claddagh-rings
Claddagh Rings

Claddagh Rings

Claddagh rings are the uniquely Irish expression of friendship, loyalty, and love. A genuine Claddagh ring may be crafted in sterling silver or in gold and must present three elements, hands holding a heart, topped with a crown.

Claddagh rings and Claddagh wedding bands are received gift boxed with the Claddagh legend and the Galway folklore, that explains the proper way to wear your special Irish ring. Select from over 200 Claddagh rings and bands that are crafted from sterling silver or gold and either with or without diamonds or various stones but know that each one is made in Ireland and is hallmarked by the Irish Assay Office at Dublin Castle.

The Irish Gift House features Claddagh ring selections that may be worn by men, women, and smaller versions that are suitable for children. Traditionally, Claddagh rings are universally shared between friends, family, and those who are dear to your heart.

A Claddagh ring may also be used as a promise or as an engagement ring, and it is commonly called the Irish wedding ring.

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Diamond Claddagh Rings

Claddagh rings with diamond hearts or diamond accenting may be worn for fashion or as an engagement ring. Our diamond Claddagh rings are cast in gold or sterling silver and are all made in Ireland.

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Emerald Claddagh Rings

Emerald Claddagh rings are an ideal way to promote your Irish heritage, and they may also be worn as an Irish engagement ring. The May birthstone has long been associated with Ireland, the Emerald Isle. You may select designs with emerald hearts or accent stones.

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Gold Claddagh Rings

Claddagh rings in this section are yellow gold designs that are crafted for women. Select from gold Claddagh rings in various caret weights along with those with stones or Celtic knot-work accenting.

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White Gold Claddagh Rings

White gold Claddagh rings are available in either 14K or 10K. We feature designs that are made by Solvar Jewelry and TJH Ltd. Naturally, they are all made in Ireland.

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Sterling Silver Claddagh Rings

Sterling silver Claddagh rings of every style that range from traditional designs to many with stones or Celtic knot-work. These silver Claddagh rings are crafted in sizes for women.

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Men’s Claddagh Rings

Masculine Claddagh rings feature our largest and heaviest designs. Our Claddagh rings for men are cast in either sterling silver or gold and may be enhanced with Celtic knot-work or with stones.

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Claddagh Wedding Bands

Claddagh wedding bands make a statement about your love along with your heritage. Choose a Claddagh band that is enhanced by Celtic knot-work or with the words, friendship, loyalty, love. We offer Claddagh wedding rings for both women and men, in several precious metals.

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Claddagh Rings for Children

Child size Claddagh rings are our smallest designs, but like the rest, they are made in Ireland. Select a small Claddagh ring that is crafted by Solvar Jewelry in sterling silver or various caret weights of either white or yellow gold. Most of these tiny Claddagh rings start with size 3.

Claddagh Legend

There are many different versions of the Claddagh legend so, who is to know which version is correct? The Claddagh legend that we use at The Irish Gift House is the same version that was supplied to us by O'Connor Jewelry. O'Connor Jewelry was the Irish jeweler that in the late 1940's opened the Claddagh ring market in the United States, so we figure they knew what they were talking about. We would ask our original Irish jeweler how they came to use their particular version of the Claddagh legend, but sadly both Thomas O'Connor and his son James have both passed on and the company has been defunct for many years.

As long as your version of the Claddagh ring legend references the Galway fishing village of Claddagh and includes the three elements of this iconic Irish symbol, heart, crown, and hands which, symbolize love, loyalty. and friendship, you are on the right track.

Here is our version of the enchanted Irish legend.

The Claddagh Legend - Early 16th century legend tells that a fishing boat, from the village of Claddagh in County Galway, Ireland, was captured by pirates and the crew taken as slaves. One of the crewmembers, Richard Joyce, was to have been married the same week he was captured. His bride-to-be was inconsolable.

Years went by and while in captivity Richard became a master goldsmith. His skillful hands shaped a unique ring for the girl he could never forget. The design of the Claddagh ring was born of their love. At the center a heart, symbolizing their love, on top a crown, symbolizing their loyalty, and two hands holding the heart, symbolizing the caring friendship they shared.

After eight years, Richard escaped and returned to his native village of Claddagh. He found, to his great joy, that the girl he could not forget had not forgotten him and she had never married. He gave to her the special ring he had crafted. They married soon afterwards, never to be separated again.