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The story of the Claddagh ring, which is made up of a plain hoop attached to a hammered or cast bezel designed as two hands clasping a crowned heart, has so much folklore and myth attached to it that it is hard to know where legend ends and truth begins. The motif of clasped hands is usually referred to as a ‘fede’ or ‘hands in faith’ ring and has been used on love rings since Roman times. The heart, regarded by lovers as the seal of affection, made an appearance on rings at a later date, as did the crown which is the distinguishing feature of the Claddagh Ring from all the others.

Last week Sabrina Cunningham and Regina Kerrane, both living in Castlebar, graduated with the first wave of jewellery experts in Ireland. The Retail Jewellers of Ireland teamed up with the Company of Goldsmiths to present certificates to 11 graduates. These graduates become the first to have the knowledge and experience to work and sell jewellery in Ireland. Presenting the certificates in Dublin Castle was the assay master, Ana Izquierdo.