| Â | | | | sometimes worn purely as a cultural symbol of |
| | | | Ireland rather than as a sign of affection |
| The design elements common to all Claddagh | | | | for a person. Because of its strong |
| rings are two hands lovingly holding, | | | | identification with Ireland and its |
| embracing or caressing a heart, topped by a | | | | traditions, the Claddagh design just about |
| simple crown. The Claddagh design is strongly | | | | shouts "Irish!" |
| identified with Ireland and its history and | | | | |
| lore, but it actually symbolizes much, much | | | | Claddagh Rings ... Treasured Jewelry That |
| more than that. It stands for loyalty, trust | | | | Symbolizes Treasured Emotions. |
| and faith. And it is a pure,shining symbol of | | | | |
| eternal friendship. In short, it symbolizes | | | | There are several different types of Claddagh |
| life, and love. | | | | jewelry, but by far the most popular is the |
| | | | Claddagh ring, which is usually given or worn |
| Each of the elements in the design of a | | | | as a sign of friendship or love. A Claddagh |
| Claddagh ring has a meaning. The heart | | | | ring can be worn as a wedding ring, an |
| symbolizes love, the hands surrounding the | | | | engagement ring, a symbol of romantic |
| heart symbolize friendship, and the crown | | | | attachment, or simply as a symbol of a |
| signifies loyalty. The saying "let love and | | | | platonic, deep friendship. Because of their |
| friendship reign" perfectly summarizes the | | | | strong emotional connections and their |
| symbolism of the Claddagh design. | | | | beautiful designs, Claddagh rings are often |
| | | | considered to be family heirlooms, and they |
| Claddagh Rings Are Irish, But Are Worn | | | | are frequently passed down from mother to |
| Throughout The World. | | | | daughter. |
| | | | |
| Claddagh jewelry is named after a small Irish | | | | Precious metals such as gold, sterling silver |
| fishing village located near Galway, Ireland. | | | | and platinum are frequently used to make |
| Although originally uniquely Irish, the wave | | | | Claddagh rings. Precious and semi-precious |
| of Irish immigration that occurred during the | | | | gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, |
| mid- and late-1800s spread the Claddagh | | | | sapphires, rubies and topaz, can be inlaid or |
| design to the United States and elsewhere, | | | | set into the metal. making these rings as |
| and Claddagh rings are now worn in many parts | | | | precious and treasured as the emotions they |
| of the world. Claddagh rings are primarily | | | | symbolize. But whether bejeweled or not, a |
| worn by those of Irish origin or people with | | | | Claddagh ring has a striking, instantly |
| an affinity for the Irish, but because of | | | | identifiable, highly symbolic design that |
| their beauty and deep emotional meaning, | | | | evokes eternal friendship and everlasting |
| others wear them as well. And they are | | | | love. |