There was once a clan stronghold on the west coast of Ireland, in Galway. Claddagh.

The king of the region had slaves won in battle, and among them was a jeweller.

This king was to marry his beloved, but could think of no gift great enough to show his love for her. He asked the slave jeweller to create the most magnificent piece of golden ornament to dazzle her eyes.

Now the slave put all his thought into the request and on the wedding day presented the king and his bride with a very small parcel. The king had been expecting something grand, and the slave saw the disappointment and possible anger on his face. To please the new queen he described the design of the delicate ring, and gave credit for it to the king.

The crown is for nobility, loyalty and all the fine virtues possessed of man; the hands - eternal friendship and trust stretched across time and lifetimes; and the heart is love, complete, unbroken and everlasting; all cast in gold as the seal of the gods.

The king was so pleased that he gave the slave his freedom.The ring is traditionally worn with the hands reaching out to the fingertips when searching for a soul mate, and with the hands reaching toward the heart when bound in love.