Claddagh Rings

Claddagh Ring Meaning

The iconic Claddagh ring, also known as the Irish Heart ring, is an ancient Irish symbol representing love, loyalty, and friendship. Although Claddagh rings (pronounced 'klah-duh') are available in a range of different styles, they all feature the same three elements: two hands clasping a heart that is topped with a crown. The heart at the center of the design is a symbol of love, while the two hands represent friendship, and the ornate crown represents loyalty.

Who gives a Claddagh Ring?

While a ring is often given by one romantic partner to another, a Claddagh ring isn't solely reserved for a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. This Irish ring can be given as an expression of love by family members and friends as well. Anyone wishing to express the meaning of love and friendship inherent in an Irish Claddagh design can gift this ring. The Claddagh ring, or fáinne Chladaigh (in Irish), can be worn by both ladies and gents.

It is perfectly acceptable to buy a Claddagh ring as an Irish gift for yourself - you may wish to showcase your Irish heritage, express your love for Ireland, or simply adore the eye-catching Claddagh design. However, the gift of a Claddagh tends to signify a special bond between two people.

Claddagh rings are a popular choice for both engagement rings and wedding rings. If worn as a wedding ring, the Claddagh design symbolizes the wedding vow: "With my hands, I give you my heart, and crown it with my love." In some families, mothers gift their daughters with an Irish Claddagh. In this way, Claddagh rings can be passed between generations and become precious family heirlooms.

Thanks to the various ways of wearing a Claddagh ring, it can be given as an Irish gift to any loved one, whether a husband, girlfriend, relative, or friend.

How Do I Choose the Right Claddagh Ring?

An Irish Claddagh Ring is the ultimate universal symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. There is an endless variety of different styles of these iconic rings on the market, so choosing the right Claddagh ring is important. The ring design depends on several factors, such as the precious metals used, the addition of a diamond or gemstones, and the skill or the craftsmanship involved in making the ring. 

Here are a few important factors to consider when choosing your Claddagh ring design.

Who is the Claddagh Ring for?

Whether you are buying a Claddagh Ring for yourself, as a fashion statement, as an engagement or wedding ring, or as a gift to a friend or family member, there is the perfect style of Claddagh ring to suit every occasion. If you are giving a it to a friend as a token of your friendship, you will want a different style of Claddagh to someone who is buying an engagement ring. A plain Gold or Sterling Silver Claddagh ring without a gemstone can be a beautiful and meaningful friendship ring. An engagement Claddagh ring, on the other hand, is likely to be more of a statement piece. A white gold or yellow gold Claddagh ring, set with a sparkling Irish diamond or emerald, can make for a stunning engagement or wedding ring.

Type of Materials used

Popular metals used in Irish Claddagh rings are 14k white gold, 14k yellow gold, and Sterling Silver. The traditional style is the iconic Claddagh design on a gold or silver band without a gemstone. However, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies all make beautiful adornments to the central heart of a Claddagh ring. Adding a birthstone to the heart of the design is a popular and stunning choice.

Consider your Budget

Although choosing the right Claddagh ring is not all about money, it does play a significant role. The metals used, and the addition of gemstones will all have an impact on the cost of the ring. A white gold ring typically costs more than a sterling silver ring. When choosing gold rings, the real price difference is determined by the karat of the gold. Karat is a measurement indicating the purity of the gold. A 24-karat gold ring will inevitably cost more than a 9-karat gold ring. Additionally, the purity and clarity of any stone used, such as a diamond or sapphire, will affect the cost.

What is the best Claddagh engagement ring to choose?

Should you choose yellow gold, white gold, or sterling silver? Will she prefer an emerald, sapphire, or central diamond? Should you include her birthstone? Selecting the right Claddagh engagement ring for your partner can be daunting, but through our years of service, we have learned a thing or two about getting it right.

• Have a budget Claddagh engagement rings come in many different materials and feature gemstones in various carats and sizes. By deciding on your budget, you will narrow down the rings you have to choose from. Regardless of your budget, there are numerous Claddagh engagement ring options available to choose from.
• Choose a metal Gold, white gold, platinum or silver? Do you know your partner's taste in jewelry? When choosing the metal for your engagement ring, it's generally safest to select the color that your partner wears most often. If they wear a lot of yellow gold, then select this metal. If they wear a lot of silver, then white gold, platinum, or sterling silver may be a better option.
• Choose a gemstone Traditionally, the diamond has long been the gem of choice for proposals. However, this isn't the only option available. A striking red ruby, a dazzling blue sapphire, or a glittering green emerald all make beautiful additions to the Claddagh design. If you still want to have a few diamonds present, these can be studded on top, in the crown, or along the arms and hands that make up the ring band.
• Remember your wedding bands Lastly, remember to consider your wedding bands. Here at Irish Jewelry Craft, we stock a variety of luxurious Claddagh ring sets, with both the engagement and wedding band included. We also stock Claddagh engagement rings and wedding bands separately. We offer engraving to add a personal touch to your ring. When making your decision, consider the wedding ring design you wish to choose and how it will complement your engagement ring when worn together.

Is there a curse surrounding the Irish Claddagh ring?

While there are numerous myths surrounding the historic Claddagh ring, you can rest assured that there is no curse on Irish Claddagh rings.

A Perfect Irish Promise Ring

If you are looking for a promise ring representing love and commitment, then an authentic Irish Claddagh Ring is a perfect choice.

A promise ring, also known as a posy ring, can be given to your partner as a romantic gesture and a token of love. It is a visual representation of a couple's loyalty and devotion. Promise rings have become very popular in recent years, but the concept dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. A promise ring is often given as a pre-engagement gift and can be of any design and made from any metal. They are often inscribed with romantic phrases or lovers' initials. Traditionally, it was believed that keeping these words close to your skin made them more meaningful.

Traditional Claddagh Rings make exquisite and timeless promise rings due to their deep symbolism and romantic meaning.

What is the Story behind the Irish Claddagh Ring?

The Irish Claddagh Ring is a timeless piece of jewelry from Ireland with a long history. It dates back to the seventeenth century and originates from the small fishing village of Claddagh in County Galway, Ireland.

There are numerous stories claiming ownership of the ring's origins, but most believe that the Claddagh design we know today was first created by a Galway-bred goldsmith named Richard Joyce. It is said that Joyce was captured by pirates and sold into slavery to a Moorish goldsmith for fourteen years, who taught him his craft. Desperate to reunite with his one true love, he developed the Claddagh design as a gift upon his return. When he was freed, Joyce returned to Ireland with the ring he had created, which he gave to the woman he later married. And so, the ring's romantic symbolism was born.

Another legend tells how the Claddagh ring came into existence because of the generosity of one Connacht widow, who built bridges using her departed husband's wealth. On seeing such kindness, it is rumored that an eagle dropped the first Claddagh ring in her lap as a reward. Whether the Claddagh ring originated from Richard Joyce in Galway, or the generous Connacht widow, the Claddagh ring is a part of Irish heritage that we can all be thankful for.

Thanks to its beautiful Claddagh design, it quickly became one of the most popular rings among ladies and men in Ireland. While the Claddagh ring remains popular among the people of Ireland, it is now known and loved worldwide.

Irish Claddagh rings are steeped in Irish culture and symbolism. Those looking for a ring to symbolize love in all its forms should certainly look no further. Gift one as a promise ring and a symbol of love. Wear it as a wedding ring and have it engraved with your wedding date. Pass it down as a meaningful family heirloom. Give one to a friend as a friendship ring, including their birthstone. However you choose to gift one, these rings are a beautiful Irish symbol of true love, friendship, and loyalty.

Explore  more Claddagh Rings online: Emerald Claddagh Ring, Ruby Claddagh Ring, Sapphire Claddagh Ring, Diamond Claddagh Ring and Claddagh Engagement Rings.

Where to Buy a Claddagh Ring?

If you are looking for an Irish Claddagh ring, it is essential to buy your ring from a trusted retailer based in Ireland, that sells genuine, authentic Claddagh jewelry. Here at Irish Jewelry Craft, we are privileged to offer a stunning collection of authentic, handcrafted Claddagh rings for both ladies and gents, in many different Claddagh designs. We handcraft exquisite yellow gold and white gold Claddagh rings, as well as stunning Claddagh engagement rings and wedding ring sets.