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