resulted in more commercialised production. Very few gold rings survive from before 1770 and any in existence dating to before 1840 are male rings such as the present example.