Vintage Claddagh Pin/Brooch with added Golden Kidney Drop- Green Glass Stones-Transplant Gift

This pin/brooch is vintage but its symbols fit the symbols behind a transplant. I’ve re-imagined it as a symbol of love, loyalty and friendship with the addition of a golden kidney as a drop between the hands that come from the heart. The glass stones are bright green, not only representing the rolling Irish landscape of the original Claddagh ring, but green is also the symbolic color of transplantation around the world.

There are many legends surrounding the original design of the Claddagh ring and most point toward Galway fisherman Richard Joyce.  In the late 17th century, Joyce was captured by pirates and sold into slavery. While in servitude, he forged a ring of gold for his true love back in Galway featuring three symbols: a heart of love, a crown of loyalty and the hands of friendship.  After his release back to his village of Claddagh, he married the woman who had waited years for him to return.

Pin is about 2-5/8″ long from top to bottom, or about 67mm long.

As part of my Golden Kidney Series,  it is my mission to provide meaningful gifts of gratitude to symbolize the transplant experience. The golden kidney was inspired by my own transplant in 2002 from a cousin/hero/living donor. She provided me with the gift of a kidney that has brought many golden opportunities into my life. I hope this will bring the same to you or your gift recipient. This gold plated metal pin is signed “Soldor,” which is an Irish jewelry design company established in 194 1who made many of the Claddagh pins and rings. They are known for their high quality Irish and Celtic designed jewelry, sought after by collectors. This is a great example of their costume jewelry work. The kidney bean is also a vintage one, in cast, gold plated metal. I loved incorporating them together.