A Claddagh ring handmade in Ireland is a rite of passage for many people in Ireland, with connections to Ireland or those who love Celtic traditions.
It's very popular as a gift to young people from relatives to mark a special birthday like a 16th,18th or 21st celebration.
It is often the first ring self-gifted as an everyday ring to start a jewelry collection. A popular choice to personalize the ring even further is to include your own birth stone in the centre.
The Claddagh is sometimes given as a promise ring or sent as a gift abroad from Ireland. It can be a beautiful idea for an engagement ring embellished with beautiful precious stones.
Here are 4 reasons to choose a Claddagh ring handmade in Ireland:
A ring with meaning
This is a ring that says a lot! The beautiful heart in the centre represents love. The hands represent friendship and the crown loyalty. The design alone is instantly recognisable but it's how you wear it that reveals even more secrets about you! The way in which the ring is worn indicates your relationship status.
- To wear the Claddagh facing out away from the body on the right hand shows that your heart is open to new love.
- Wearing the Claddagh on the right hand facing inwards shows that the wearer’s heart is unavailable or in a courtship.
- On the left hand with the heart facing out signifies that you are engaged to be married.
- And turned to face inward on the left hand means you have been married and off the market!
The Irish symbol of love
It doesn't get much better than the Irish symbol of love! The Claddagh is the quintessential Irish symbol of love, traditionally given as a token of love and friendship. It's a beautiful choice as an engagement ring. There's lots of choice when it comes to style and the Claddagh ring handmade in Ireland can come in silver, gold and white gold. As an engagement ring it can come embellished with a sapphire in the centre and diamonds all around. A Claddagh can also be included as an engraving in a ring as an alternative option. The message is love, friendship and loyalty all encompassed in the one symbol.
Personalise your Irish Claddagh
It's very special to have a Claddagh ring that's handmade in Ireland. A great option is to personalise your Claddagh even further. A precious gemstone can be included in the centre heart to match the gem of your birth. From the garnet in January to the amethyst in February and aqua marine in March. You can choose the diamond, emerald and alexandrite to represent April, May or June. The beautiful ruby is the birthstone for July and August is the peridot. Those with a September birthstone can personalise theirs with a sapphire and October, November and December are the tourmaline, topaz and blue topaz.
For added impact for your beautiful handmade Irish Claddagh ring you can also add a message in the ring by engraving an Irish message such as "Gra mo Chroi" which means love of my heart or "Mo anam cara" which translates as 'My soul mate'.
There are many reasons to choose a handmade Irish Claddagh ring but whatever your reason, it's sure to come from the heart!