Hands clasping, embracing or caressing a heart, topped by a simple crown. These are the design elements that are common to all Claddagh Rings. Together they symbolize Ireland, but oh so much more. Loyalty, trust and faith. A pure, shining symbol of eternal friendship. Irish history and lore, but even more. Life and love.
Claddagh Rings In Gold & Silver
Each of the elements in the design of Claddagh Rings has a meaning. The heart symbolizes love, the hands symbolize friendship and the crown signifies loyalty or fealty. The saying “let love and friendship reign” perfectly summarizes the collective symbolism of the Claddagh design.
Claddagh jewelry is named after a small fishing village located near Galway, Ireland. Although it began as a uniquely Irish design, the wave of Irish immigration in the mid- and late-1800s spread the Claddagh design to the United States and elsewhere, and Claddagh Rings are now worn in most parts of the world. Claddagh jewelry is primarily worn by those of Irish origin or people with an affinity for the Irish, but others wear it too. And is sometimes worn as a cultural symbol rather than as a sign of affection for a person. The Claddagh design just about shouts “Irish!”
Claddagh rings & Pendants
There are various types of Claddagh jewelry, but by far the most common is the Claddagh ring, given or worn as a sign of friendship or love. It can be used as a wedding ring, an engagement ring or simply as a symbol of a romantic or pla
tonic emotional connection. Other types of Claddagh jewelry include pendants, necklaces, earrings, watches, bracelets, bangles and brooches.
Just about any type of material can be used to make Claddagh jewelry, including precious metals such as gold, sterling silver and platinum. Precious and semi-precious gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and topaz, can be inlaid or set into the metal. Claddagh Rings can also be made with less expensive materials such as vermeil, brass or pewter. But no matter what it is made of, a piece of Claddagh jewelry has a striking and instantly identifiable design.
Whether expensive or not, pieces of Claddagh jewelry are often considered to be heirlooms and are frequently passed from mother to daughter and between friends. Some pieces of Claddagh jewelry are hundreds of years old, others are brand new. All are highly symbolic and lovely to look at.
Lovely to look at, and even lovelier to wear. Claddagh jewelry – the shining symbol of eternal friendship and everlasting love. Things we all want. Things we all need. Buy a piece of Claddagh jewelry and show your friend, your loved one, and the world, how you feel.